Superman’s final cut arrives slimmed down and US fans get an early screening

Superman is back, and fans everywhere are watching closely. Along with a new red-capped hero, the 2025 relaunch will also see the DC Universe taken in a fresh creative direction by James Gunn.

However, substantial changes have already been made to the film before it even opens in theaters. Originally clocking in at 140 minutes, Superman was reworked after early test screenings, with the runtime slimmed down to a more focused 122 minutes.

Test screenings were more than just formalities—they helped shape the film's character. Warner Bros. and Gunn paid close attention to fan feedback, especially on the film's pace and mood.

While some complained that the comedic elements took away from the film's serious themes, others noted that the rhythms were off, which made important scenes drag. The end product was a series of revisions that tried to make the story more concise without watering it down.

As fans gear up for this fresh chapter, curiosity naturally rises: what moments were lost in the process, left behind on the editing room floor? And beyond that, will audiences ever have the chance to see those pieces restored in the form of a director’s cut or extended edition? Right now, those are questions without answers, but they hover over the release with an almost magnetic pull.

The cut: from 140 minutes to 122

Superman was originally set to clock in at 140 minutes, a hefty runtime for a superhero film, especially one tasked with launching an entirely new DC Universe. But after the feedback came in, the editing scissors got busy. Reports suggest the humor-heavy tone raised concerns, prompting Gunn and Warner Bros. to rethink the balance and make careful choices about what to keep.

Shaving off 18 minutes wasn’t just about cutting fat; it reshaped how the story moves. Where the movie might have once lingered in certain moments or leaned into comedic beats, the final version sharpens its focus, aiming for a more serious, streamlined narrative.

It’s a delicate process: cut too much, and you lose emotional weight; cut too little, and the pacing drags. For a hero who famously carries the weight of the world, even Superman sometimes needs to shed what’s unnecessary to stay airborne.

Interestingly, this edit makes Superman the second-shortest film in the character’s cinematic history, trailing only Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, which ran just 90 minutes. But where Superman IV was often criticized for feeling rushed and undercooked, Gunn’s version hopes to prove that cutting down can still deliver a full, satisfying experience.

And hovering in the background is the unspoken question every fan quietly holds onto: will we ever get a director’s cut? For now, this is the Superman the world gets to meet.

Exclusive screenings: a golden ticket for Prime members

While most fans will have to wait until the official July 11 release, a lucky few in the US are getting early access. Amazon, teaming up with DC Studios, has announced special preview screenings of Superman exclusively for Prime members. Set for July 7 and 8 in select theaters, these events are part of the Prime Premiere program, designed to give subscribers a first look at major releases before the rest of the world.

It’s almost like holding a golden ticket. But instead of chocolate and factories, the prize here is a front-row seat to the launch of DC’s next era. For Amazon, it’s a clever fusion of streaming perks and cinematic spectacle, reinforcing the idea that membership doesn’t just get you faster shipping or exclusive shows. Sometimes, it gets you Superman himself, days before the general public.

Waiting for the Superman cut we might never see

For all the excitement around Superman, there’s a quiet question humming in the background. What about the footage we won’t see? With 18 minutes carved out of the original version, fans can’t help but wonder if a director’s cut might surface one day.

These days, audiences are used to extended editions, bonus scenes, and alternate cuts, so it’s easy to imagine what moments were left behind. Maybe there were extra beats of humor, more character depth, or small touches that gave the story a different flavor.

For now, James Gunn’s final cut is what defines this chapter, and the studio seems focused on presenting a unified, polished product to reintroduce Superman to the world. Does it mean we will have less Krypto? Maybe. If so, a spin-off might be on the horizon. After all, when has Hollywood ever let an adorable, marketable sidekick stay on the sidelines for long? Whether it’s through animated shorts, merchandising, or even a standalone series, Krypto’s charm feels too potent to be confined to the background for long.

But that’s the nature of filmmaking. Every movie we watch carries the invisible weight of the decisions made behind the scenes: what to keep, what to lose, and how to shape the experience. Superman may be faster than a speeding bullet, but even he can’t outrun the reality that not every version of a story gets to see the light of day.