Superman (2025) – An In-Depth Review

Introduction

James Gunn’s Superman (2025), released on July 11, 2025, arrives at a critical juncture for superhero cinema and the newly minted DC Universe (DCU). As the inaugural live-action film of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, it carries the weight of reintroducing the world’s most iconic superhero while laying the foundation for an interconnected cinematic universe. Directed and written by Gunn, known for his irreverent yet heartfelt storytelling in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, the film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. With a vibrant ensemble, a blend of classic heroism and modern sensibilities, and a bold vision for the DCU, Superman aims to restore faith in superhero films. This 5,900-word review explores the film’s narrative structure, performances, direction, thematic depth, visual and technical achievements, and its significance within the superhero genre and broader cinematic landscape, drawing from critical reception and fan reactions across the web and X.

1. Context and Expectations

1.1 The Superman Legacy

Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, is the archetype of the superhero, embodying truth, justice, and hope. From Christopher Reeve’s earnest portrayal in Superman: The Movie (1978) to Henry Cavill’s brooding Man of Steel in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), each cinematic iteration has reflected its era’s values and anxieties. Reeve’s Superman was a beacon of optimism in a post-Vietnam world, while Cavill’s darker, more conflicted hero grappled with post-9/11 skepticism. Gunn’s Superman faces the challenge of honoring this legacy while addressing contemporary audiences weary of superhero fatigue. Critics note that Superman’s enduring appeal lies in his simplicity and moral clarity, a quality Gunn seeks to amplify in a cynical, divided world.

1.2 The DCU Reboot

The DCEU, which began with Man of Steel (2013) and ended with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), struggled with inconsistent tone and narrative cohesion. Warner Bros. tapped James Gunn and Peter Safran to helm DC Studios, tasking them with crafting a unified vision. Gunn’s Superman is the first live-action film in this rebooted DCU, following the animated Creature Commandos (December 2024). Expectations were sky-high, with fans and critics anticipating a film that would differentiate itself from the DCEU’s grim aesthetic while rivaling the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) interconnected storytelling. Posts on X from early test screenings praised the film’s emotional depth and Corenswet’s performance, setting the stage for a bold new era.

2. Plot and Structure

2.1 Narrative Overview

Superman (2025) eschews a traditional origin story, opening with a brisk montage summarizing Krypton’s destruction, Kal-El’s arrival in Kansas, and his upbringing by Jonathan (Pruitt Taylor Vince) and Martha Kent (Neva Howell). The film drops viewers into a world where Superman (David Corenswet) is an established hero, three years into protecting Metropolis. He’s already dating Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), who knows his dual identity, and is targeted by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a tech billionaire orchestrating a campaign to discredit him.

The plot centers on Superman’s intervention in a fictional border conflict between Boravia and Jarhanpur, a decision that sparks global backlash and accusations of overreach. Lex, controlling the Boravian Hammer—a billion-dollar weaponized suit—humiliates Superman in a public defeat, forcing him to retreat to the Fortress of Solitude with severe injuries. As Lex manipulates world powers and public opinion, Superman teams up with the Justice Gang—Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion)—to confront a roster of villains, including The Engineer (Maria Gabriela de Faría) and a kaiju-like creature. The narrative weaves global stakes with personal struggles, as Clark navigates his relationship with Lois, his bond with Krypto the Superdog, and his identity as both Kryptonian and human.

2.2 Pacing and Structure

Gunn’s script is fast-paced, clocking in at 2 hours and 9 minutes (PG-13). The film’s opening condenses Superman’s backstory into concise captions and visuals, a bold choice that assumes audience familiarity but risks alienating newcomers. The narrative is structured around three interwoven conflicts:

• Superman vs. Lex Luthor: A battle of ideology and intellect, with Lex’s schemes mirroring real-world tech moguls like Elon Musk or Peter Thiel.

• Superman vs. Himself: Clark’s internal struggle to balance his alien heritage with his human values, amplified by his mistakes and self-doubt.

• Superman vs. Public Perception: A media-saturated world questions his interventions, reflecting contemporary debates about power and accountability.

The pacing is relentless, with action sequences interspersed with character-driven moments. However, some critics, like those at Entertainment Weekly, argue the plot feels “overstuffed,” with too many characters and subplots vying for attention. Despite this, the film maintains momentum, culminating in a climactic assault on the Fortress of Solitude that blends spectacle and emotional resonance.

