Superman [Review]
For all the brooding shadows Batman casts across Gotham - and the comic shop sales charts - it’s Superman who remains the heart of the DC Universe. He is the moral compass, the archetype, the myth made modern. So when James Gunn stepped up to chart a new course for the struggling cinematic DC Universe, it made poetic sense to begin with the Man of Steel. And given the weight of expectation, decades of legacy, and the challenge of rekindling faith in this franchise, Superman could have easily collapsed under its own cape.
Instead, it soars.
Gunn’s Superman isn’t just a win for DC Studios - it’s a bold, heartfelt reaffirmation of why Superman still matters in a world that can feel increasingly cynical. It’s not a reinvention, but rather a realignment, polishing the core values of the character while making room for some modern tension and nuance. The result is a film that manages to feel timeless and timely all at once.
From the outset, Gunn makes one thing clear: we’re skipping the baby in the spaceship. No exploding Krypton, no farm boy discovering his powers for the first time. This Superman is already known to the world. He’s clocked a few years on the job. But an international conflict, one that hints at the geopolitics of power, fear, and control, sets a larger story into motion. Gunn doesn’t waste time with origin rehashing. He trusts the audience to know who Superman is - and then challenges us to understand him.
David Corenswet steps into the red boots with humility and charm, and his portrayal of Superman feels grounded and sincere. He also brings something distinct: a narrower gap between Clark Kent and Superman. For some longtime fans, this choice might be jarring: Clark isn’t quite the bumbling disguise we’re used to. But in Gunn’s vision, that thin line is the point. This is a Superman whose every decision, every ounce of restraint, comes from the same place: a Kansas farm boy’s sense of decency. Clark and Superman are not masks for one another. They’re the same man trying to do right in a complicated world.
That doesn’t mean he’s immune to anger. There’s a simmering frustration in this Superman - at the state of the world, at the injustice he can’t punch away, at being misunderstood by both civilians and those he considers close. It’s a subtle thread, but one that adds welcome texture to the character.
Enter Lois Lane. Played with whip-smart energy and no-nonsense steel by Rachel Brosnahan, Lois is the perfect counterbalance to Corenswet’s idealism. She doesn’t fawn over Superman, no - she interrogates him. She pushes, challenges, and cuts through the noise. Their philosophical tug-of-war, layered with wit and tension, becomes the emotional spine of the film. Gunn’s dialogue sings here, giving both actors room to flirt and spar with real chemistry.
The Daily Planet crew offers welcome levity, with Wendell Pierce as a gruff but caring Perry White and Beck Bennett’s Steve Lombard providing some light punchlines. But the real standout is Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen. His earnestness and goofy charm as an unexpected “ladies man” land just right, and he anchors the human element of the film effectively. That said, one of the film’s few missteps is short-changing the Planet’s ensemble. It’s hard not to feel like scenes were left on the cutting room floor: scenes that might have fleshed out Clark’s day-to-day life in Metropolis.
Superman doesn’t face this film’s challenges alone. He’s flanked by a trio of heroes: Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced). Gathegi brings dry wit and gravitas to his role, and Fillion leans into the cocky Guy Gardner persona with aplomb. Unfortunately, Hawkgirl feels undercooked. Merced has the physicality, but her performance lacks the complexity and presence the character typically commands in the comics.
Of course, we can’t forget about the furrier superpowered ally in the form of Krypto, Superman’s loyal and lovable canine companion. He makes an unforgettable entrance in Superman, bringing warmth, humor, and a bit of chaos to the hero’s already eventful life. He’s not exactly a polished sidekick - more likely to chase a missile like it’s a tennis ball than follow tactical orders - but his bond with Clark is heartfelt and genuine. Whether he's clumsily bounding into danger or offering quiet comfort during tense moments, Krypto adds an endearing layer to the film’s emotional core, and it’s clear this super-pup is destined to become a fan favorite.
But let’s talk about the big bad. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is magnetic: equal parts eccentric mogul and icy megalomaniac. Hoult threads the needle between theatrical and terrifying with ease, echoing the legacy of Gene Hackman while injecting his own brand of brutal calculation. He’s not just out to beat Superman; he wants to dismantle him philosophically, emotionally, piece by piece. It’s the kind of villainous turn that lingers.
James Gunn’s deep affection for comic book storytelling is well documented, and Superman is no exception. There’s a clear reverence for the source material, from character designs to story beats that nod to classic runs. Even the retooled John Williams score, used with striking purpose, evokes awe rather than nostalgia fatigue. It reminds us that Superman is a figure of wonder, not just muscle.
Is it a perfect film? No. Some dialogue feels overly expository or clunky. A few subplots could’ve used more breathing room, particularly a divisive reveal about Kal-El’s Kryptonian heritage that may have fans debating in comment sections for months. But those flaws don’t overshadow the bigger picture.
At its core, Superman is about hope. About choosing kindness in the face of cruelty. About holding onto your ideals even when the world pushes back. Gunn’s take doesn’t treat Superman as outdated or naïve: it reasserts him as essential. In a cinematic landscape full of antiheroes and edge, Superman dares to believe in goodness.
And that’s why this movie works.
With this first step, James Gunn sets a hopeful tone for the DCU - one that blends sincerity with spectacle, and myth with meaning. Whether or not the broader franchise sticks the landing remains to be seen, but if this is the new foundation, the future looks bright.
So - look up.
