REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Brims With Hope And Optimism, Supercharging The New DC Universe
- Alex L.
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
James Gunn’s Superman carries the weight of launching a new DC Universe and while it’s not without its stumbles, it ultimately soars.
The film’s first act struggles with pacing and cohesion, feeling somewhat choppy as it establishes a new world, tone, and ensemble. But once it finds its rhythm, Superman takes flight. It embraces the heart of its source material with sincerity and conviction, unafraid to lean into the fantastical. At a time when many superhero films have shied away from their comic book roots, Superman wears its optimism and its trunks PROUDLY.
At the center is Clark Kent/Superman, a hopeful and idealistic figure whose worldview is put to the test. He sees the good in everyone, often acting without considering the consequences. He’s also a deeply lonely figure, isolated not just by his alien origin, but by a self-imposed emotional distance he doesn’t fully recognize until it’s challenged by Lois Lane.
One of the film’s standout moments isn’t a battle against a Kaiju (though a highlight) or visual effects sequence, but an interview between Clark and Lois. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois delivers a sharp, perceptive read of Superman’s internal conflict, confronting him with truths he hadn’t considered. It’s a poignant scene that highlights the emotional intelligence of the script and the chemistry between its leads.
David Corenswet steps into the role of Superman with confidence and grace. While comparisons to Christopher Reeve are inevitable, Corenswet doesn’t try to imitate he inhabits the character with a fresh yet familiar energy. His performance is both heartfelt and uplifting, suggesting a Superman not just for this generation, but a generational one. A Superman for all seasons.
Rachel Brosnahan delivers a sharp, determined take on Lois Lane. Tenacious, quick-witted, and fearless in the face of danger. This isn’t a Lois relegated to the role of damsel in distress; she charges headfirst into the action and owns every scene she’s in. Her dynamic with David Corenswet’s Clark Kent/Superman radiates chemistry. There’s a palpable emotional tension between them especially since their three months into a relationship, unsure if it can survive the weight of secrets, expectations, and the burden of dual identities. Yet it’s their love, messy and uncertain as it may be, that grounds the story.
The film may appear overstuffed with characters including the Justice Gang (Mister Terrific, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl), Metamorpho, the Daily Planet staff, and Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) flanked by The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) and Ultraman, but it never feels overcrowded. That’s no small feat. Introducing this many major figures in a Superman film is a challenge, but Gunn balances it by giving each supporting player just enough space to shine without dragging the story down with lengthy origin explanations.
Edi Gathegi is, quite simply, terrific as Mister Terrific. He exudes intelligence and quiet authority, but don’t let his intelligence fool you. He brings a commanding physical presence. Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner is straight from the comics: loud, proud, and unapologetically an ass-hole. No notes. His inevitable dynamic with Hal Jordan and John Stewart in HBO’s Lanterns series will be one to watch. Isabela Merced delivers a snarky, sharp-edged Hawkgirl who’s clearly having fun. The ensemble feels lived-in and ready for more.
Gunn may have even found the DCU’s answer to Yondu in one of these characters, but to say more would be a spoiler.
And then there’s Krypto. Because it wouldn’t be a James Gunn film without an irresistibly cute animal companion. Dubbed “the worst dog in the world with superpowers,” Krypto is an absolute delight on screen. Dog owners will instantly relate to Superman’s frustrations as he wrangles this unruly, overpowered pup. Rough around the edges but fiercely loyal, Krypto brings both heart and humor to the film.
Superman isn’t flawless. Its opening is rough around the edges, and the sheer ambition can feel overwhelming at times. This is, without question, James Gunn’s messiest script, but luckily, the film’s heart and charm hold it together. The emotional throughline, sincere character work, and love for the source material give it more than enough lift.
If there’s one major weak point, it's Lex Luthor. While Nicholas Hoult gives a strong performance, his version of Lex is the least compelling character in the ensemble. This Lex is obsessed with Superman to a clinical degree, tracking his every move and approaching their rivalry with the mindset of a seasoned gamer. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls flat. Aside from one chilling scene, he rarely feels like a genuine threat. Much of his screen time is spent monologuing, lamenting Superman’s existence. It's not a bad take, but it lacks the gravitas expected from one of Superman’s most iconic foes.
Another shortcoming is the underuse of the Daily Planet. Once again, a Superman film sidelines the day-to-day life at the newsroom, something we haven’t seen done meaningfully since Superman Returns. It’s a missed opportunity. That said, the characters we do meet are memorable. Wendell Pierce is excellent as a no-nonsense Perry White, barking orders and chasing the story even under threat. Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen is a surprise standout. Metropolis’ heartthrob, Jimmy’s charm isn’t treated as a throwaway gag, it’s a running element that ties directly into the plot and surprisingly works.
Still, Superman succeeds in its most important mission: reintroducing the Man of Steel with hope, optimism, and purpose. The film is a statement of intent. If I had to sum up my impression of this new DC Universe, it’s that James Gunn has successfully translated the spirit of the DC Animated Universe into live action. The world feels lived-in, populated by metahumans and extraordinary beings who simply exist in the background of daily life. This isn’t just another superhero movie, it’s a comic book BROUGHT TO LIFE. And if this is the foundation for what’s to come in the DCU, the future looks very promising.
Rating: ★★★★
About Superman
Premiere Date: July 11, 2025
Writer: James Gunn
Director: James Gunn
Producer: James Gunn and Peter Safran
Executive Producers: Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther
Production: DC Studios
Distribution: Warner Bros. Pictures
Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Neva Howell.
Synopsis: Superman, DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, soars into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original Super Hero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
When Superman is drawn into conflicts both abroad and at home, his actions to protect humankind are questioned, and his vulnerability allows tech billionaire and master deceiver Lex Luthor to leverage the opportunity to get Superman out of the way for good. Will the Daily Planet’s intrepid reporter Lois Lane, together with the aid of Metropolis’s other metahumans and Superman’s own four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help Superman before Luthor can completely destroy him?
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