With Superman (2025), James Gunn faces a nearly impossible task. Reinvent one of the most iconic superheroes in history while launching a new cinematic universe under DC Studios. Technically, Creature Commandos and Peacemaker have done this but Superman is the key for a successful DCU. The expectations could not be higher. After years of cinematic missteps, tonal inconsistencies, and brand fatigue, both Superman and the wider DC Universe need a renaissance.
Gunn’s Superman isn’t a gritty deconstruction or a high-octane spectacle built solely on CGI. It’s something much rarer in superhero cinema: sincere, optimistic, and emotionally grounded. While not without its flaws, this is a thoughtful and richly layered reintroduction to the Man of Steel. It’s one that emphasises character over chaos, heart over hype, and clarity over convolution.
David Corenswet as Superman Is An Inspired Casting That Works
At the emotional and thematic core of Superman (2025) is David Corenswet, whose portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman is nothing short of revelatory. Taking on one of the most iconic, and arguably most challenging, roles in pop culture, Corenswet walks a fine line between reverence and reinvention. His performance doesn’t aim to eclipse predecessors like Christopher Reeve or Henry Cavill. It instead carves out a distinctive space that feels modern while deeply respecting Superman’s legacy.
Corenswet radiates authentic warmth that immediately disarms the audience. From the moment he appears on screen, there’s a sense of emotional openness that defines his Superman. He is not a distant alien deity, but a thoughtful, empathetic man seeking the best way to navigate a complex world. He is strong, yes, but what’s more notable is how often his strength is shown through restraint. There is a pause before speaking, a moment of hesitation before acting, a glance that reveals doubt or compassion. These quiet moments are where Corenswet excels.
The Moment You Know David Corenswet Is Superman/Clark Kent
There’s one early scene when Clark sits with Lois Lane for an interview that perfectly captures his mastery of the role. It’s not a grand action sequence or an inspiring speech, but a quiet conversation. Yet within that scene, you can observe the subtle, almost imperceptible shift between Clark Kent and Superman. The way his posture slightly straightens, his voice lowers with calm conviction, his eyes shift purposefully. It’s a brief but powerful transformation that highlights Corenswet’s ability to portray the duality of the character. It’s not just about costume changes and glasses; it’s a profound acting choice rooted in character psychology.
Most importantly, Corenswet avoids portraying Superman as either excessively sanctimonious or too detached. Instead, he finds a middle ground that lends an almost spiritual sincerity to the role. His Superman is aware of the expectations the universe places upon him, but also struggles with how to meet them ethically. This version of Clark Kent is curious, introspective, and emotionally responsive. He listens, doubts and questions. And through this, he becomes more relatable than many of his predecessors in live action.
Gunn’s direction undoubtedly supports this interpretation; this Superman feels more grounded in tone, more engaged with human dilemmas than cosmic ones. But it’s Corenswet’s choices that give the film its emotional depth. In quieter moments, whether comforting someone, wrestling with moral dilemmas, or simply observing the world around him, there’s a sense that Superman is constantly learning and always watching. Always hopeful. These aren’t mere filler moments between the big battles; they are the heart of what makes this version of Superman resonate.
The Physicality of Superman
Physically, Corenswet fits the role effortlessly. His presence on screen is commanding when necessary, but never overpowering. He moves with purpose, never arrogance. Even in action-packed scenes, his Superman doesn’t boast of power; he wields it with measured intent. The costume design, leaning into classic blue and red with a few modern touches, complements this restraint; it feels symbolic rather than showy.
A Superman For The Future
What truly elevates his performance, however, is the emotional accessibility he brings to the role. Corenswet’s Superman feels the burden of the world, not in a melodramatic or tormented manner, but like real people do when they care too much. His interaction with Lex regarding Krypto exemplifies this perfectly. That care, that vulnerability, becomes a superpower. It’s the kind of portrayal that makes you believe Superman can be inspiring without feeling unreachable.
