Some context real quick, James Gunn’s Superman (2025) adaptation is a symbol of hope, not only in its story but as a marker for the new dawn of the DC Universe. Gunn, writer and director of the film, takes on the challenge of spearheading the newly imagined DCU (alongside Peter Safran) after being appointed the Co-Chairman and CEO of DC Studios in 2022.
The fiml starts with the city of Metropolis seemingly turning on its beloved superhero, Superman, who faces criticism despite his consistent efforts to protect the public. Rather than revisiting his origin story, the film follows the political and social fallout following the hero’s established presence in the city.
Superman attempts to distinguish the DCU from other superhero franchises, like Marvel, through a more grounded portrayal of violence, allowing the story to explore the complexity of morals within this universe. The violence in Superman appears more consequential, holding more weight in terms of Superman’s central values of justice and peace. Additionally, Gunn’s take on the universe has a brighter and more optimistic approach compared to Zack Snyder’s darker tone portrayals. As the first film to launch the reimagined DCU, the hero, as well as the film itself, acts as a reminder to the audience of Gunn’s values and vision moving forward with DC Studios.
The 2025 Superman film pays respect to the classic superhero through various creative choices while also telling a significantly different story through its tone and narrative. Most notably, the remastered Superman theme song heard in the trailer is just as emotional and compelling in the film, especially alongside David Corenswet’s embodiment of the character. This is apparent in an opening scene when the trumpets slow down amidst Superman’s defeat, as Corenswet’s performance intensifies with feelings of visible despair. Despite this, the melody continues to carry a message of hope, staying true to the core values of the story. Gunn makes sure to include his style throughout, specifically when the soundtrack contrasts with the scene to create light-hearted montage sequences. Beyond the film’s music, Gunn’s camera use for flight shots emphasizes Superman’s inherent heroism, aligning with the original concept of the character. With slow-motion 360 angles sprinkled throughout the film, Gunn selectively focuses on the various actions of different characters to underscore the grandeur of fight scenes.
Corenswet embodies the hero’s integrity and kindness, balancing the physicality required for action while also maintaining the emotional nuance for the character’s personal relationships. Furthermore, Clark Kent’s relationship with Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan, is equally iconic as the classic portrayals of the two. Corenswet and Brosnahan’s chemistry is palpable and dynamic, and is an testiment to their upcoming talents. On the other hand, Nicholas Hoult’s performance as Lex Luthor is comparable to that of the power couple. Lex Luthor and Superman’s relationship is the underlying force that propels the main themes of the story through its tension and vigorous back-and-forths. While Lois challenges Clark on his naivete, Luthor despises this characteristic on a level that paints Superman as dangerous. The strength of these character relationships is the basis of the ethical conflicts posed by Gunn throughout the story.
Besides the strength of the lead performances, there is an excessive number of side characters whose presence often feels unnecessary. For example, Jimmy Olsen, played by Skylar Grisondo, is given a storyline with Eve (Sara Sampaio) that distracts from the main plot. Moments like this feel like an attempt at comedic relief without any relevance to the main themes. While the comedic writing is in line with Gunn’s previous work, some of these elements could have been effectively placed elsewhere in the film. As a result, resolutions to major plotlines often felt detached from the film’s core message, ultimately downplaying the gravity of the thematic conflicts. Despite this, Gunn’s use of comedy assists the audience in digesting the heavy subject matter involving violence and politics throughout the film.
3/5 Stars
James Gunn’s Superman successfully redefines the beloved superhero through emotional depth and complex themes, ultimately maintaining the character’s compelling sense of hope and peace. While not without its flaws, the film’s music and visual elements, alongside the standout performances by the main cast, create a refreshing, brighter tone that acts as a foundation for future films in the DCU.
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