Illusiveone
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208: Redoing my Life, Superman 2014 pt.1
🕑 Added 2025-05-29 06:29:28 +0000 UTCI slurped from the milkshake cup in my hand as I watched the photoshoot unfold before me.
Technically, I didn’t need to be here. I wasn't even involved, and I’ve always hated these things but this was the Vanity Fair cover shoot featuring all three: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. The DC Trinity together.
Originally, the cover was supposed to spotlight only Superman—his movie opens next month—but Dave pushed for all three. With Batman and Wonder Woman’s films already out and Superman’s premiere just weeks away, the timing was perfect. I couldn’t really disagree.
Henry Cavill stood in the bright-blue suit with red trunks—the classic look. His cape billowed in the breeze from an oversized fan, the S on his chest catching the light, bold and sharp.
Next to him, Jensen Ackles wore the new Batsuit: sleek black armor with harder, more tactical lines. The cowl left more of his jaw exposed, giving him a fierce, grizzled look. It was one of the suits from The Dark Knight and was sure to get people talking.
I glanced around.
Where was Alexandra?
“You really have to drink that here?” came her voice from my right.
I turned, and there she was standing in full Wonder Woman armor, shield and sword in hand, dark curls styled to perfection. It was the actual screen-used costume, complete with the blue armored trousers.
“It’s just a milkshake,” I said, lifting the cup, confused by the sudden hostility.
“I haven’t eaten in fourteen hours,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “I might rip that from you and drink it like some savage if you don’t get it out of my sight.”
“Noted.” I stepped back, both amused and slightly afraid.
I wandered over to the guys, who were deep in conversation.
“Got bitten by our Wonder Woman?” Jensen asked, adjusting his cape.
“Whose idea was it to make her starve?” I asked.
Henry raised a brow. “We haven’t eaten either.”
“Right,” I muttered. “After this, I’m taking all of you to get something to eat.”
The photographer clapped. “All right! Let’s get them together!”
The three stepped onto the seamless white platform: Alexandra in the center, statuesque and commanding; Henry on her right, cape draped over one shoulder, fists on his hips; Jensen on her left, brooding in the perfect Batman pose.
They tweaked the lights cool white on Batman’s side, golden glow on Superman’s, and a neutral regal tone on Alexandra. Shot after shot: straight-on hero poses, relaxed angles with Alexandra holding her shield while the guys flanked her, and a few with all three facing different directions like a movie poster.
They rotated Batman center, then Superman, then Wonder Woman crouched with sword down and shield raised.
After that, they broke for solos. Henry went first classic Superman stance, arms folded, head tilted up at an imaginary horizon. Jensen followed, then Alexandra.
And through it all, I just stood there, finishing the last of my milkshake.
Superman’s marketing campaign was in full swing now.
The studio had doubled the budget just like that, no hesitation. A few months back, Dave and I had boldly predicted the movie would clear $1.5 billion worldwide. The board treated it like prophecy and went all-in on promotion.
Billboards dominated Times Square, metro trains were wrapped with the iconic “S,” and fast-food tie-ins and fashion collabs popped up everywhere. They’d even hired early versions of influencers and were planning a Superman-themed airline safety video for some reason.
The Man of Steel was impossible to miss. He was everywhere.
I just hoped people wouldn’t get sick of him before opening night.
Right now, a new clip was supposed to go live. We’d released a short Trailer 2 last week couldn't really be called a trailer, followed by a schedule of more short scene drops.
I pulled out my phone and scrolled through the notifications. Sure enough—the preview was up. I hit Play to watch it again.
A wide shot opened on a lavish gala inside LexCorp’s gleaming, high-tech atrium—wealth and power on display in every corner. Clark Kent and Lois Lane threaded through the crowd. Clark, in a sharp black suit, looked a little overwhelmed yet clearly impressed, his gaze lingering on every futuristic gadget.
Lois smirked. “Focus, Smallville.”
He returned a sheepish smile.
They were chasing a quote—anything—from Lex Luthor, rumored to be making his first public appearance of the year.
Before they could start the hunt, a familiar voice cut in.
“Lois.”
