This week we were given the very special opportunity to see the Superman trailer before anyone else at a press event this past Monday. So we know how very special this one is. In fact, all of the insights we got from the event will be on a separate post, but this trailer is such an event in and of itself, that it genuinely deserves its own article.

All this week, we’ve been counting down to the debut of this trailer, and I’m so thrilled to say it does not disappoint one bit. It seems to showcase every bit of the colorful, powerful, emotional version of Superman that fans have grown to love over the character’s 85-ear history. What Gunn is able to do so masterfully is set this film in a unique alternate world of its own, with fantastical superheroes and monsters, but ground his characters with human emotions and pathos. Which ultimately is the winning formula for what superhero films should and need to be.

Take a look at the trailer here:

I’ve spoken at length about the way the film is prioritizing the idea of kindness and positive masculinity, as well as the theme behind what it means to be a hero and a symbol for goodness. And you can see these come to life in multiple frames of this trailer. As such, I said before and will again, I think this is way more important now than ever, given our culture’s proclivity for insults, name-calling, and fragility.

Overall it fills my heart with joy to see scenes like Superman protecting that little girl, or the the little boy with the Superman flag calling out to him for help. Being a force for good without any discrimination, even if the world resents you for it is truly what being a superhero is all about. I’m glad Gunn and the entire cast and crew of Superman seem to actually understand this as one of the true cores of this character.

Superman hits theaters July 11! But if you want more behind-the-scenes awesomeness, check out the full coverage of the Superman trailer press event right here!