As Warner Bros. and DC Studios gear up for the July 11, 2025, release of Superman, directed by James Gunn, a storm of controversy has erupted over reports of disastrous test screenings that allegedly forced “huge changes” to the film. “It’s a total mess!” a supposed insider claimed, fueling rumors that early cuts of the $300 million reboot were so poorly received that Gunn had to overhaul the tone, cut nearly 30 minutes, and replace key crew members. Posts on X amplify the panic, with some users labeling the film a “Josstice League-level flop” and questioning Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe (DCU). With the stakes sky-high for the DCU’s first theatrical release, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, the narrative of a test screening “disaster” has gripped fans and critics alike. But how much truth lies behind the rumors, and can Superman soar above the drama? Let’s dive into the allegations, the evidence, and the broader implications for Warner Bros.’ superhero ambitions.

The Test Screening Turmoil: What’s the Story?

The controversy began in December 2024, when early test screenings of Superman on the Warner Bros. lot reportedly left studio executives uneasy. By March 2025, reports surfaced that a cut screened internally was “kind of a mess,” with mixed audience reactions prompting Warner Bros. to grow “nervous” about the film’s quality. Posts on X from April and May 2025 escalated the narrative, claiming screenings yielded “horrific” results, with one user alleging an average audience score of 50/100—worse than Black Adam (2022, 60s). The most alarming claims, reported in late May 2025, suggested Gunn was forced to make sweeping changes: cutting 25–30 minutes of footage, toning down humor, reshooting scenes, replacing an editor, and hiring a new composer to reshape the score.

These rumors paint a picture of a film in crisis, with Warner Bros. and DC Studios co-heads Gunn and Peter Safran “scrutinizing every frame” to avoid another franchise misfire like The Flash (2023, $271 million) or Blue Beetle (2023, $131 million). The film’s original 140-minute runtime was reportedly trimmed to 122 minutes, making it the second-shortest Superman movie after Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987, 90 minutes). Critics of the changes, echoed in posts on X, fear Warner Bros.’ interference has stripped the film of Gunn’s signature charm, with one user warning, “They edited the soul out of it.” Yet, Gunn has downplayed the severity, confirming minor “pickup shots” to enhance fight scenes and denying major reshoots, stating, “Heck no. Once you’re done shooting, you’ve only just begun!”

Superman: The Film and Its Ambitions

Superman, written and directed by Gunn, stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, with a sprawling ensemble including Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Edi Gathegi (Mr. Terrific), and Milly Alcock as Supergirl. Set to launch the DCU’s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” the film follows Superman navigating his dual identity amid media scandals and threats from Luthor, with Krypto the Super-Dog playing a surprisingly prominent role. Inspired by comics like All-Star Superman and Lex Luthor: Man of Steel, Gunn aims for a blend of action, heart, and humor, distinct from Zack Snyder’s darker DCEU.

With a rumored $300 million budget, Superman is Warner Bros.’ biggest bet since Aquaman (2018, $1.15 billion), the last DC film to break even. The studio’s recent flops—five consecutive DCEU failures from Shazam! Fury of the Gods to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom—heighten the pressure. Posts on X underscore the stakes, with users warning that a Superman failure could “crumble” the DCU before it begins. The film’s first trailer, released in December 2024, garnered 22.6 million YouTube views in 24 hours, but mixed reactions to its lighter tone and Krypto’s prominence have fueled skepticism, especially among Snyder fans mourning Henry Cavill’s exit.

The Changes: Disaster or Course Correction?

The narrative of a “test screening disaster” centers on several reported changes. Early cuts leaned heavily on Gunn’s trademark humor, seen in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, but test audiences and executives reportedly found it jarring for Superman, a character tied to earnest heroism. Complaints focused on “goofy” elements, including political jabs, a “mutant troll monkey army,” and excessive Krypto screentime, which one attendee called “jarring” in a film about Superman’s purpose. In response, Gunn allegedly cut comedic beats, shuffled key sequences, and added minor scenes via reshoots, trimming the runtime from 140 to 122 minutes for a “leaner, more serious” tone.

