Superman isn’t just another movie, but a new beginning for DC’s new cinematic universe. The previous lineup of superhero films wrapped up on a low note in 2023 with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Now, James Gunn, best known for directing Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, has taken the reins to lead DC’s future on both the big and small screens. He’s also writing and directing this first film in the rebooted franchise, setting the tone for what’s to come. And judging by this movie, the things to come will be very exciting. Warning: This review contains spoilers for Superman (2025).
Superman stands as one of pop culture’s most iconic and lasting figures, a legendary symbol of truth, justice, and the American way, without whom the concept of the modern superhero might not even exist. James Gunn’s film explores what role such a pure, idealistic hero can play in today’s complex world. It wrestles with how those enduring values can still resonate in a time of cynicism, all while carrying the heavy responsibility of kickstarting an entire cinematic universe.
Filled with the quirky, geeky energy that defined Gunn’s The Suicide Squad and his earlier horror-comedy roots, Superman feels like a personal passion project crafted as much for Gunn’s own enjoyment as for audiences. His boldest move is starting the story not at the beginning, but in the middle, as if we’re dropping into the third or fourth installment of an established series. When we meet David Corenswet’s Superman, he’s already been defending Metropolis from supervillains for three years. He’s in a relationship with his determined Daily Planet colleague, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), and already targeted by his arch-nemesis, billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
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Superman also gets both help and hassle from the morally gray Justice Gang, which includes the cocky Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), the effortlessly cool Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), the brooding Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and later Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan). Since most viewers already know Superman’s origin, it’s exciting to skip the backstory and dive right into the action. Gunn also embraces the weirder corners of DC lore, adding a playful tone that sets this film apart. Where Zack Snyder’s Superman leaned into brooding themes and heavy symbolism, Gunn’s version isn’t afraid to be lighthearted, featuring Krypto the fluffy Super dog and even Superman’s team of cape-wearing robot assistants whom he earnestly calls his “Superman Robots.”
It’s a challenging concept, but everything clicks thanks to a standout performance from David Corenswet. He gives Superman a confident charm, effortlessly mixed with a wholesome, old-school vibe which subtly reflects his small-town roots. He keeps Clark’s humanity front and center, blurring the line between Superman and the man underneath. That line stays especially fuzzy since Clark spends much of his time with Lois, who already knows his secret. Rachel Brosnahan nails Lois’s sharp, world-weary wit, and an early interview scene between them quickly turns into a sharp, flirty back-and-forth that showcases their layered relationship and strong chemistry.
Over the years, we’ve seen many versions of Superman and Lois. Some overly flat, others just bad, or whatever Man of Steel was aiming for. In this film, James Gunn leans more into the modern interpretations of the characters, drawing from sources like Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman, rather than the Golden Age influences that defined the Christopher Reeve and Richard Donner era. Corenswet and Brosnahan don’t just reflect recent comic portrayals. They achieve something rare. For the first time since Reeve, it doesn’t feel like someone acting as Superman, but it feels like Superman himself. And opposite him, we may finally have the most compelling on-screen Lois Lane yet.
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On the other hand, Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor walks a tightrope. He’s both formidable and pitiful at once. Obsessed with why his genius isn’t enough for the world, Lex seethes with envy toward Superman and always seems seconds away from snapping. Hoult clearly enjoys playing into that volatility, and Gunn takes full advantage of his sharp comedic timing, letting Lex cap his rants with petty remarks and throwaway lines.
And speaking of Lex Luthor, we see his company called “LuthorCorp,” a clear nod to Smallville, where the same name was used. Other Easter Eggs include a highway sign pointing toward Gotham City, Jimmy Olsen calling his editor “Chief,” much to the latter’s irritation, which pays homage to a classic running gag from earlier Superman media. Background signage in Metropolis features Big Belly Burger and Jitters, two fictional DC food chains frequently seen in the comics. A mural inside the Hall of Justice depicts the original Justice Society of America. Meanwhile, Luthor’s henchman Ultraman is revealed to be a clone of Superman created by Lex, echoing Bizarro’s origins. Lex also claims credit for granting Angela Spica (The Engineer) her nanite-based powers, aligning with her comic book origins in The Authority. Finally, Luthor ends up imprisoned in Belle Reve, the high-security prison overseen by Amanda Waller.
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John Cena’s Peacemaker makes a quick TV appearance, mocking Superman. Other notable cameos include Frank Grillo reprising his role as Rick Flag Sr. from Creature Commandos, while Milly Alcock makes an appearance as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl ahead of her solo film. Sean Gunn plays tech mogul Maxwell Lord, the financier behind the Justice Gang. Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan portray Superman’s Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van. Alan Tudyk, Grace Chan, Michael Rooker, Pom Klementieff, and Jennifer Holland voice the Superman robots. Will Reeve, son of the late Christopher Reeve, makes a cameo as a news reporter on the scene, and Michael Rosenbaum lends his voice to one of Lex Luthor’s Raptar guards. Even the 5th-dimensional imp Mr. Mxyzptlk got an indirect nod.
In the end, Superman delivers everything you want from a summer blockbuster: action, heart, and humor packed into just over two hours, while offering a fresh take on a legendary character. James Gunn manages to breathe new life into the Man of Steel with a story that feels both original and true to the core of Superman. It’s a film that stands out in a crowded superhero genre by embracing sincerity without slipping into nostalgia fatigue.
‘Superman’ (2025) Movie Review: The DCU Flies High
In the end, Superman delivers everything you want from a summer blockbuster: action, heart, and humor packed into just over two hours, while offering a fresh take on a legendary character. James Gunn manages to breathe new life into the Man of Steel with a story that feels both original and true to the core of Superman. It’s a film that stands out in a crowded superhero genre by embracing sincerity without slipping into nostalgia fatigue.
