Superman has a long history in comics and continues to be a part of pop culture, originating the idea of an ideal superhero representing truth, justice, and the American way. In James Gunn’s latest take on the Man of Steel, it tackles the question of where Superman fits in modern society while maintaining what makes him great. It’s also a challenge to this movie’s potential success, as it relies on launching a brand new universe from the ground up. We also have a new actor taking on the role, with David Corenswet putting on the cape and high expectations from the audience, who are all familiar with Superman. After having major success with Marvel, Gunn has found a way to make Superman soar into the skies and deliver an incredible take on one of the most famous characters in comics history.
We are put right into the action when the film opens, showing that Superman has been in the public eye for a few years, and the existence of metahumans is a common occurrence. Gunn embraces the comic book elements of Superman in every way possible, with the tone filled with vibrant colors and cosmic, very reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy. The director isn’t afraid to put some fantastical elements into this world that Superman inhabits, and he fits into it like a glove. This world is full of aliens, monsters, and even super dogs, which feels very much like reading the pages of a comic book.
This is how Gunn builds the DC Universe by already establishing the existence of Superman and having characters like Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) trying everything in his power to stop him. We also have the developing relationship between Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent (David Corenwet), and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). This couple is already making names for themselves at the Daily Planet, covering Superman’s deeds in Metropolis and the world at large. Other heroes out there have formed a so-called Justice Gang, which consists of Green Lantern’s Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced). With everything thrown into this universe, Gunn makes these occurrences pretty natural and normal without much exposition needed to show a sense of hope in this modern world.
This source of hope comes from Superman, who is portrayed very confidently by Corenwet. He brings a lot of that stride and kindness into his version. We see him behave like an old-school superhero who has inhabited a world where it’s considered old-fashioned, and he doesn’t shy away from it. We see Clark and how he was raised on Earth to preserve and protect living beings, which is the kind of balance that this character needs. We also see him question his purpose and humanity when things go sideways for him. He even starts to doubt his relationship with Lois when she interviews him as Superman and argues about his actions, whether they are doing more harm than good.
It is great to see that Lois has already figured out Clark’s secret and tries to keep their professional and personal relationships separate. Brosnahan brings in that tough reporter attitude with her take on Lois as she attempts to understand Clark, as she sees these two sides of him from a personal standpoint. It is their dynamic that works well, thanks to the chemistry between Corenswet and Brosnahan. More screentime between them would’ve been great to establish more of their relationship, but we see how much these two truly care for one another based on their dialogue.
Corenswet also embraces the internal conflict that Superman faces when he sees people in danger. When his courageous act to save a country from destruction by another is called into question, we see that he only did what he had to do to prevent a genocide. That is what Superman represents, and Corenswet understood that through his performance. Even when he faces many challenges that put him in pain physically and emotionally, we see that on screen, thanks to the actor and Gunn’s direction. It’s great to see that Gunn doesn’t shy away from showing Superman’s vulnerabilities, even though some of that can be overtaken by the humor that gets in the mix.
The one who steals the show is Superman’s beloved and unruly sidekick, Krypto. The super dog shows his friendliness towards Clark, even at the detriment of himself, whenever he doesn’t always listen to him. Even when it causes a mess wherever Clark goes, you can’t help but feel a certain way about him and his cuteness. It seemed like Gunn wanted to show that emotional side of Superman through his connection with his dog. It kind of counteracts Superman trying to balance his responsibilities and his powers. Krypto’s constant need for attention from his owner mirrors Superman’s struggles.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is menacing when he has to be, but can often be egotistical as well. The British actor walks a fine line between those two sides of Superman’s arch enemy. We see him being overzealous about Superman’s feats as he tries to prove that he can offer the world with his genius intellect and inventiveness. Hoult portrays that well, but there are times when he can be silly and comedic at times when things get serious. Even his plot in the film can get confusing as the Daily Planet staff try to piece together his true intentions.
The side characters get some screen time without overstepping into Superman’s story. There’s plenty of humor to go around with the Justice Gang, especially with Nathan Fillion’s hilarious take on Guy Gardner. Even Edi’s Mr. Terrific gets some incredible scenes with his action sequences, something that would be cool to see more of if given the opportunity. Even the baddies like the Engineer and Ultraman get some screen time to showcase just how powerful they can be under Lex’s thumb. It’s what Gunn does best by putting the most unlikely individuals together into a team, like his previous superhero films.
The action is also something that Gunn nails when showcasing Superman and the other heroes’ abilities. There are some great aerial shots of Superman in his battles, whether it’s against a Kaiju creature or Lex’s goons. It’s a clever way to display the many powers that Superman has at his disposal. Mr. Terrific also had an action sequence that looked incredible to watch, accompanied by music playing in the background. Some of the otherworldly elements are well done with the CGI, where it doesn’t feel like it’s too much for a movie like this. There are some scenes where the action can be jarring at times when Superman is fighting in the air, but it doesn’t overshadow just how entertaining they can be.
Overall, Superman is a great start to what the DCU has in store for everyone. It is full of light and hope, something that the Man of Steel represents and that Corenswet embodies through his performance. Gunn has put a lot of pieces together to the puzzle of what he envisions this universe to be and has gotten us excited to see where we go from here. Despite it being overwhelmingly dense when it comes to what is being thrown at us as an audience, it still keeps us curious and entertained for what comes next. So far, the future looks bright with this new take on a classic superhero.
Superman will be playing in theaters on July 11, 2025.
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