More controversially, reports claim an editor was “quietly removed” mid-production, and a new composer was hired to reshape the score, suggesting structural and tonal flux. Posts on X speculate these changes reflect Warner Bros.’ fear of repeating the DCEU’s tonal missteps, like Justice League’s (2017) mishmash of Snyder’s grit and Joss Whedon’s quips. However, some insiders offer a brighter view. A May 2025 report noted a test attendee praising Corenswet’s performance and the film’s balance of humor and drama, comparing it to The Suicide Squad’s emotional depth. Gunn’s own comments emphasize routine adjustments, not a crisis, with “small changes” like adding a fist-hitting shot to enhance action.

The conflicting reports highlight the unreliability of test screening rumors. Critics like John Campea have urged fans to “disregard” such leaks, noting their sources are often unverified and biased. One X user echoed this, arguing, “Gunn’s just tweaking, not panicking.” Test screenings are standard, and changes are common—Avengers: Endgame (2019) underwent reshoots to refine its ending, yet grossed $2.8 billion. The Superman rumors may be amplified by DC’s fraught history and fan wariness after the Snyderverse’s collapse.

Why the Controversy Matters

The uproar over Superman’s test screenings reflects deeper anxieties about the DCU’s viability. Warner Bros.’ $300 million investment demands a global gross of $700–$900 million to break even, a tall order in a market grappling with superhero fatigue. The DCEU’s failures—The Flash lost $200 million, Shazam 2 lost $150 million—underscore the risk. Posts on X express fear that studio meddling, driven by CEO David Zaslav’s oversight, could dilute Gunn’s vision, with one user lamenting, “WB’s instincts are shitty.” Gunn’s lighter tone, while successful in Guardians ($1.6 billion trilogy), clashes with DC fans’ preference for Nolan’s Dark Knight or Snyder’s epic style.

The embargo on critic reviews, standard for blockbusters, hasn’t quelled speculation. Unlike Lionsgate’s Ballerina embargo, which selectively delayed negative reviews, Superman’s embargo is uniform, with reviews expected in late June 2025. The absence of official critic screenings fuels reliance on leaky test reactions, which vary from “tremendously good” to “terrible.” A surprise cameo, possibly Jor-El, has generated buzz, but mixed reactions to Krypto and the humor suggest tonal divides. If Superman falters, projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026) and Peacemaker Season 2* could face scrutiny, derailing the DCU.

Can Superman Recover?

Despite the gloom, Superman has time to refine its edit before July 11, 2025. A final test screening in June 2025 reportedly boosted studio confidence, with insiders noting a “tad more” optimism. Corenswet’s casting, praised in early reactions, and Brosnahan’s research into Lois Lane as a modern reporter signal commitment to the source material. The film’s 122-minute runtime, shorter than Man of Steel (143 minutes), could appeal to audiences seeking a brisk blockbuster, and its IMAX release may draw premium ticket sales.

However, Superman faces a crowded summer, competing with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (May 23) and Pixar’s Elio (June 13). A projected $60–80 million opening, below Man of Steel’s $116 million, risks a slow burn unless word-of-mouth is stellar. Gunn’s track record—Guardians and The Suicide Squad balanced humor and heart—suggests potential, but DC’s fanbase demands a Superman who inspires, not jests. Posts on X remain divided, with some hopeful for a “solid start” to the DCU, others dreading a “flop.”

The Bigger Picture: DC’s High-Stakes Reboot

The Superman controversy underscores the fragility of rebooting a cinematic universe. Warner Bros.’ desperation to avoid another DCEU collapse has amplified test screening leaks, turning routine edits into a narrative of disaster. The truth likely lies between extremes: Superman needed tweaks, not a total overhaul, and Gunn’s changes aim to balance his vision with audience expectations. As the DCU’s flagship, Superman’s success or failure will shape Warner Bros.’ future, testing whether Gunn can deliver a hero for a new era. Find out what’s got everyone buzzing below!