'Superman' versus 'Fantastic Four': Who wins the red carpet style showdown?

From left: Isabela Merced, Vanessa Kirby and Rachel Brosnahan have been spotted upping their fashion game at their respective film premieres. Photo composite: Agencies

When superheroes swap capes for fabulous designs, the results are nothing short of spectacular. The stars of Superman and Fantastic Four have confidently stepped into the fashion spotlight.

Their recent press appearances reveal a new kind of superpower: impressive style.

With each stop of their promotional tour, these leading actors are redefining what it means to dress like a hero – one impeccably tailored suit or statement dress at a time.

This brings to mind the fashion face-off between the Barbie and Oppenheimer casts back in 2023, where the competition spilled over from the box office to the red carpet.

Read more: 'Barbenheimer' fashion: Red carpet square-off between 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'

Barbie channelled a vibrant, pink, and glittering aesthetic, while Oppenheimer leaned into a darker, more sombre elegance rooted in timeless tailoring. The contrast not only influenced fashion trends but also sparked conversations about each film’s visual and cultural impact.

A similar dynamic emerged with last year’s Wicked and Gladiator releases – one whimsical and theatrical, the other gritty and grounded.

For Superman and Fantastic Four, however, the contrast is not so stark.

Instead, it has evolved into a stylish game of one-upmanship, with each star delivering yet another lesson in suave or glamorous dressing.

It’s worth noting that Superman belongs to the DC Comics universe, while Fantastic Four is part of Marvel Comics’ world.

With very different – and fiercely loyal – fan bases, the competition between the two camps can be intense.

So far, Nicholas Hoult has come out swinging for Superman, photographed in sleek, designer ensembles at nearly every appearance.

Read more: Michelle Yeoh and stars of 'Wicked' bring fashion A-game to film's premieres

Pedro Pascal, meanwhile, brings his signature charm and effortless cool to Fantastic Four events, often opting for classic silhouettes with bold, fashion-forward twists.

Other cast members like David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Isabela Merced made a strong impression at the Superman premiere in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Vanessa Kirby, Julia Garner and Joseph Quinn turned heads in standout looks at the Fantastic Four's London premiere.

In recent years, red carpet fashion has become a marketing tool in its own right – not just to generate buzz, but to visually extend the world of a film beyond the screen.

Apparel and accessories are now meticulously curated to reflect a film’s characters, tone, or overall identity, blurring the lines between costume, campaign, and occasionally, couture.