Superman is DC Comics’ oldest hero and one that has received many adaptations. This includes Richard Donner’s iconic 1978 film Superman: The Movie, starring Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel. Though Donner and Reeve set the gold standard for modern Superman adaptations, Warner Bros. has consistently struggled to give the Last Son of Krypton a strong renaissance on the big screen. This has included a failed attempt to revive the Donnerverse with Brandon Routh as the titular hero in 2006’s Superman Returns, as well as a Dark Knight Trilogy-style reboot with 2013’s Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill.
Despite having a lot riding on its shoulders, Superman director James Gunn isn’t just up to the task of giving the Man of Tomorrow the big-screen renaissance he’s been robbed of over the course of three decades. He’s also successfully planting the seeds for future DCU projects in the movie, including teases for the upcoming Peacemaker Season 2. Gunn even throws in a surprise tease for 2026’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, starring House of the Dragon’s Milly Alcock as the Girl of Steel. But Superman is more than just an Easter egg hunt for DC Comics fans. As a standalone movie, it fires on every cylinder, and more.
There’s a lot to love about Gunn’s Superman, including the fact that Gunn understands the characters he is working with and fully (and unapologetically) embraces everything the DC Multiverse is about. Gunn doesn’t just understand that Superman is driven by a love of humanity and a desire to make the world a better place. He also understands Lex Luthor is a shady narcissist, complete with the pettiness that comes with that. Though Gunn’s portrayal of Lex follows the Silver Age characterization more closely, elements of the John Byrne interpretation are also present.
Likewise, Gunn understands that Lois Lane is a tenacious journalist who will always pursue the truth. Despite her being distrustful of others, she still sees Superman as a force for good. Mr. Terrific (also known as Michael Holt) is portrayed as one of the most intelligent heroes of the DCU, possessing both technical expertise and a passionate commitment to justice. Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern is portrayed as the loveable jerk he is in the source material, and Hawkgirl honors her Thanagarian background. Similarly, Rex Mason (aka Metamorpho, the Element Man) is presented as mysterious and misunderstood, but ultimately on the side of the heroes.
In addition to solid writing, the performances of the actors can’t be discounted. Not only is every role well cast, but every actor perfectly embodies their characters’ well-defined traits while still bringing something of their own to their roles. For instance, David Corenswet has Superman’s optimism and kindness, but also infuses his version of Clark Kent with a nerdy charm that differs from that of Christopher Reeve. His Superman also believes in the innate goodness of his actions to the point of passionately defending his actions around the world, even if the world deems his interventions in international affairs illegal.
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When Corenswet’s Superman is presented with information about his Kryptonian origins that shakes up what he believes to be true about his heritage, he has Martha and Jonathan Kent to ground him and remind him of his true worth. Pruitt Taylor Vince is outstanding as the warm and loving Pa Kent, with Neva Howell bringing a fun, quirky energy to her Ma Kent. Similarly, Rachel Brosnahan strikes an excellent balance of presenting Lois as cynical, yet open to believing in the good of humanity, even when the world has consistently proved otherwise.
Nicholas Hoult brings his A-game to the table as the narcissistic Lex Luthor, and doesn’t hold back in showcasing the sheer pettiness of his character. Likewise, Edi Gathegi presents his Mr. Terrific with a laser focus on the mission, but not without discarding his own humanity and compassion. Isabela Merced perfectly captures the Thanagarian energy of her version of Kendra Saunders’ Hawkgirl, with Nathan Fillion knocking it out of the park as the insufferable Guy Gardner.
As a story, Superman is full of heart and is not afraid to have fun, whether it’s an adorable-looking kaiju stomping through the streets of Metropolis, Krypto behaving like a normal, playful dog, or Lois Lane never missing an opportunity to make a snarky remark. Though some situations and gags can come off as over-the-top to adult audience members, they’re also the types of gags that kids will find enjoyable. This effectively cements Superman as a family-friendly film, which is further highlighted by its bright color palette and cinematography.
The depiction of violence is high-octane and cartoonish, but never gory or traumatizing to see. Superman does have some colorful language, like the occasional use of the S-bomb, but profanity is largely minimal. Gunn also doesn’t neglect to feature moments that are genuinely heartbreaking and dramatic, which effectively balances out the more outlandish parts of the film. The emotional beats of these moments give Corenswet’s Man of Steel the kind of vulnerability that spotlights his humanity. These beats are further augmented by John Murphy and David Fleming’s score, which pays homage to John Williams’ iconic Superman score without outright copying it.
The only downside to Superman is that parts of it can feel a little disjointed and even rushed, given the movie’s fast pace. Likewise, some of the visual effects can come off looking awkward despite trying to convey a sense of Superman defying gravity during his flights. The use of humor is also pretty hit-and-miss. While most of the movie’s jokes are well-placed and genuinely funny, other times they can be discomforting to watch. The latter is most notable during the scenes involving Jimmy Olsen and Eve Tessmacher.
Though the movie does have some flaws, on the whole, Gunn successfully gives DC Comics fans the Superman movie they’ve been asking for that exceeds the standards set by Superman: The Movie and Superman II. The general audience is also finally treated to a true-to-the-comic-page adaptation of the Man of Tomorrow in live-action. In addition to having heart and humor, Gunn’s Superman includes all the other comic book elements that have been missing from many live-action adaptations, including the beloved, but grounded Superman & Lois. With all Superman has going for it, it’s poised to be 2025’s biggest summer hit.
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