Superman has soared back into theaters this summer with a fresh take on the iconic hero, courtesy of director James Gunn and a cast led by David Corenswet. Released simultaneously in North America and China on July 11, 2025, the film eschews the traditional origin story for a more immediate and complex portrayal of the Man of Tomorrow, blending action, emotional depth, and even a touch of canine charm.
The movie opens with a striking scene that sets a darker tone than previous Superman films: the hero is found injured and lying in the Arctic snow, a vulnerable figure rather than the indestructible symbol audiences have long known. His loyal pet, Krypto the Superdog, modeled after Gunn’s real-life rescue dog Ozu, rushes to his side, adding a layer of warmth and humor amid the tension. This unusual introduction signals that this Superman is not invincible but deeply human, grappling with both his alien origins and his place on Earth.
James Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy series, has openly acknowledged China as a pivotal influence on his filmmaking journey. During a promotional trip to Beijing alongside producer Peter Safran, Gunn shared how Chinese cinema and filmmakers such as Stephen Chow, Johnnie To, Jet Li, and Wong Kar-wai inspired his creative vision. He described the new Superman film as "a movie for everybody across the world, and especially for the people of China," underscoring the global ambition behind this blockbuster.
Gunn’s approach diverges from the typical superhero fare by diving straight into a pivotal moment in Superman’s life rather than retreading familiar origin territory. The story follows Clark Kent, played by Corenswet, as he struggles to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human identity. Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, is not just a love interest but a vital presence, already aware of Clark’s dual identity—a departure from earlier films that adds complexity to their relationship.
One of the film’s standout performances comes from Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, a tech billionaire who orchestrates a campaign to turn humanity against Superman. Hoult’s portrayal adds a menacing intelligence to the antagonist, who employs a mysterious figure known as The Engineer and a drone-controlled Ultraman to execute his plans. This multi-layered villainy introduces a contemporary edge to the classic Superman narrative, reflecting modern anxieties about technology and power.
The movie also introduces a broader superhero ensemble dubbed the Justice Gang, featuring Nathan Fillion as an exuberant Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as the capable Mr. Terrific, and Isabela Merced as Hawk Girl. While Fillion’s Green Lantern is noted for being somewhat over-the-top and Merced’s Hawk Girl needs further development, Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific emerges as a highlight, injecting grounded energy into the team dynamic.
Despite its many exciting elements, the film is not without criticism. Reviewers have pointed out that the screenplay sometimes feels bloated, with scenes seemingly designed more for spectacle or merchandising potential than for advancing character development. This is a common pitfall in superhero cinema, and Gunn’s film is no exception. Yet, even with these flaws, the movie maintains a brisk pace and enough engaging moments to keep audiences entertained, earning it a respectable B- grade from some critics.
A particularly intriguing aspect of the film is how it blurs the traditional line between Clark Kent and Superman. Unlike past movies where Clark’s transformation into Superman is a dramatic, often iconic moment—think Christopher Reeve removing his glasses or changing in a phone booth—this version mostly shows Corenswet already in his Superman persona when duty calls. The film offers only a fleeting glimpse of Clark’s mild-mannered side, mainly in a newsroom scene, emphasizing a more integrated identity rather than a stark duality.
However, some fans and critics lament the absence of a clear transformation scene. The trailer featured a compelling moment where Clark, during a Lois Lane interview, shifts posture and demeanor to become Superman without changing costumes—a subtle but powerful visual cue. Unfortunately, this nuance was lost in the final cut, where the camera angle includes both characters, diluting the focus on Clark’s metamorphosis. This missed opportunity highlights the challenge of balancing character depth with narrative flow in blockbuster filmmaking.
David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman and Clark Kent has drawn mixed reactions. While he may not possess the magnetic charisma of Christopher Reeve or the striking handsomeness of Henry Cavill, Corenswet brings a relatable, Midwestern everyman quality to the role. Critics note that he is more compelling as Clark Kent than as Superman, which aligns with the film’s emphasis on the hero’s human vulnerabilities and internal conflicts.
Producer Peter Safran, co-CEO of DC Studios alongside Gunn, has emphasized that Superman remains "the origin of all superhero stories." He expressed hope that this new film would help revitalize the genre by focusing on authentic human stories infused with genuine emotion and empathy, rather than relying solely on visual spectacle. Safran dismissed the notion of "superhero fatigue" as actually "mediocre movie fatigue," underscoring the audience’s continued appetite for quality storytelling.
Beyond its narrative and character dynamics, the film’s cultural resonance is significant. The simultaneous release in China and North America reflects Hollywood’s growing recognition of China’s importance as a global market and creative influence. Gunn’s acknowledgment of Chinese cinema’s impact on his work adds a layer of cross-cultural dialogue rarely seen in superhero blockbusters.
In sum, the 2025 Superman film offers a fresh, if imperfect, take on the legendary character. It combines action, emotional complexity, and a diverse cast to deliver a story that resonates with contemporary audiences. While it may not achieve the iconic status of earlier Superman films, it carves out its own space by exploring the hero’s humanity and the challenges of living up to a near-mythic legacy. For fans and newcomers alike, it’s a hopeful, optimistic journey that reminds us why Superman continues to captivate hearts nearly a century after his debut.
