When James Gunn dropped the first motion poster for Superman: Legacy, the internet erupted with excitement—and for good reason. It’s clean, iconic, and full of subtle touches that strike right at the heart of Superman’s legacy. But there’s one detail that might’ve flown right past you: the music.
The slow, swelling orchestral notes in the background aren’t just there to elevate the grandeur of the visuals—they’re a deliberate callback to John Williams’ legendary "Superman Marc"h. Even without the full arrangement, it’s unmistakable. It’s like a sonic whisper, a nod to 1978’s Superman: The Movie, where Christopher Reeve defined the character for an entire generation.
This is more than nostalgia bait. By reintroducing such a timeless piece of music, Gunn signals something bigger. This shows reverence for Superman’s cinematic history—plus an intention to bridge the past and the future.
The "Superman March" has always been synonymous with hope, power, and optimism, These qualities define not just the character, but the enduring mythology surrounding him.
Even in its subtlety, the music carries an emotional weight that’s impossible to ignore.
It also serves as a statement of intent. Gunn isn’t just making another Superman film; he’s stepping into the weight of a character who has carried the dreams of generations.
What else do we get from this? By grounding the teaser in this iconic sound, he reassures longtime fans that he will be honoring Superman’s roots. At the same time, he shows he is allowing space for a modern take to flourish. It’s a delicate balance of legacy and reinvention, and this piece of music sets the perfect tone.
Images and sound speaking out loud
And then there’s the poster itself. A glowing Superman, cape billowing behind him, bathed in radiant light. And then there’s the poster itself. A glowing Superman, cape billowing behind him, bathed in radiant light. This is an image of pure awe. But if we take a closer look, we can see that the details deepen the overarching theme of hope.
The phrase "Look Up" stands out in its simplicity and authority. It perfectly encapsulates Superman’s role as a symbol of inspiration. Also, the streaks of red and blue cascading upward aren’t merely stylistic. They subtly reinforce the idea of ascension. It is as if Superman is not just rising—he's pulling the world with him.
So if you missed that familiar swell of Williams’ music the first time, go back and listen again. It’s not just a detail. It’s a promise.
And now, the countdown begins. The long-awaited trailer for Superman: Legacy is officially set to arrive on December 19. Soon, we will finally be able to check more of James Gunn's vision for the Man of Steel. If the motion poster already ignited hope, what will the trailer do? Anticipation builds. It looks like Superman is ready to soar.