Let me tell you something, folks—as a professional gamer who appreciates epic soundtracks as much as a perfectly timed headshot, the musical war brewing for James Gunn's Superman has me more hyped than a final boss battle! The first trailer dropped a beautiful, guitar-led tribute to John Williams' iconic 1978 theme, and while my heart swelled with nostalgia, my gamer instincts screamed: "Don't forget the other legend!" We're talking about Hans Zimmer, the maestro behind Man of Steel, whose pounding drums and soaring strings defined Superman for a whole new generation. Ignoring Zimmer would be like ignoring half the legacy—unthinkable!

John Murphy, Gunn's go-to composer from The Suicide Squad, crafted that trailer music. It starts with a lone, melancholic guitar riff—pure Williams DNA—over scenes of David Corenswet's Superman bleeding in the snow and Clark Kent at The Daily Planet. 😮 The slow build introduces us to this new world: Krypto the Superdog, Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane... then BAM! Superman saves a girl from debris, and the music explodes into a full, epic orchestral version of Williams' theme. We see Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor scowling, Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi's Mr. Terrific, and Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl in action. It's a slower, more hopeful rendition, perfectly capturing that "man can fly" wonder. But here's my take: This is just the opening move. The full soundtrack needs to acknowledge the entire chessboard of Superman's history.

Why Hans Zimmer's Man of Steel Score is Non-Negotiable

Let's break this down like a pro gaming strategy guide:

• 🎵 Legacy Recognition: Man of Steel (2013) had mixed reviews, but its score? UNIVERSALLY praised. Tracks like "Flight" and "What Are You Going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World" are modern classics.

• 🎵 Tone & Identity: Zimmer's score was darker, more percussive, and somber—a perfect fit for Zack Snyder's vision. It wasn't trying to be Williams; it was its own beast. And it worked!

• 🎵 DCU Bridge: Including Zimmer's motifs is a respectful nod to the DCEU as the new DCU begins. It makes the cinematic universe feel connected, not rebooted.

Zimmer's DC Dominance: A Track Record of Greatness

This isn't just about one movie. Hans Zimmer is the architect of some of DC's most iconic sounds:

His Batman theme is as tied to the Caped Crusader as Williams' is to Superman. Michael Giacchino did a great job with The Batman, but Zimmer's theme is the gold standard. The man doesn't miss!

Gunn's Tease & The Path Forward

Now, here’s the exciting part. Before the trailer, James Gunn shared a poster on social media with music that sounded like a blend of Zimmer and Williams. 🤯 That’s not a coincidence; that’s a director speaking the language of legacy. My prediction? John Murphy's full score for the 2026 film will weave these threads together.

How It Could (And Should) Work In-Game... I Mean, In-Movie:

1. Williams for Hope & Legacy: Use the classic themes for moments of public heroism, inspiration, and connection to the past. The "Superman saves the day" moments.

2. Zimmer for Struggle & Weight: Use those driving percussion and string motifs for Clark's internal conflicts, the physical toll of battles, and the burden of power. The "What does it mean to be a god among men?" scenes.

3. Murphy's Original Voice: Let Murphy compose new, central themes for this specific iteration of Clark, Lois, and Lex Luthor. This is his movie, after all.

It’s 2026, people! We don't have to choose. A great score, like a great game soundtrack, uses leitmotifs to tell a richer story. Honoring both Williams and Zimmer isn't just fan service; it's smart storytelling. It says this Superman understands his entire history, from the bright optimism of 1978 to the complex, burdened hero of 2013. James Gunn has the chance to create the definitive Superman soundtrack—one that unites the fanbase under a single, spectacular score. My controller is ready. My ears are ready. Don't let us down! 🎮🎶

Final Boss Thought: Imagine a scene where Superman is pushed to his absolute limit, the fate of the world in the balance. The music starts with Zimmer's tense, pounding rhythm—the weight of the world. Then, as he finds his strength, pushes through, and soars... Williams' triumphant brass melody soars over the top, blending with Zimmer's foundation. That's the cinematic equivalent of a flawless victory. And that's what we deserve.