3. Characters and Performances

3.1 David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent

David Corenswet delivers a star-making performance, blending Reeve’s earnestness with a modern, relatable vulnerability. His Superman is confident yet fallible, radiating “genuine warmth” and “quiet confidence.” Unlike Reeve’s distinct personas or Cavill’s stoic hero, Corenswet’s Clark and Superman feel like one cohesive character, with subtle shifts in demeanor rather than exaggerated duality. Critics praise his ability to convey heroism through small gestures—like cooking a meal for Lois or comforting a civilian—while still commanding the screen during action scenes.

Corenswet’s Superman is not invincible; he’s battered by Lex’s forces and grapples with self-doubt, making him more human than past iterations. A standout moment is his tearful reaction to a civilian’s death, showcasing his empathy. X users, like @ResonantJustice, laud his “stoicism and kindness,” calling him “born to play Superman.” However, some critics, like News18, argue his “boyishly sweet” portrayal lacks the gravitas of Cavill, suggesting he’s better suited to lighter roles.

3.2 Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a revelation, described as “an absolute force” and potentially “the best Lois Lane ever put on film.” Her portrayal is witty, fearless, and fiercely independent, elevating Lois beyond the traditional love interest. She challenges Superman’s decisions, particularly his Boravia intervention, and drives the plot through her investigative journalism, uncovering Lex’s schemes with Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo). Her screwball-comedy energy, reminiscent of Margot Kidder, shines in rapid-fire banter with Clark, while her chemistry with Corenswet is “off the charts.”

Brosnahan’s Lois is a co-lead, with action-hero moments that set her apart from past portrayals. USA Today notes her “enjoyable feistiness,” and The Hollywood Reporter calls her “whip-smart,” making every scene with Corenswet a delight. Her arc, balancing love and journalistic duty, adds emotional depth, though some wish the script gave her more standalone moments.

3.3 Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a chilling reinvention, trading cartoonish villainy for a cold, charismatic tech mogul with a messianic complex. Described as “terrifying, magnetic, and brilliant,” Hoult’s performance is a highlight, with critics noting his “manically menacing” intensity and “scene-stealing” presence. His Lex is a sociopathic billionaire who manipulates global events, drawing parallels to real-world figures like Stephen Miller or Peter Thiel. His scenes with Corenswet are a “masterclass in hero-villain tension,” with Lex’s philosophical debates about power and humanity adding intellectual weight.

However, News18 and Entertainment Weekly critique Hoult’s Lex as “more obnoxious than villainous,” arguing he lacks the depth of past Luthors like Gene Hackman or Michael Rosenbaum due to the script’s focus on plot over character development. Despite this, Hoult’s performance is widely praised for its nuance and modernity.

3.4 Supporting Cast

• Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific: Gathegi’s charismatic, intellectual hero is a standout, with a “Blaxploitation-style sidekick” vibe that adds humor and depth. Critics and X users note his scene-stealing presence, though some find his role tonally jarring.

• Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern: Fillion’s irreverent, brash performance is a fan favorite, earning buzz as the “standout supporting character” for his comedic clashes with Superman.

• Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl: Merced brings fierceness and loyalty, shining in action sequences but limited by minimal character development.

• Maria Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer: Her nanite-powered villain adds a sci-fi edge, though her role feels underdeveloped.

• Krypto the Superdog: Voiced and CGI-crafted, Krypto steals scenes with chaotic antics and emotional resonance, inspired by Gunn’s rescue dog Ozu. Critics and fans adore his role, with IGN calling him a “chaotic, good-boy companion” worth saving.

• Daily Planet Staff: Perry White (Wendell Pierce), Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), and Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover) are well-cast but underutilized, with critics wishing for more newsroom focus.

4. Direction and Tone

4.1 James Gunn’s Vision

James Gunn’s direction is vibrant, energetic, and unapologetically comic-book, blending the colorful absurdity of Guardians of the Galaxy with a reverence for Superman’s legacy. He embraces the genre’s quirks—kaiju battles, superpowered dogs, and robot minions—without irony, creating a “bright, bold, and hopeful” aesthetic. The film’s tone is optimistic, with a “pervasive positivity” that contrasts the DCEU’s dourness, earning praise as a “joyous ode” to the character.

Gunn’s script balances humor, action, and heart, with comedic beats arising organically from character dynamics rather than forced quips. His restraint in using needle drops, a hallmark of his past work, allows the original score to shine. However, some critics, like BBC, argue the film races too quickly, neglecting Superman’s “sweeter and nobler side.”

4.2 Balancing Myth and Modernity

Superman succeeds in making the character both mythic and relevant. It tackles contemporary issues—geopolitical tensions, media scrutiny, and the ethics of power—while reaffirming Superman’s core values. The Boravia-Jarhanpur conflict, a fictional stand-in for real-world disputes like Israel-Palestine, adds political heft, though some find it heavy-handed. Gunn’s ability to weave these themes into a comic-book framework is lauded, with The Independent calling it a “referendum for superhero films” and the DCU’s future.

5. Thematic Exploration

5.1 Heroism and Fallibility

The film interrogates heroism in a cynical world. Superman is not a flawless savior; he’s battered, doubts himself, and makes mistakes, such as his impulsive Boravia intervention. His willingness to admit errors and learn is portrayed as a strength, resonating with modern audiences. Boston.com calls it an “achingly human antidote to a cruel world,” emphasizing Superman’s empathy as his greatest power.

5.2 Identity and Belonging

At its core, Superman is about identity. Clark’s struggle to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing is poignant, drawing from comics like All-Star Superman. Moments with his adoptive parents and Krypto ground his alien nature in human connections, while his romance with Lois underscores his desire for belonging.

5.3 Truth, Justice, and the American Way

Gunn reinterprets Superman’s motto for a globalized era. The film questions whether “truth, justice, and the American way” holds in a world of competing narratives and media manipulation. Superman’s actions are scrutinized by governments and social media, yet the film reaffirms his optimism, with Corenswet’s Superman declaring that kindness is “the real punk rock.”

6. Visuals and Technical Achievements

6.1 Cinematography and Visual Effects

Cinematographer Henry Braham delivers a visual feast, with dynamic camera work capturing Superman’s soaring flights and brutal battles. The kaiju fight in Metropolis is a standout, blending practical effects and CGI for a visceral, immersive experience. Nerdtropolis praises “freeze-frame-worthy” shots of Corenswet in the cape, enhanced by 4K HDR visuals. The Fortress of Solitude’s icy grandeur and Lex’s high-tech lair are meticulously crafted, balancing realism and comic-book flair.

6.2 Production Design

Beth Mickle’s production design brings Metropolis to life as a retro-futuristic city, with Art Deco skyscrapers and bustling streets. The Daily Planet newsroom feels lived-in, with typewriters alongside modern tech, while the Fortress of Solitude blends alien architecture with earthy warmth. Critics note the designs’ nod to classic Superman comics while feeling fresh and modern.

6.3 Music and Sound

John Murphy and David Fleming’s score is a triumph, weaving guitar-heavy themes with subtle nods to John Williams’ iconic Superman motif. The music amplifies both action and emotion, with The Nightly praising its “goosebump-inducing” swells. Gunn’s restrained use of needle drops prioritizes the score, while David Acord’s sound design enhances the impact of Superman’s powers and battles.

7. Action and Set Pieces

7.1 Superhero Showdowns

The film’s action sequences are inventive and character-driven:

• Metropolis Kaiju Battle: Superman faces a skyscraper-sized creature, showcasing his strength and vulnerability.

• Justice Gang Skirmish: A dynamic team-up highlights Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Guy Gardner’s unique powers and personalities.

• Fortress of Solitude Assault: The climactic battle pits Superman against Lex’s forces, blending high-tech warfare with psychological stakes.

Gunn’s staging ensures each sequence advances the plot and reveals character, with Superman’s empathy shining through even in combat.

7.2 Emotional Stakes

The action is grounded in emotion. Superman’s defeats, particularly his loss to the Boravian Hammer, underscore his fallibility, while his recovery with Krypto’s help is a tear-jerking highlight. IGN notes that Krypto’s chaotic rescue in the snow is a “wonderfully entertaining” moment that cements the film’s heart.

8. Humor and Heart

8.1 Comic Relief

Humor is a cornerstone, arising from character dynamics:

• Krypto’s antics, like looting a pet store during a battle, are universally praised.

• Guy Gardner’s brash quips clash with Superman’s earnestness, earning laughs and buzz as a fan favorite.

• Lois and Clark’s newsroom banter evokes classic screwball comedies, adding levity.

The humor is organic, avoiding the MCU’s quip-heavy pitfalls, and provides relief without undermining the stakes.

8.2 Emotional Resonance

The film’s heart lies in its relationships. Clark’s bond with his adoptive parents, his romance with Lois, and his mentorship of the Justice Gang create a sense of community. A scene where Superman cooks breakfast for Lois, only to “whiff” her anniversary gift, is both funny and endearing. The emotional climax, described by Nerdtropolis as “powerful as Guardians Vol. 2,” moved test audiences to tears.

9. Weaknesses and Criticisms

9.1 Pacing and Exposition

The film’s rapid pacing, while engaging, can be disorienting. Skipping the origin story immerses viewers but risks leaving newcomers unmoored. BBC notes that Gunn’s haste neglects Superman’s “nobler side,” and Entertainment Weekly critiques the lack of character development for supporting players like Perry White.

