Superman (2025) Movie: The DC Reboot That Makes Heroism Cool Again
James Gunn’s Superman marks a bold new beginning for the DC Universe, bringing the beloved superhero back to the big screen with a fresh perspective. Directed and written by Gunn, this 2025 superhero film serves as the inaugural entry in the newly established DC Universe under DC Studios’ leadership.
| Movie Title: | Superman |
| Release Date: | July 9, 2025 |
| Runtime: | 2h 10m |
| Director: | James Gunn |
| Genres: | Adventure, Science Fiction, Action |
| Rating: | 7.264/10 star |
| Starring: | David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult |
| Production Company: | DC Studios, Troll Court Entertainment |
| Lead Actor: | David Corenswet |
The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as the villainous Lex Luthor. This isn’t another origin story – instead, it drops us into a world where Superman has been active for three years and faces his biggest challenge yet.
Superman Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Edi Gathegi | Mr. Terrific |
| Sara Sampaio | Eve Teschmacher |
| Nicholas Hoult | Lex Luthor |
| Anthony Carrigan | Metamorpho |
| David Corenswet | Clark Kent / Superman / Ultraman |
| Skyler Gisondo | Jimmy Olsen |
| María Gabriela de Faría | The Engineer |
| Isabela Merced | Hawkgirl |
| Nathan Fillion | Guy Gardner |
| Rachel Brosnahan | Lois Lane |
Plot and Storyline
The story begins with Superman’s bruised and bloodied body collapsed in the Arctic, having just experienced his first defeat at the hands of a metahuman adversary. This vulnerable opening sets the tone perfectly – showing us a Superman who isn’t invincible.
The plot centers around Superman’s struggle to maintain public trust after a controversial international intervention. When he tries to prevent a war between fictional nations, his actions backfire spectacularly. Tech billionaire Lex Luthor seizes this opportunity to turn public opinion against the Man of Steel.
I found this approach refreshing because it assumes we already know Superman’s backstory. Instead of rehashing familiar origin material, Gunn focuses on deeper themes about heroism in our modern age.
Cast Performance
David Corenswet absolutely nails both Superman and Clark Kent. He brings a boyish charm and vulnerability that makes him instantly likeable. Critics have praised his ability to show Superman’s confidence while revealing Clark’s earnest humanity underneath.
What I loved most was how Corenswet radiates genuine joy in being Superman. He’s not brooding or conflicted – he’s a hero who actually wants to help people, and it shows in every scene.
Rachel Brosnahan delivers what might be the best Lois Lane since Margot Kidder. Her Lois is fiercely intelligent and feisty, embodying the investigative journalist’s commitment to truth. The chemistry between her and Corenswet is electric – their scenes together crackle with wit and romance.
Nicholas Hoult creates a genuinely threatening Lex Luthor. Instead of cartoonish villainy, he plays Luthor as a tech billionaire with fascist tendencies. It’s a grounded, contemporary take that feels disturbingly relevant to our current world.
Visual Effects and Direction
The film looks absolutely stunning. Gunn captures the colorful, optimistic aesthetic of classic Superman comics perfectly. Critics have noted that it feels like a comic book come to life and resembles Superman: The Animated Series in its visual approach.
The action sequences represent some of the best Superman action ever put on screen. When Superman flies, fights, or uses his powers, it feels both graceful and powerful. The costume design updates Superman’s classic look while maintaining its iconic elements.
Gunn’s direction successfully balances humor with genuine drama. His approach brings the irreverent fun that characterized his Marvel work while respecting Superman’s fundamental optimism and moral clarity.
Music and Score
John Murphy’s score supports the film’s emotional beats while incorporating classic Superman musical themes. The soundtrack includes a song by rock band Foxy Shazam that adds contemporary flair while maintaining the film’s timeless appeal.
Critical Reception
Superman has achieved impressive critical reception with an 86-88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This makes it the highest-rated live-action Superman film since 1980’s Superman II.
The Hollywood Reporter praised the film’s warm human heart and described it as fun, pacy and enjoyable. Variety highlighted Corenswet’s performance, noting how his Superman radiates a joy in what he’s doing. IGN called it a wonderfully entertaining, heartfelt cinematic reset for the Man of Steel.
Public reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Audiences love the film’s return to Superman’s optimistic roots and the strong chemistry between the lead actors. Many mention how it captures the spirit of silver age Superman comics.
What We Liked
Strong Character Development – Superman feels both iconic and fresh. Corenswet brings new dimensions while respecting the character’s essential nature.
Visual Spectacle – The action sequences are genuinely thrilling. The colorful, optimistic visual palette captures classic Superman perfectly.
Emotional Resonance – Despite fantastic elements, the film maintains strong emotional stakes. The Superman-Lois relationship feels authentic and compelling.
Krypto the Superdog – The canine companion has been universally praised as a scene-stealer, bringing both humor and heart.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues – The film can feel overstuffed at times, with too many characters and plot elements competing for attention.
Familiar Plotting – Despite its fresh approach, some moments rely on typical superhero movie conventions.
CGI-Heavy Finale – The climactic battle, while visually impressive, falls into typical superhero movie excess.
Final Verdict
Superman represents a triumphant return to form for the character and a promising beginning for the new DC Universe. While it occasionally struggles with pacing, the film succeeds in capturing the essential optimism and heroism that make Superman enduring.
David Corenswet’s charming performance, combined with strong work from Brosnahan and Hoult, creates a compelling foundation for future films. James Gunn brings both spectacle and heart, resulting in a film that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Despite minor flaws, Superman soars as both crowd-pleasing entertainment and meaningful character study. It reminds us why we fell in love with the character in the first place.
Rating: 4/5
