Not Legendary, But Lifted: ‘Superman’ Launches DC’s New Era

Synopsis: Superman must reconcile his Kryptonian alien heritage with his human upbringing and career as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way, he soon finds himself in a world that views these tenets as old-fashioned.
Director: James Gunn
Stars: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult ’

The wait is over. James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman has finally landed, ushering in a bold new chapter for the iconic hero.

With Henry Cavill stepping aside, David Corenswet dons the cape, stepping into one of the most scrutinized roles in cinema. Best known for his performance in Pearl (2022), Corenswet now carries the weight of playing one of pop culture’s most beloved characters. It is a role that comes with fame, but also a level of scrutiny that few other roles experience.

The film arrives during a period of heavy superhero fatigue. In the last four and a half years, audiences have been inundated with over thirty superhero films. It’s a daunting backdrop for any release, let alone a new Superman. Fortunately, James Gunn brings a much-needed jolt of energy to the genre—and this film is better for it.

Gunn, now co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios, brings a signature flair honed through past successes, such as Guardians of the Galaxy. One of the film’s smartest decisions is sidestepping the traditional origin story. Instead, we’re thrown into a world where Superman has already been on Earth for years. He’s established, known, and respected—and the film opens with him already bruised and beaten, immediately grounding the story in adversity.

This emphasis on struggle and vulnerability is one of the film’s strongest aspects. Gunn, who also wrote the script, understands that great superhero stories aren’t just about powers—they’re about character. His Superman faces really emotional and physical challenges throughout the film.

The movie has political undertones. Superman is an immigrant and a refugee, and at times he is treated a certain way because of this. Gunn has made a film for the world we are currently in, and these hints, while not subtle, don’t come off as preachy, though I am sure there will be those who disagree.

Gunn also leans into the pros and cons of social media, cancel culture, and its impact on our society.

Corenswet handles the role with charisma and conviction. There’s never a moment when he doesn’t feel like Superman. While the film emphasizes Superman more than Clark Kent, Corenswet brings enough heart and strength to make both personas believable. Comparisons to previous Supermen are inevitable, but he holds his own—and then some.

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a welcome presence. She brings intelligence, edge, and agency to the role. This Lois isn’t just a love interest—she’s an investigative force, and her chemistry with Corenswet adds depth to their dynamic.

Every hero needs a great villain. While past cinematic universes have given us The Joker, Thanos, or even wheelchair-bound Samuel L. Jackson’s in Unbreakable, Superman finds its formidable foe in Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. Cold, calculating, and manipulative, his Luthor is a credible threat both strategically and politically. Hoult, ever the chameleon, plays the role with a sinister charm, reminding us of the essential role a well-crafted antagonist plays in the superhero genre.

The film also introduces a new team, the Justice Gang. While not quite the Justice League, their presence adds variety to the action.

The standout in the film isn’t Superman, but it’s his loyal dog Krypto who steals the show. Bursting with energy and perfectly timed comedic beats, Krypto lights up every scene he’s in, drawing the biggest laughs and applause from the audience.

James Gunn’s love for his frequent collaborators is evident. Nathan Fillion and other familiar faces make appearances, adding a sense of continuity and camaraderie to the project. Cameos are used wisely and sparingly, never distracting from the core story.

Visually, the film is stunning. Cinematographer Henry Braham captures sweeping aerial shots and explosive set pieces that should be seen on an IMAX screen. The sound design, too, is powerful and immersive.

Is this the greatest Superman movie ever made? Not quite. Nostalgia still holds strong for Superman and Superman II. But Gunn’s take is easily one of the best Superman films in recent memory. It’s more cohesive than Man of Steel and avoids the muddled storytelling of previous DC outings.

Importantly, Superman serves as a fresh jumping-off point for a new era of DC. While the mid- and post-credit scenes don’t fully ignite momentum for the next installment, the film lays a solid foundation. Parents bringing their children will find an exciting, heartfelt film. This will help usher in a new audience of viewers to this story.

It wasn’t until the end of the second act, as the film transitioned into the third, that I felt fully invested—it takes a while to find its footing.

Is it the best superhero film of 2025 so far? Undoubtedly—but the bar hasn’t been high. Still, Superman is a promising start to the Gunn-Safran era and a strong step in the right direction for DC Studios.

This isn’t the film that saves the superhero genre, quite frankly, no film should carry that burden. Gunn packs a lot into this film, maybe too much at times.

This won’t crack into the canon of greatest superhero films of all time, but it’s still an enjoyable one.

Grade: B

Watch the movie trailer: