James Gunn’s Superman isn’t the film many fans were expecting, but it is undeniably his version. In his attempt to kickstart the new DC Universe, Gunn has delivered a Superman movie that’s colorful, human, and oddly punk rock—but also messy, overcrowded, and frustrating in ways that can’t be ignored. This isn’t the gritty realism of Man of Steel or the grandeur of Christopher Reeve. This is Superman pulled in fifteen different directions, trying to soar while carrying the weight of an entire franchise reboot.
The DC Icon, Reimagined (Again)
Superman (2025) marks the first major step in James Gunn’s new DCU after the old DCEU was put to rest. Starring David Corenswet as the titular hero, the film presents a Superman already established—three years into his hero career—with a blossoming relationship with Lois Lane (played with spark and bite by Rachel Brosnahan), a loyal dog named Krypto, and a world full of complications.
When Superman’s role as a global savior begins to blur the lines between national loyalty and personal morality, the world starts to question his unchecked power. Enter Lex Luthor (a chilling but undercooked Nicholas Hoult), a billionaire tech mogul ready to exploit global fears and Superman’s good intentions for his own gain.
Oh, and there’s a kaiju. Yeah.
Can Superman Still Inspire in a Complicated World?
Gunn’s take is ambitious: a Superman story that’s about more than just saving people—it’s about what kind of person gets to save people. Set against international conflict and creeping authoritarianism, this Superman is constantly challenged: by the media, by governments, by other superheroes, and most importantly, by himself. The film tries to tap into questions about heroism, truth, and moral compromise—but often only gestures at them instead of digging in.
Colorful, Charismatic, and… Offbeat
This movie looks and feels like a comic book. Not a movie inspired by a comic book—a literal, panel-jumping, vibrant comic come to life. The tone is upbeat, sometimes zany, and often heartfelt. There’s real joy in seeing Superman want to do the right thing. His kindness isn’t performative—it’s his core. And the film nails that.
But it also tries too hard to be cool. Too many jokes undercut emotional scenes. There are constant tonal whiplashes. One moment, we’re watching a serious conversation about global politics; the next, we’re watching Jimmy Olsen go viral for dating an influencer.
Solid Leads, Uneven Ensemble
David Corenswet carries the film well. His Superman is charming, vulnerable, and endearingly awkward at times. He’s not just a god among men—he’s a guy trying to figure it all out. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is just as good, sharp and empathetic in equal measure. Their chemistry? Easily one of the best things in the movie—and criminally underused.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is where things start to wobble. He looks the part, but his characterization veers too cartoonish. Instead of a master manipulator or philosophical opponent, this Lex feels more like an angry tech bro with a grudge. Not dangerous—just petty.
Mr. Terrific (played by Edi Gathegi) is a surprise standout, stealing scenes with competence and charisma. Honestly, he gets cooler moments than Superman does. That’s not a compliment to the script.
Nathan Fillion crushes it as the cocky, irritating Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl is unfortunately reduced to loud noises and little depth. The rest of the “Justice Gang” feels more like an Easter egg dump than meaningful characters.
A Comic Book Cartoon… with a Hangover
This is a James Gunn film, through and through. That means snappy humor, sudden needle drops, irreverence, and a ton of heart. But that also means emotional undercurrents are often interrupted by jokes, characters are introduced for fan service, and plot threads are set up for future shows instead of paying off in the movie you’re watching now.
The score doesn’t help either. Outside of a brief riff on the classic John Williams theme, the soundtrack choices feel bizarrely out of place. One action scene featuring Mr. Terrific is almost ruined by a jarring punk rock needle drop.
Should You See It?
If you’re a hardcore Superman fan, yes—but be ready to be frustrated. There’s enough here to enjoy, especially if you go in with lowered expectations. This Superman is sweet, grounded, and trying his best. But he’s barely the star of his own movie.
If you’re a general audience member looking for a summer popcorn flick? It delivers. The action, while chaotic and visually muddy at times, has big beats. There’s humor, spectacle, and emotion—just not always when or how you want it.
If you’re here for Gunn’s signature chaotic ensemble energy, you’ll find it. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on your patience for Justice Gang cameos and setup-heavy storytelling.
⚠️ Spoilers Below – Read at Your Own Risk
The movie dives into multiverse territory with the appearance of Ultraman, a dark mirror of Superman. There’s a dimension-hopping subplot, complete with a shadowy organization and a ton of exposition that’s clearly meant to set up future DCU films and shows.
There’s also a twist about Superman’s parents that changes Kryptonian lore in ways that will definitely divide longtime fans.
The third act sees Superman facing off against Ultraman, and while the action is solid, it doesn’t reach the emotional or visual highs it’s aiming for. The ending feels abrupt, with a post-credits scene that goes nowhere and does nothing to tease what’s next.
The Good
- David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan are excellent.
- Mr. Terrific steals the show—arguably too much.
- Superman’s heart is intact, even when the movie is muddled.
- The Lois and Clark scenes, while limited, have real electricity.
- Krypto is a surprise MVP.
- The costume design and visuals honor the character’s comic roots.
- When the movie lets a moment breathe, it works.
The Bad
- Too many characters, too many subplots.
- Lex Luthor is one-note and not threatening.
- The film is edited like a mixtape—tonally inconsistent and scatterbrained.
- Lois and Clark get sidelined in favor of side quests.
- Terrible music choices undercut major moments.
- The action, while frequent, is often hard to follow or forgettable.
- Key canon changes will anger longtime Superman readers.
- The finale lacks emotional payoff and ends with a whimper.
- The post-credits scenes are nothingburgers.
Superman (2025): Superman is a movie that tries to do too much and ends up doing many things only half as well as it should. There’s enough here to give fans hope—David Corenswet is a great Superman, Rachel Brosnahan is an excellent Lois, and the heart of the character is largely respected. But James Gunn’s punk rock sensibilities and obsession with ensemble storytelling dilute what should’ve been a focused, emotional reintroduction to the world’s greatest hero. There’s a solid foundation here. It just needed more time with the right characters and less time setting up 15 spinoffs. This Superman can still fly—but first, he needs to land on solid ground. – Asmodeus