9.2 Overstuffed Plot

Gunn’s ambition to establish the DCU leads to a crowded narrative. The introduction of multiple heroes (Justice Gang) and villains (The Engineer, Boravian Hammer) occasionally overshadows the core story. The Reel Bits calls it “thrilling and frustrating,” noting that subplots dilute Superman’s focus.

9.3 Tone and Sincerity

While most praise the optimistic tone, some critics, like LA Times, find it “obtuse” or overly earnest, with Superman’s naivety bordering on “manchild” behavior. The balance between sincerity and self-awareness divides audiences, with News18 calling it “not the super start” hoped for.

10. The Film’s Place in the Genre

10.1 Comparison to Previous Superman Films

Superman (2025) stands out by blending Reeve’s optimism with modern complexity, avoiding Man of Steel’s grimness and Superman III’s camp. With an 84% Rotten Tomatoes score, it falls short of Superman: The Movie’s 94% but surpasses Superman Returns’ 73% and the DCEU’s later flops. Corenswet’s performance is compared favorably to Reeve, with Entertainment Weekly noting his “marvelous” resemblance, though some miss Cavill’s intensity.

10.2 Launching the DCU

As the DCU’s first live-action film, Superman sets a vibrant tone, introducing a world of metahumans and laying seeds for Supergirl (2026), Lanterns, and The Brave and the Bold. Its accessibility, not requiring prior DCU knowledge, contrasts with the MCU’s dense continuity. The Wrap calls it a “breathless epic” that gets the DCU “right,” promising a bright future.

11. Critical Reception

Superman has garnered strong praise, holding an 84% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 115 reviews. Critics highlight its performances, visuals, and optimism, though some note pacing and narrative density as flaws. Key reviews include:

• IGN: “Wonderfully entertaining” with a “thrilling big screen debut for the DCU,” praising Krypto and Corenswet.

• The Prague Reporter: “The best Superman film in 35 years,” lauding its vibrant comic-book energy.

• USA Today: Awards 3.5/4 stars for its “satisfying adventure” and “pervasive positivity.”

• Entertainment Weekly: Gives a B-, citing “pitch-perfect casting” but an “overstuffed plot.”

• News18: Mixed, calling Gunn’s storytelling weak and Corenswet’s Superman “boyishly sweet” but underpowered.

X reactions are overwhelmingly positive, with @AjepArts calling it an “8/10” and the “best live-action Superman adaptation,” highlighting a surprise character and a “10/10 third act.” Fan threads on Reddit praise its emotional ending and Lex’s villainy.

12. Conclusion

James Gunn’s Superman (2025) is a triumphant reinvention of the Man of Steel, blending heart, humor, and spectacle to launch the DCU with a bang. David Corenswet’s empathetic, relatable Superman, Rachel Brosnahan’s fierce Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult’s chilling Lex Luthor anchor a film that’s both a love letter to the character’s legacy and a bold step forward. Despite pacing issues and an occasionally crowded plot, Gunn’s vibrant direction, stunning visuals, and thematic depth make it a standout. With an 84% Rotten Tomatoes score and fan buzz heralding it as a “promising, thrilling start,” Superman restores hope in superhero cinema. As the DCU takes flight, this film proves that even in a cynical world, Superman’s optimism and humanity remain super.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When does Superman (2025) premiere?Superman premieres internationally on July 9, 2025, and domestically on July 11, 2025, in theaters, IMAX, and other premium formats.

2. Who stars in Superman (2025)?The film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, with Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced in supporting roles.

3. Is Superman an origin story?No, the film skips a traditional origin, opening with an established Superman and using a brief montage to summarize his Kryptonian roots and upbringing.

4. How does Superman fit into the DCU?It’s the first live-action film in Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, setting the tone and introducing characters like the Justice Gang for future projects like Supergirl and Lanterns.

5. What is the film’s rating and runtime?Superman is rated PG-13 for violence, action, and language, with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes.

6. How is David Corenswet’s Superman different from past versions?Corenswet’s Superman is empathetic, fallible, and blends Clark and Superman as one persona, contrasting Reeve’s duality and Cavill’s stoicism.

7. What role does Krypto the Superdog play?Krypto provides comic relief and emotional resonance, inspired by Gunn’s rescue dog Ozu, with a standout rescue scene stealing hearts.

8. How have critics received Superman (2025)?The film holds an 84% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its performances and optimism but critiqued for pacing and a crowded plot.

9. Does Superman connect to other DCU projects?Yes, it sets up Supergirl (2026), Lanterns, and The Brave and the Bold through characters like The Engineer and the Justice Gang.

10. Where can I find more about Superman (2025)?Visit dc.com or follow @DCUSuperNews on X for updates, trailers, and behind-the-scenes content.

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