She turned, shoulders snapping straight. General Sam Lane strode over in full dress uniform. Lois groaned under her breath.
“Oh no,” she muttered to Clark. “Go mingle, please…”
Clark hesitated as she moved toward her father, forcing a polite smile.
“Dad.”
“Lois,” Sam replied with a curt nod. Then he gestured to the man beside him.
“This is John Corben.”
A tall man stepped forward—military haircut, square jaw, steel in his eyes. Lois’s expression darkened the instant she recognized him.
“You’re John Corben?” she asked. “From…the Kahndaq incident.”
“Some call it that,” Corben said, offering a tight smile.
Lois wasn’t convinced.
Father and daughter launched into a tense back-and-forth: why she was there, what she was digging into. Sam tried to shut her down.
“Lex Luthor—” she began.
“—is working with the government,” Sam interrupted. “That’s all you need to know.”
He nodded to Corben. “I have to step away. Lois, why don’t you talk with John for a minute?”
Lois gave a tight-lipped nod as Sam left.
Corben faced her again. “I’ve read your work.”
“That supposed to be a compliment?”
“Maybe,” he said, smiling.
Just then Clark returned with two drinks. He and Corben exchanged mild greetings, and Lois seized the chance.
“We’ve got work. Excuse us,” she told Corben.
They walked off. Clark glanced back. “Isn’t he that war hero?”
“So they say,” Lois muttered without looking up.
Suddenly the lights dimmed.
A deep voice echoed across the hall: “Ladies and gentlemen…Lex Luthor.”
Clark and Lois halted.
“And there he is,” Lois whispered.
The screen cut to black.
I clicked away from the old clip and opened the new one.
It was a montage—Clark’s childhood.
Clark ran through golden fields, a red towel tied around his neck, arms stretched wide as if he could already fly.
Brad Bird had personally chosen the actors for Ma and Pa Kent: Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince—soft-spoken and sturdy, exactly what Midwestern parents should be. Not glamorous; grounded. I loved it.
The images flowed under a sweeping score: Pa Kent helping Clark fix an old truck; Ma Kent baking, flour on her cheeks, laughing as Clark stole a taste; father and son sitting on the roof at night, gazing at the stars.
Then things turned less ordinary.
The barn floor cracked open to reveal the ship he’d arrived in, his parents staring at it with awe and fear.
The final shot showed teenage Clark in the Arctic, wind howling, an immense crystalline palace—the Fortress of Solitude—rising from the ice like a cathedral beneath a slate-gray sky.
Thirty seconds. Perfect.
I scrolled through the comments: pure hype, wall to wall. Everyone loved the direction. Of course, there were grumbles—where was Metallo? Corben had appeared, but not in full cyborg mode. Lex remained a shadowy voice-over and a few teaser photos. The mystery was working. Everyone was talking.
I glanced up at Henry, still in full Superman gear, posing while a rigged fan sent his cape billowing.
Then I remembered: I still had to pick up our Halloween costumes—Margot’s and mine. Even that was folded into the marketing plan.
The premiere was set for October 28; the wide release, November 7.
We’d also scheduled advance previews—select screenings for hand-picked reviewers, major YouTubers, and podcasters. My idea. I’d fought for it. The studio execs didn’t get it yet, but I knew—they’re the new critics. If you want buzz, you show it to people with ring lights and home setups.
A while later the shoot finally wrapped—which meant it was time for me to hold up my end of the deal.
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Posted on r/DCU
Title: New Photos from Superman
Posted by u/AlemFan93 3 hours ago
Just dropped—five new stills from Superman.
- [Photo 1] Clark and Jimmy high-five in the Daily Planet bullpen while Lois, mid-turn, shoots them the look.
- [Photo 2] Superman holds up a crashing plane above the Daily Planet building, shot from the rooftop POV of the people watching.
- [Photo 3] John Corben lies on a surgical table—burned metal fused to his chest and half his face, a glowing green crystal embedded in his torso. Lex Luthor stands over him.
- [Photo 4] Superman and Lois, face-to-face. Lois has a notebook and pen in hand. Soft lighting—intimate but not romantic.
