Superman (2025) Movie: James Gunn’s Hopeful Hero Actually Works in Today’s World

James Gunn’s Superman arrives as a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre, marking the official launch of the new DC Universe. Directed by James Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, this film takes a refreshingly optimistic approach to the iconic character. The movie stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as the villainous Lex Luthor.

The film deliberately steps away from the grim and gritty tone that has dominated recent superhero movies, instead embracing the colorful, hopeful spirit that made Superman a beloved character for decades. This PG-13 rated action-adventure focuses on Superman’s early years in Metropolis, exploring his dual identity as both an alien from Krypton and a human reporter.

Plot and Storyline

The story follows Clark Kent as he navigates his role as Superman while working as a reporter for the Daily Planet. Unlike previous origin stories, this film doesn’t dwell extensively on Superman’s beginnings on Krypton or his discovery of his powers. Instead, it focuses on his struggle to reconcile his alien heritage with his human upbringing.

The narrative centers around Superman’s mission to embody truth, justice, and hope in a world that increasingly views these values as outdated. The film introduces multiple characters from the DC Universe, including Hawkgirl, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and Mr. Terrific, creating a lived-in universe that feels authentic and expansive.

The central conflict involves Lex Luthor’s schemes against Superman, but the movie avoids making this a simple good versus evil story. Instead, it explores themes of belonging, identity, and the responsibility that comes with power.

Cast Performance

David Corenswet brings a fresh interpretation to Superman that feels both familiar and new. His portrayal captures the character’s inherent goodness without making him seem naive or overly simplistic. Corenswet’s Superman radiates joy in his heroic duties, but he’s presented as vulnerable and still learning, which adds emotional stakes to his journey.

Rachel Brosnahan delivers a strong performance as Lois Lane, portraying her as an intelligent, independent journalist who can hold her own in any situation. Her Lois is neither a damsel in distress nor an overly aggressive character trying to prove her worth.

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor provides a compelling antagonist who feels genuinely threatening without resorting to over-the-top villainy. The supporting cast, including Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and the touching performances by the Kents, adds depth to the world Gunn has created.

Visual Excellence and Direction

James Gunn’s direction brings his signature style to the Superman universe while respecting the character’s legacy. The film is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and dynamic action sequences that feel both grounded and fantastical. The costume design, particularly Superman’s suit, strikes the perfect balance between classic and modern.

The visual effects work seamlessly integrates practical and digital elements, creating believable flight sequences and super-powered action. The cinematography captures both the intimate moments and the grand spectacle with equal skill, using color and composition to reinforce the film’s themes of hope and heroism.

What I Liked

The film succeeds in several key areas that make it stand out in the crowded superhero genre. The decision to present Superman as genuinely good without making him boring or preachy is perhaps the movie’s greatest achievement. I found myself genuinely rooting for this version of Superman because he feels both powerful and relatable.

The film’s humor feels organic rather than forced, and the emotional moments have genuine weight. I particularly appreciated how the action sequences are well-choreographed and serve the story rather than overshadowing it. The production design creates a world that feels both fantastical and lived-in.

What Could Be Better

While the film succeeds in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The movie occasionally feels overstuffed, trying to introduce too many characters and concepts in a single film. Some subplot elements feel underdeveloped, and certain character arcs could have used more screen time to fully develop their potential.

I found that the film’s commitment to its optimistic tone, while generally a strength, occasionally makes conflicts feel less urgent than they might in a more grounded approach. The pacing has moments where the film feels like it’s rushing to cover necessary ground rather than allowing scenes to breathe naturally.

Critical Reception

The film has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, Superman holds an 86% critics score based on 87 reviews, earning it a Certified Fresh rating. The consensus among critics is that the film successfully returns to the roots of the Superman character while feeling fresh and contemporary.

Professional critics have praised the film’s earnest approach and strong performances, with many noting that it feels like a return to form for superhero cinema. Audience reactions have been similarly positive, with many viewers expressing relief at seeing a Superman who embodies the character’s traditional values.

Final Verdict

Superman (2025) represents a successful reboot of the iconic character and a promising start to the new DC Universe. James Gunn has created a film that honors the character’s legacy while making him feel fresh and relevant for modern audiences. The strong performances, particularly from David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, combined with impressive visuals and a heartfelt story, make this a worthy addition to the Superman film canon.

While the film has minor flaws in terms of pacing and occasionally feeling overstuffed, these issues don’t detract significantly from what is ultimately an entertaining and emotionally satisfying superhero film. The movie succeeds in its most important goal: making Superman feel like a hero worth believing in again.

Rating: 4/5