Superman
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Directed By: James Gunn
Written By: James Gunn
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, María Gabriela de Faría, Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced
Rating: PG-13 for violence, action and language
Runtime: 129 minutes
In this evolved cinematic environment, what approach should be taken to launch a new superhero universe in 2025? With Superman, writer/director and DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn presents a remarkable solution: set aside plot and concentrate on story. Gunn acts like a trainer awaiting you at a treadmill cranked to maximum speed, confident you already know how to run. The film immerses you directly in a universe rather than building one, taking you on an adventure that is thrilling, emotional, dramatic, and filled with joy.
Despite the presence of over a dozen Superman films before, this one offers an experience that feels refreshingly unique.
This film eliminates traditional origins, thrusting us into a narrative that’s already unfolding. Superman (David Corenswet) generates controversy when he intervenes in a conflict involving a militarized nation invading its neighbor, meeting us right after his first defeat in his heroic journey. With assistance from his chaotic canine Krypto and his resources at the Fortress of Solitude, he begins to recover, but challenges loom as he returns to Metropolis.
His budding romance with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), a fellow reporter at the Daily Planet, faces hurdles as his superhero endeavors complicate their relationship. Meanwhile, the nefarious Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) poses significant dangers. In addition to facilitating the conflict that puts Superman in a tight spot, Lex sends his henchmen, The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) and the enigmatic Ultraman, to invade the Fortress of Solitude for a troubling search. Their discoveries and the resulting revelations to the world reshape humanity’s perception of Superman, who must demonstrate his true intentions.
James Gunn instantly embeds us in the DC Universe with Superman, and it’s a perfect way to introduce the world.
Not only does Superman skip rehashing the tale of the alien baby landing in Smallville and growing up with loving parents, but it also avoids the traditional origin arc altogether. The audience carries a general understanding of these characters, allowing the film to proceed without unnecessary exposition. Gunn sensibly bypasses tired narratives in favor of telling the story he envisions with iconic characters, resulting in an exhilarating experience.
With the audience already acquainted with these heroes and villains, the film avoids laborious narrative mechanics. Lex Luthor is portrayed as a wealthy mogul with an outrageous ego, unable to tolerate an alien receiving adoration he believes he deserves. This empowers him to devise a villainous plan aimed at undermining Superman. Consequently, Superman grapples with his true purpose but draws strength from his understanding of himself and what he stands for. There are no contrived plot devices; everything evolves organically, creating a seamless flow that’s nothing short of spectacular.
David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult prove standouts in a Superman ensemble brimming with excellent performances.
A prime challenge in stories like this is ensuring that audiences recognize characters instantly, explaining why many reboots rely on origin stories. Luckily, Gunn has assembled a cast that enables Superman to make this transition effortlessly. David Corenswet steps into this iconic role and delivers a mesmerizing performance, seamlessly embodying various aspects of the character: he pulls off country charm alongside powerful righteousness, while also revealing the vulnerability of an outsider seeking acceptance.
Nicholas Hoult complements this portrayal, infusing Lex with an unyielding ego and fierce rage, making him a vividly dangerous combination with his intellect.
The classic struggle between Superman and Lex takes center stage, yet Gunn’s script doesn’t skimp on enriching the world, adding depth and vibrancy to the DC Universe. Lex’s manipulation of advanced technology and involvement in global matters allows the film to oscillate between supernatural and grounded realms, leveraging a tremendously talented supporting cast. This includes Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, and Isabela Merced forming the Justice Gang – Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, and Hawkgirl – bringing depth and humor to their interactions fueled by Gunn’s sharp dialogue.
Additionally, the Daily Planet team plays a significant role, with Lois Lane discerning something is amiss regarding the international conflict prompting Superman’s intervention, while an anonymous source at LexCorp feeds information to Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) with editor Perry White (Wendell Pierce) supporting the investigation. Brosnahan brings a lively enthusiasm to Lois; Gisondo captures the nerdy charm of his portrayal, and Pierce delivers gravitas as he authorizes the publication of a critical piece while soaring above an endangered Metropolis in the film’s thrilling climax.
Scene-stealers abound, including Anthony Carrigan as the shapeshifting Metamorpho and Sara Sampaio’s amusing take on the ditzy Eve Teschmacher, yet none can overshadow the chaos caused by Krypto, whose hilarious frenzy is balanced by his formidable destructive capabilities.
Superman has an immense scope that is consistently delivering exciting action.
The ensemble cast reflects James Gunn’s proven talent for assembling strong communities since his early indie directing days, complemented by an evolved visual style showcased in Superman. While no particular sequence outshines the others, the film abounds in scope, excitement, and wonder, exploring the grand majesty of the Fortress of Solitude, a kaiju confrontation in Metropolis, and Lex’s nightmarish pocket dimension used as a super prison, all amidst the chaos of war and a cataclysmic reality-altering fissure.
This film carries monumental stakes; it serves both as a foundation for a new franchise and an introduction to James Gunn’s broader vision. It succeeds tremendously, igniting excitement for what lies ahead. Yet beyond its franchise implications, it stands alone as an extraordinary film. Superman offers breathtaking spectacles paired with significant depth and resonant themes, delivering an experience unlike anything seen in superhero blockbusters before.
