LOS ANGELES January 9, 2026 – Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary visual effects studio, has released an impressive behind-the-scenes reel showcasing their groundbreaking work on *Superman*, the 2025 blockbuster directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel.
The approximately three-minute video, shared widely on social media platforms including X, offers fans a detailed look at how ILM combined practical on-set filming with advanced CGI to create the film’s iconic superhero sequences. The breakdown highlights the meticulous process behind some of the movie’s most memorable moments, emphasising the blend of real-world stunt work and digital wizardry.
Key highlights from the reel include:
– Flying Sequences : Actors in full Superman suits are shown suspended on wires in controlled studio environments with blue screens, later transformed into seamless flights through clouds, explosive action, and high-altitude rescues against breathtaking backdrops.
– Arctic Rescue Scene : One of the standout shots features Superman’s solitary walk through a vast, misty snowy landscape – a sequence that begins with practical filming and evolves into a fully realised epic moment through ILM’s compositing and environmental effects.
– Massive Destruction and Action : The video reveals the creation of chaotic Metropolis-inspired cityscapes, including crumbling skyscrapers, heat vision blasts, and large-scale explosions. On-set footage of rigged sets and stunt performers is juxtaposed with the final polished versions featuring dynamic debris, smoke, and structural collapses.
– Other Spectacular Elements : Glimpses of space-based scenes, creature effects, and intricate details like flowing capes and environmental interactions demonstrate ILM’s attention to realism in superhero physics.
The reel underscores Gunn’s vision for a grounded yet spectacular take on the character, relying heavily on practical elements – such as wire rigs and physical performances – before enhancing them digitally. This approach has been widely praised for contributing to the film’s immersive and believable action set pieces.
Since its theatrical release in July 2025, Superman has received acclaim for rebooting the DC Universe with heart, humour, and state-of-the-art visuals. This new VFX breakdown further cements ILM’s role in delivering some of the most visually ambitious superhero cinema to date.
Fans can view the full breakdown video as shared by DC news accounts on X.
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