- [Photo 5] Superman and Lex, nose-to-nose. Lex smirks while Clark glares.
Top Comments
u/NoightCorp42:
It’s like they really don’t want to show the main villain. Show us more Lex!
u/Krjimeory:
Metallo’s the main villain, not Lex. Lex is pulling strings, yeah, but Corben’s the big bad.
u/Trutdd38:
Nah, I think Metallo’s just the muscle. Lex is the real big bad.
u/Redeturns:
God, I love the Clark-and-Jimmy stuff. Also… Lois is so short, lmao.
u/Bllih7ant:
Lex looks GREAT. That casting is spot-on.
u/Skyliporter:
This movie can’t come soon enough—the hype is through the roof.
u/ZetaVision:
The thing is, I can’t predict what this movie will be about. Sure, it’s Superman vs. Metallo, but what’s Lex up to? Will Wonder Woman show? Batman? Maybe not—but it’d be cool.
u/Skerd3:
No, no—keep it a Superman movie. Save the team-ups for Justice League; don’t over-complicate things.
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Posted on r/DCU
Title: New Vanity Fair Cover—OMG
Posted by u/Houser393 1 hour ago
I’m speechless.
[IMAGE]
Wonder Woman stands in full armor, shield and sword in hand, the Lasso of Truth at her hip. Superman poses in his classic red-and-blue, cape draped behind him like a banner. Batman looms in a sharp tactical suit, his cape wrapped around him like a cloak.
Top Comments
u/GoloQueen:
Holy shit, this goes so hard! I did not expect this today.
u/Krypbes:
Same. This looks amazing. I thought we’d get something like this next year.
u/BatSig5:
The Trinity is HERE.
u/Just344on:
Can’t wait for Justice League. Seeing them interact on screen is going to be crazy.
u/Themyiles:
So wait… is Wonder Woman going to be in the Superman movie?
u/WndCrndy:
Maybe in an end-credit scene? Could be how they start teasing the League.
u/Wost007:
I could see her popping up in a small role.
u/Gothaust:
Batman’s 100 % showing up too. Why else would they release this now?
u/DarkKni778:
Nah, don’t think so. Adler already said The Dark Knight takes place years before this—maybe just a name-drop.
u/Trwk23ss:
Would love one more trailer before it drops.
u/PstCring:
My guy, the movie releases in eight days. You can wait.
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Tweet:
Daniel Adler and girlfriend Margot Robbie spotted at the Stardust Halloween party dressed as Superman and Supergirl!
[Image]
#DCU #Superman #Adler
Top Replies
- @Capusadm: Okay, hear me out… Margot as Supergirl? This needs to happen—she looks perfect. #MargotForSupergirl
- @Zonrsits: Here’s a folder of Photoshop edits I made of Margot as Kara—you’re welcome. [ link]
- @DailDUg6: Say what you want, but Margot would crush it as Supergirl.
- @MuVerakes: Wait— isn’t she still locked in as Harley? That’s the last we heard about her.
- @Mamuna: She was spotted near The Dark Knight set a few weeks ago—she’s definitely Harley.
- @RobeRiot4d4: Nah, forget Harley. #Supergirl is the move.
Trending Hashtags
#MargotForSupergirl • #Adler • #WaltersForPresident • #JoannaScandal • #Dickxplosion
Other chatter
- @DCttrlTalk: #MargotForZatanna
- @Teimsel23: The fuck?
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Posted on HeroHQ Forums – DCU Thread
Title: Thoughts on Pa and Ma Kent?
[Pic of Daniel Adler, Brad Bird, Neva Howell & Pruitt Taylor Vince]
Posted by: Supersonon • 2 hours ago
Just saw this BTS shot of Daniel Adler and Brad Bird with Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince—our new Ma and Pa Kent in Superman.
It’s a very different look from what I pictured, but honestly? I kind of love it. They really look like Kansas farmers—the type of people who’d raise the most powerful being on Earth with humility and kindness.
Top Comments
@SiloStn9
It’s so different, but it works. They look like the kind of folks who give you pie and life advice at the same time.