In an era of increasingly cynical heroes, Corenswet’s portrayal is both timely and timeless. It’s a Superman that belongs in our world, not because he’s grim or edgy, but because he reminds us of what idealism rooted in empathy can look like. What hope can look like. He’s not here to rule or rescue from afar. He’s here to walk among us, shoulder to shoulder, quietly reminding us that decency, too, is a form of strength.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane Is Intelligent, Capable, and Irreplaceable
Rachel Brosnahan has been a firm favourite since her outstanding performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. In Superman (2025), Brosnahan delivers another career-defining performance as Lois Lane, revitalising a character often sidelined in past superhero films.
From her very first scene, Brosnahan’s Lois commands attention. She exudes the tenacity and moral conviction of a genuine investigative journalist. There’s a realism to her performance that makes the character resonate beyond the screen. This is a Lois Lane who feels like she could be reporting from a modern newsroom, uncovering real corruption and navigating genuine ethical grey areas.
What makes Brosnahan’s portrayal so compelling is her ability to balance confidence with vulnerability. There are moments, delivered with subtlety, where her eyes reveal just how heavily the stakes weigh on her, especially when she’s caught between her journalistic instincts and her connection to Clark Kent.
Importantly, Superman (2025) doesn’t reduce her to merely reacting to Superman. She has her own moral arc, her own risks to take, and decisions to make.
Her chemistry with David Corenswet is another highlight. Rather than relying on romantic clichés or overly scripted flirtation, their connection is built on mutual admiration, trust, and shared values. This version of Lois doesn’t fall in love with Superman simply because of who he is or what he can do. She’s attracted to the man, not just the mythology, and even questions that romantic attachment. That distinction adds profound emotional depth to their relationship.
Stylistically, Brosnahan is given space to showcase her comedic timing and quick wit, bringing flashes of humour that lighten the tone without undermining the story’s gravity. She feels like a character who belongs in this world, who can spar with aliens, question billionaires, and still file her story before the deadline.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Is A Chilling, Cerebral Villain
One of the most intriguing, and potentially divisive, elements of Superman (2025) is Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor. Where previous depictions leaned into bombast (Gene Hackman’s sly theatricality or Jesse Eisenberg’s twitchy, manic energy), Hoult opts for a cold, composed approach. This Lex is no megalomaniac in a flamboyant suit. He’s a quietly menacing thinker, always three steps ahead, orchestrating every detail like a conductor, and far more rooted in real-world comparisons than we’ve seen before.
Hoult plays Luthor as a man who genuinely believes in his mission, which makes him all the more unsettling. There’s no moustache-twirling villainy here. Instead, he depicts Luthor as someone whose ambition and intelligence are matched only by a deep, perhaps even justified, suspicion of Superman’s power. He’s less of a “mad scientist” and more of a philosophical adversary, an ideologue who believes that humanity should never bow to a being from another world.
What’s impressive about Hoult’s performance is how much he conveys with so little. His delivery is precise, clipped, and always controlled, reflecting a character who refuses to be emotionally manipulated. He doesn’t dominate scenes through volume or theatrics, but through presence.
Some viewers may feel his Luthor could have benefited from more screen time or explosive moments, but Gunn’s restraint seems deliberate. Hoult is playing the long game, establishing Luthor not just as a threat to Superman but as a moral and ideological foil, one who deserves to loom large over the future of the DCU. He’s a villain who could exist in our everyday life. You can imagine giving a TED Talk, then manipulating global policy behind the scenes the next day.
The Supporting Cast: A Fully Realised World Beyond Superman
While Superman (2025) naturally revolves around Clark Kent’s personal and heroic journey, one of the film’s most impressive achievements lies in its vibrant and purposeful supporting cast.
