CAPES & COUTURE: THE FASHION EVOLUTION OF SUPERMAN RETURNS
In a world where superhero aesthetics increasingly influence runway trends, James Gunn’s highly anticipated “Superman” has fashion insiders buzzing with its fresh approach to iconic style narratives. The latest trailer, which dropped earlier today, offers more than mere glimpses of capes and cowls—it presents a sartorial reimagining of America’s most enduring superhero mythology.
The film’s December trailer amassed an unprecedented 250 million views, shattering records for both DC Comics and Warner Bros. This overwhelming response signals not just cinematic excitement but a cultural moment where superhero aesthetics continue their migration from comic panels to haute couture inspiration boards.
David Corenswet steps into the titular role with a physique and presence that fashion photographers will undoubtedly clamor to capture, while Rachel Brosnahan transforms the traditionally functional wardrobe of Lois Lane into something worthy of editorial spreads. Nicholas Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor promises to elevate villainy chic with contemporary power dressing that reflects the character’s megalomaniacal super-genius persona.
At the 2024 SAG Awards, Brosnahan confided her passion for the iconic reporter character, telling Variety, “I have always loved Lois Lane. She’s smart, ambitious and can be funny. She knows she’s the smartest person in the room more often than not.” The actress, already celebrated for her period wardrobe in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” now brings her impeccable style sensibilities to a modern narrative canvas under Gunn’s visionary direction.
The supporting ensemble introduces fresh sartorial perspectives through Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho, Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific—each character offering distinct aesthetic languages that will undoubtedly translate to street style interpretations post-premiere.
This marks the first standalone “Superman” film since Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” in 2013, which generated $670 million globally and launched a DC Universe aesthetic that influenced everything from color palettes to silhouettes across multiple collections. That cinematic universe concluded with “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” last December, clearing the runway for Gunn’s fresh interpretation.
The trailer suggests a more emotionally textured narrative that mercifully bypasses the traditional origin story. Instead, viewers are treated to an established relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, with costume choices that reflect character evolution rather than introduction. Ma and Pa Kent (portrayed by Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince) appear as grounding influences, their heartland Americana aesthetic providing counterpoint to the film’s more fantastical elements.
Most compelling for style watchers is the apparent political undertone threading through the trailer, suggesting a sophisticated narrative complexity that elevates superhero fashion beyond mere spectacle to meaningful style statements. The costumes appear to balance nostalgia with innovation—honoring iconic silhouettes while introducing contemporary fabrications and techniques.
As superhero aesthetics continue their industry dominance, influencing everything from avant-garde runway presentations to accessible streetwear, “Superman” positions itself as both cultural touchstone and style arbiter. When it soars into theaters on July 11, audiences will witness not just Gunn’s reinvention of the DC universe but potentially the next major influence on cross-category fashion trends.
For an industry continually seeking fresh visual vocabulary, “Superman” promises to deliver inspiration that transcends the screen—proving once again that in fashion, as in heroism, the most enduring icons are those who know how to reinvent themselves while honoring their essential truths.
