The release of Superman on July 11, 2025, marks a bold new chapter for the DC Universe (DCU), directed by James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, this reboot reimagines the iconic superhero with optimism, humor, and modern relevance. Balancing heartfelt storytelling with a vibrant comic-book aesthetic, Superman aims to redefine the superhero genre and serve as the cornerstone of the rebooted DCU. This comprehensive review explores the film’s strengths, flaws, cultural impact, and its role in shaping DC’s future, drawing on critical and audience reactions for a balanced perspective.
A New Vision for the Man of Steel
Unlike previous Superman films, Superman (2025) skips the origin story, diving straight into a world where Clark Kent has been Metropolis’s protector for three years. The film opens with a striking image: a battered Superman lying in the snow near his Fortress of Solitude, defeated by a mysterious metahuman, the Hammer of Boravia. This sets the stage for the central question: Can Superman’s ideals of truth, justice, and kindness survive in a cynical world that questions their relevance?
The narrative follows Clark as he balances his life as a Daily Planet journalist and global superhero. His intervention in a fictional war between Boravia and Jarhanpur draws criticism from the U.S. government and tech mogul Lex Luthor, who launches a smear campaign to discredit him. Meanwhile, Clark’s relationship with Lois Lane, who knows his dual identity, faces challenges, enriched by a dynamic supporting cast, including Krypto the Superdog, Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern Guy Gardner. Inspired by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman, Gunn infuses the film with Silver Age comic book charm, emphasizing hope and humanity. The film’s $125 million opening weekend, the largest for a standalone Superman movie, and a modest 54% second-weekend box office drop reflect strong audience enthusiasm, fueled by positive word-of-mouth.
The Strengths: Heart, Humor, and a Relatable Hero
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David Corenswet’s Endearing Superman
David Corenswet delivers a captivating performance as Clark Kent/Superman, blending vulnerability with quiet strength. Unlike Zack Snyder’s brooding Man of Steel or Christopher Reeve’s untouchable icon, Corenswet’s Superman is warm and relatable, shaped by his Kansas upbringing with Ma and Pa Kent (Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince). His earnest “golly” exclamations and emotional depth resonate, earning praise from critics and even Brandon Routh, who called his performance “fantastic” for handling complex emotional scenes. Corenswet’s subtle shifts in posture and voice between Clark’s awkwardness and Superman’s confidence make this iteration feel both fresh and authentic.
Stellar Supporting Cast
Rachel Brosnahan shines as Lois Lane, a sharp-witted journalist whose chemistry with Corenswet anchors the film’s emotional core. A standout 12-minute dialogue scene, where Lois challenges Superman’s geopolitical actions, showcases their dynamic, blending moral debate with personal tension. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, reimagined as a narcissistic tech billionaire, brings menace and modernity to the role, though some critics feel his screen time is limited. His social media campaign against Superman, complete with hashtags like #Superspy, adds a contemporary edge to the classic villain.
Krypto the Superdog’s Breakout Role
Krypto, Superman’s cape-wearing canine companion, steals scenes with his chaotic, loyal antics. Far from a mere gimmick, Krypto’s heroics and mischief—like saving Superman or causing havoc—elicit audience cheers. Critics and fans on social media have hailed Krypto as a highlight, proving Gunn’s knack for blending humor with heart, a skill honed in Guardians of the Galaxy. One fan remarked that Krypto’s popularity validates his comic book significance, despite earlier editorial cuts.
Bold Visuals and Comic Book Flair
Gunn’s visual approach embraces the vibrant colors of Silver Age comics, a stark contrast to the muted tones of Snyder’s DC Extended Universe. The return of Superman’s red trunks, a nod to Joe Shuster’s original design, reinforces the film’s nostalgic charm. Preview audiences praised the “visual treat” of Superman’s high-speed flight scenes, best experienced in IMAX. The score, crafted by John Murphy and David Fleming, weaves in John Williams’ iconic Superman theme, adding emotional resonance, though some critics note it lacks originality.