@FilNerdtual
Pruitt Taylor Vince is an unsung hero among character actors. Such a good choice.
@Muverseike
I like Pruitt, but I always have to Google whether it’s him or Kyle Gass. Every. Single. Time.
@ClrkKtore
Love that they just look like regular parents. There’s a real sweetness to them. That clip from last week totally sold me.
@QFmoryLane
I only know Pruitt from that X-Files episode where he played the super-creepy kidnapper. Wild to see him as Pa Kent, lol.
@AltEartitor
I THOUGHT IT WAS KYLE GASS!
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@SuperFilmNews
Superman World Premiere
A night of stars—here’s everything you missed from the red carpet!
#Superman #DCU
[Image]
Director Brad Bird, looking sharp and all smiles.
“Hope, humanity, and heroism—that’s what this film is about,” he told reporters on the carpet.
[Image]
Henry Cavill—our Man of Steel—radiating confidence.
[Image]
Rachel Brosnahan, elegant as ever.
[Image]
William Fichtner, intense even on the red carpet.
[Image]
Corey Stoll in a sleek black suit.
He told reporters that playing Lex was “incredible” and that the studio has big plans for the character in the future.
[Image]
Daniel Adler arrives solo—producer, author, and creative head of the DCU.
[Image]
Group Shot
The entire Superman team poses together: Cavill, Brosnahan, Bird, Adler, Stoll, and Fichtner—all glowing under the lights. Legends in one frame.
[Image]
Henry Cavill and Daniel Adler off to the side, caught mid-laugh at ajoke.
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[YouTube Video Title: “Going to Watch an Early Preview Tomorrow | Final Thoughts on SUPERMAN”]
Channel: JakeTalksComics
Thumbnail: Jake pointing at a Superman logo with text “I GOT INVITED”
[Video begins – upbeat intro music fades out]
[Cut to Jake standing in his comic-filled room, rows of longboxes behind him, posters of classic Superman covers and Justice League art surrounding him]
Jake (grinning):
“So, guess who’s invited to the preview for Superman?
This guy.”
[He points at himself dramatically with both thumbs, laughing.]
“I’m not gonna lie, guys—this one hit me in the feels. I actually got the invite. I feel like I’ve made it. I get to see Superman two days early.”
[Cut to a wider angle of the room as he leans against his table.]
“I’ll have a full non-spoiler review up on release day, so be ready.”
“As for my final thoughts going in—if you’ve watched my channel, you already know I’ve been hyped. This movie looks like a fun, emotional reintroduction to Superman and the world around him. A very character-driven story. Not just big punches and explosions—though we’ll probably get those too.”
“I’m really excited to see how they handle Clark, Lois... and of course, Metallo and Lex. I still think there’s something wild they’re not showing us—especially with Lex. I’m almost convinced he’s playing a longer game than the trailers let on.”
[He leans in, whispering conspiratorially.]
“And yes, I’m looking forward to the Daniel Adler cameo.”
[He goes over his previous speculations. At the 7-minute mark, he begins wrapping up.]
[Jake claps his hands together, giddy.]
“I don’t think I’m gonna sleep tonight. I’m way too excited. I’ll be watching it tomorrow, and trust me—you’ll hear everything I can legally say about it when the embargo lifts.”
[Big grin.]
“Alright—that’s it from me. See you guys on release day.”
[End screen rolls with upbeat outro music and links to his Superman trailer breakdown and DCU speculation playlist.]
[“LIKE COMMENT SUBSCRIBE” flashes on screen with a cape animation.]
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Comments
Tyler Karp
Thank you for the chapter
Illusiveone
?
Xgodlikestevenx 531
Why there no space?
Raven Blanchard
Oh man, this chapter is one gigantic cliffhanger wtf like don't get me wrong I love it but I just want movie reactions, you know? Release the movie and show us the #reactions already, that's what I'm about. I'm an instant gratification whore here lmao ANYWAY... TFTC!
Bonobo
Man you got better at writing the comments sections/interactions, at the beginning i didnt really like it, then i started to pay attention and now i read it and not just consume it. I enjoyed the chapter, thanks !
