Superman (2025) is not just a new installment in the DC Universe—it’s a deliberate declaration of intent. With this film, writer-director James Gunn sets out to prove that superhero movies don’t have to be grim epics weighed down by cynicism and endless destruction. Instead, Gunn’s Superman is about compassion, optimism, and rediscovering why the Man of Steel became the first true pop culture superhero.
This new Superman movie isn’t perfect, but it is the boldest and most confident take on the character in decades. In a cinematic landscape crowded with reboots and multiverses, Superman stands out by simply believing in its hero.
A Brighter Vision for the Last Son of Krypton
David Corenswet takes on the challenge of stepping into the red boots once worn by Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill. His Clark Kent is earnest, kind, and a little awkward. He doesn’t project the tortured weight of Cavill’s Superman or the swagger of other modern superheroes. Instead, Corenswet plays Clark as a man raised with small-town decency who still believes in helping people, even when the world seems intent on proving him wrong.
Unlike Zack Snyder’s darker interpretation, Gunn’s Superman is not burdened by guilt or rage. He’s driven by hope. He works as a journalist because he wants to understand humanity up close, and he keeps his day job even as he saves the world. This balance of the ordinary and the extraordinary is what makes Corenswet’s performance so engaging.
A Lex Luthor Worth Watching
One of the smartest choices in this new Superman movie is casting Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Where past versions often veered into camp or megalomania, Hoult’s Luthor is coldly rational, a genius who genuinely believes Superman is an existential threat to humanity’s independence.
Hoult doesn’t chew the scenery. He underplays Luthor as a charismatic technocrat whose polished speeches mask deep-seated envy. The film never loses sight of the fact that Luthor and Superman are ideological opposites: one sees humanity as inherently selfish, the other as worth saving. Their philosophical clash is the backbone of the story, grounding the spectacle in something more substantial than flying fists.
Lois Lane Reimagined
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is another highlight. This Lois is not a damsel or a sidekick. She’s a tenacious reporter who doesn’t hesitate to challenge authority—including Superman himself. The film allows Lois to be funny, skeptical, and vulnerable, adding complexity to her relationship with Clark.
Their dynamic feels refreshingly adult: mutual respect, unspoken attraction, and occasional exasperation. Brosnahan and Corenswet have believable chemistry, and their scenes together are among the film’s most compelling.
A Supporting Cast Full of Surprises
Superman also introduces a colorful ensemble of DC characters. Krypto the Superdog appears in several sequences, providing levity without overwhelming the narrative. Jimmy Olsen (Ethan Cutkosky) gets a small but memorable role, offering comic relief as Clark’s enthusiastic colleague.
While these additions might sound like gimmicks on paper, Gunn integrates them smoothly into the story’s tone. This version of Metropolis feels like a living world populated by both ordinary citizens and larger-than-life figures.
A Story Rooted in Modern Concerns
Though lighter in tone, the film doesn’t shy away from contemporary themes. Gunn explores Superman’s immigrant identity, using it as a metaphor for finding belonging in a fractured world. Clark’s dual heritage—alien and human—becomes a source of tension as Lex manipulates public fear about outsiders.
This undercurrent of xenophobia and misinformation adds unexpected relevance. However, some critics have argued that the film stops short of fully exploring its most provocative ideas, opting for crowd-pleasing resolutions instead of deeper confrontation.
Visual Style and Action
Visually, Superman is vibrant and colorful—a welcome change from the desaturated palettes of recent DC films. Metropolis is rendered as a gleaming city of art deco towers and bustling streets, evoking both the optimism of classic comics and the scope of modern blockbusters.
The action sequences are ambitious, particularly an aerial showdown between Superman and Luthor’s drone fleet. While some CGI elements look rushed in places, the film’s energy and clear staging keep them entertaining.
Gunn also knows when to pull back. Quiet moments—Clark in the newsroom, Lois investigating a lead, Lex brooding over a chessboard—are given as much care as the battles.
Humor and Heart
Gunn’s trademark humor is woven throughout the script, but it rarely feels intrusive. There are lighthearted exchanges, sly meta references, and playful scenes with Krypto, but the film never descends into parody. Instead, the tone recalls Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman: warm, human, and unashamed to be hopeful.
If you prefer the darker intensity of Man of Steel, this approach might feel too gentle. But for many, it’s exactly the tonal reset DC needed.
Weak Spots and Pacing Issues
At 145 minutes, Superman occasionally feels overstuffed. The need to introduce future DC Universe elements—like subtle nods to the Justice League—adds bloat to an already busy story. A tighter focus on the central conflict between Superman and Luthor would have made for a more streamlined experience.
Watch the Superman (2025) Trailer
The final act also leans heavily on CGI spectacle, which sometimes clashes with the grounded character work established earlier.
Final Verdict
Superman (2025) isn’t flawless, but it’s easily the most refreshing and sincere take on the character in decades. James Gunn has crafted a superhero film that dares to believe in goodness without irony. Corenswet delivers a performance that feels both classic and new, and Hoult redefines Lex Luthor as a formidable foe worth revisiting.
If you’ve grown tired of superhero fatigue, this is the film that might restore your faith in capes and symbols.