A Beacon of Hope
Superman rejects the grim tone of recent superhero films, focusing on kindness and optimism. Its political commentary—addressing war profiteering, immigration, and social media manipulation—resonates with its message of compassion as strength. By portraying Superman as a citizen of Earth rather than an alienated outsider, Gunn makes the character accessible to new viewers while honoring fans. The decision to skip a traditional origin story streamlines the narrative, allowing the film to focus on Superman’s place in a complex world.
The Weaknesses: Overcrowding and Tonal Challenges
Overstuffed Ensemble
The film’s expansive cast is a double-edged sword. The Justice Gang—Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion)—adds energy to action sequences but feels underdeveloped. Characters like Supergirl (Milly Alcock) and Perry White (Wendell Pierce) have minimal roles, leading some critics to suggest they belong in future films or post-credits scenes. Ma and Pa Kent, portrayed as simplistic “country bumpkins,” lack nuance, and Lex’s girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio), is criticized as a dated stereotype. The ensemble, while a Gunn hallmark, sometimes overshadows Superman’s personal arc.
Narrative and Pacing Struggles
At 140 minutes, Superman feels both fast-paced and cluttered. The plot juggles a fictional war, Lex’s schemes, and a third-act global crisis, leading to accusations of narrative incohesion. The Boravia-Jarhanpur conflict, an allegory for real-world geopolitics, is criticized as heavy-handed and poorly integrated with the film’s lighter tone. Some reviewers note that the film rarely pauses for character reflection, leaving emotional moments underdeveloped and reducing dramatic tension.
Tonal Inconsistencies
Gunn’s comedic style, successful in The Suicide Squad, doesn’t always mesh with Superman’s serious themes. The humor—featuring quips, slapstick, and Krypto’s antics—can feel jarring or overly childish, clashing with political undertones. Social media reactions are mixed, with some calling it a “Fast-food Superman” that mimics Guardians of the Galaxy, while others praise the humor’s flow. The inclusion of PG-13 profanity and suggestive dialogue also surprises viewers expecting a family-friendly tone.
Polarizing Political Themes
The film’s commentary on immigration and U.S. foreign policy, framed as Superman’s immigrant story, has sparked debate. Gunn’s claim that Superman is “the story of America” drew criticism from some who labeled it overly political, while others appreciated its anti-war stance. Critics argue the themes feel forced, with one calling them “a side-plot in a bombastic film” that detracts from the narrative. Despite the controversy, the message aligns with Superman’s universal appeal, though its execution divides audiences.
Cultural Impact and Box Office Success
Superman arrives amid superhero fatigue, following uneven MCU performances. Its $125 million opening weekend, surpassing Man of Steel’s $116.6 million, and a 54% second-weekend drop indicate strong audience retention, outperforming Captain America: Brave New World (68% drop) and Thunderbolts (56% drop). With a $400 million production and marketing budget, the film’s financial success remains under scrutiny, with some social media posts questioning Warner Bros.’ reported figures.
Critical reception is divided, with an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score and a mixed 60-70 Metacritic range. Supporters praise its “exuberant” energy and emotional depth, while detractors call it “overwritten” and “generic.” The polarized response reflects broader debates about superhero films, with audiences split between those seeking nostalgic fun and those demanding innovation.
Building the DCU’s Future
As the first theatrical release in the DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, Superman sets the stage for projects like a Supergirl film and a potential Justice League movie. The introduction of characters like Mister Terrific and Hawkgirl hints at an interconnected universe, though some argue it distracts from Superman’s story. Gunn’s vision, blending comic book fidelity with modern relevance, positions Superman as a promising foundation for the DCU, with fans eager for what’s next.
Conclusion: A Hero for a New Era
Superman (2025) is a bold, heartfelt reboot that celebrates the Man of Steel’s enduring optimism while navigating a complex world. David Corenswet’s relatable hero, Rachel Brosnahan’s dynamic Lois, and Krypto’s charm make the film a crowd-pleaser, despite an overstuffed plot and tonal inconsistencies. James Gunn’s vibrant vision, rooted in hope and humanity, offers a refreshing take on a classic character, setting a strong tone for the DCU. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer, Superman delivers a soaring cinematic experience that reminds us why the world needs a Man of Tomorrow.
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