James Gunn’s latest take on Superman has landed with a thunderous roar, redefining the Man of Steel for a new generation and setting a bold course for the DC Universe’s cinematic future. Released on July 11, 2025, this film has swiftly become a landmark reboot, celebrated for breathing fresh life into an iconic character while embedding him deeply in themes of hope, identity, and humanity.
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Kal-El, delivering a performance that critics and fans alike are hailing as the truest embodiment of Superman to grace the screen this millennium. Unlike previous iterations that leaned heavily on brooding or godlike portrayals, Corenswet’s Superman is a hopeful, kind-hearted Midwestern dork trapped in a super-powered hunk’s body — an immigrant figure whose struggle to reconcile his alien heritage with his Earthly upbringing forms the emotional core of the film.
James Gunn, who also penned the screenplay, takes a daring approach by skipping the traditional origin story. Instead, the film plunges viewers into a world where Superman has already been active for three years, fighting monsters, preventing international conflicts, and saving lives. This narrative choice allows the story to focus on Clark’s ongoing internal conflict and his efforts to live up to the ideals symbolized by his iconic "S".
The film’s tone is notably lighter and more optimistic than many recent DC productions, emphasizing kindness, self-discovery, and mission over darkness and despair. Gunn’s vision is steeped in hope — a quality often lost in modern superhero films — and it resonates powerfully throughout the movie. The story also smartly weaves in a sociopolitical commentary on xenophobia and marginalization, as Superman faces a public defamation campaign orchestrated by the megalomaniac billionaire Lex Luthor, played with chilling intensity by Nicholas Hoult.
Luthor’s character is a fascinating blend of menace and pathetic obsession, embodying the envy and paranoia of a man threatened by a symbol of hope and goodness. Hoult’s portrayal is both menacing and darkly humorous, with moments of unpredictability that keep the audience on edge. His plot to expose Superman’s Kryptonian background to the world, including a secret detail unknown even to Clark, sparks a wave of hostility that challenges the hero’s resolve and identity.
Rachel Brosnahan shines as Lois Lane, bringing intelligence, resilience, and emotional depth to her role. Unlike a mere love interest, Lois is a vital narrative anchor, providing both grounding and strength to Clark’s journey. Their relationship is portrayed with genuine chemistry, marked by moments of verbal sparring and tender connection that add layers to the film’s emotional texture.
Adding to the film’s charm and appeal is Krypto, Superman’s super-dog, who has stolen the hearts of audiences with his mischievous antics and heartfelt loyalty. The inclusion of Krypto injects joy and humor, balancing the film’s heavier themes and providing moments of pure delight.
The movie also introduces a diverse ensemble cast that expands the DC cinematic universe. Nathan Fillion appears as Green Lantern/Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, each bringing unique energy and style to their roles. These characters enrich the story’s scope without overshadowing the central Superman narrative, hinting at larger stories yet to come.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes, described as the most vibrant superhero movie since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Gunn’s direction embraces the colorful, cosmic, and pulpy elements of Superman’s rich comic book history, delivering spectacular action sequences that blend practical photography with stunning visual effects. The camera work is immersive, often racing alongside Superman to convey the momentum and impact of his heroic feats.
The soundtrack, crafted by John Murphy and David Fleming, complements the film’s tone perfectly. While it nods to John Williams’ original Superman theme, it carves out its own identity with a guitar-heavy score that underscores both the grandeur of the action and the intimacy of emotional moments.
Critics have noted that the film’s pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the second act where the plot becomes more chaotic and the focus shifts to a foreign border conflict between the fictional nations of Boravia and Jarhanpur. This storyline serves as a backdrop for exploring the "cost of choosing kindness," as Clark grapples with the consequences of his interventions. The film’s political allegories, touching on themes reminiscent of real-world conflicts and detention centers, add weight and relevance but also complicate the narrative flow.
Despite some criticisms — including remarks about a convoluted plot and franchise-building tendencies — the overwhelming consensus is that James Gunn’s Superman is a triumph. It captures the heart and soul of the character in a way that previous films have struggled to do, blending spectacle with substance, humor with pathos, and mythic grandeur with human vulnerability.
Fans have responded enthusiastically online, with many praising the film as an ideal, light-hearted, kid-friendly summer blockbuster that also offers profound emotional resonance. Comments highlight standout performances, especially Corenswet’s heartfelt Clark Kent, Brosnahan’s formidable Lois Lane, Hoult’s intense Lex Luthor, and the lovable Krypto. Some viewers have acknowledged flaws but still consider the movie a must-see, noting it rekindles the hope and heroism that define Superman’s enduring legacy.
In sum, James Gunn’s Superman soars beyond expectations, delivering a fresh, vibrant, and deeply human portrait of a hero for our times. It is a film that invites audiences to believe once again in the power of hope, kindness, and courage — qualities embodied by the Man of Steel himself.