At the heart of the film’s grounded world is the Daily Planet newsroom, a place that feels refreshingly authentic. It’s more than a background setting, it’s where Clark Kent wrestles with his identity as a reporter and a person, not just as Superman. Here, we meet a cast of characters who reflect the diverse faces of modern journalism. Wendell Pierce anchors the newsroom as Perry White, the Planet’s no-nonsense editor-in-chief. Pierce brings a dry wit and a lived-in authority to the role, portraying a man who has seen it all yet still believes in the power of truth. If anything. Pierce is criminally underused and I hope to see far more of him in the future of the DCU.
One of the film’s most pleasant surprises is Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, a role that has often been relegated to comic relief or sidelined entirely in past adaptations. Here, Gisondo brings a refreshingly modern spin to the iconic photojournalist without losing the earnest charm that defines the character. His Jimmy is quirky but never a caricature, even with the running joke of how he’s found impossibly attractive. What makes Gisondo’s performance resonate is the sense of genuine friendship he builds with both Clark and Lois; he’s not just a tag-along, but an integral part of the Daily Planet’s emotional core. His comedic timing adds levity in just the right places, yet there are moments where Jimmy’s vulnerability and integrity shine through, giving the character surprising depth.
A World of Superheroes
On the other end of the spectrum, Gunn introduces a select group of heroes who offer a glimpse into the larger DCU without overwhelming the central narrative. These aren’t just flashy cameos; they’re characters with philosophical and thematic weight, carefully placed to explore questions of power, responsibility, and identity from angles Superman can’t reach alone.
Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) makes a strong impression with her commanding presence and warrior’s pragmatism. She doesn’t have much screen time, but what she does have is used effectively. She pushes back against Superman’s idealism, offering a necessary edge to their interactions. Her character hints at deeper histories, different codes of justice, and the broader moral complexity that lies ahead for the DCU.
Guy Gardner, brought to life with swagger by Nathan Fillion, is the most overtly comedic of the bunch, but never cartoonish. He brings a Green Lantern’s cosmic perspective and a bruiser’s bravado, delivering one-liners with charm and surprising sincerity. Fillion walks the fine line between parody and poignancy with skill, making Gardner both ridiculous and real.
Perhaps most intriguing is Mister Terrific, played with cerebral precision by Edi Gathegi. Gathegi portrays the character as an enigmatic blend of intellect and strategy, a man who sees the bigger picture and may play a pivotal role in shaping the DCU’s future narrative direction. He feels less like a side character and more like a sleeper chess piece waiting for a future move.
A (Super)Man’s Best Friend
Two more standout additions to Superman’s orbit are Krypto the Superdog and Four, a quirky AI assistant voiced by Alan Tudyk. Krypto, brought to life with impressive VFX and unexpected heart, is far more than comic relief. While his scenes are often crowd-pleasers, they also deepen our understanding of Superman’s loneliness and capacity for connection. The bond between Clark and Krypto is rendered with surprising tenderness, less “super pet” and more loyal companion who shares his burden of being different. Gunn wisely uses Krypto not just as a gimmick, but as a mirror to Clark’s own identity crisis.
Then there’s Four, the advanced A.I. system with a dry wit and oddball charm, voiced perfectly by Alan Tudyk. Tudyk brings his signature blend of voice agility and personality, making Four a surprisingly memorable presence despite limited screen time. Four provides both exposition and levity, but never feels like a convenience tool. Instead, he adds an unexpected flavour to the tone of the film.
James Gunn’s Direction and Tone: A Return to Hope Without Naïveté
Director James Gunn delivers his signature mix of character-driven storytelling, stylised visuals, and tonal finesse to Superman (2025). Gunn’s vision for Superman is a heartfelt homage to comic books. The film balances its tone carefully, remaining earnest but not cheesy, emotional yet avoiding melodrama, funny without undermining its stakes. Gunn also consciously avoids overloading the movie with exposition or extensive world-building. Although there are subtle hints of a broader DC Universe through numerous references and appearances by other metahumans, these elements are integrated naturally, steering clear of the bloated “shared universe” pitfalls that hampered previous franchise attempts.
Gunn’s script is introspective and idea-rich. Rather than focusing solely on action or lore, the narrative explores identity, duality, and moral clarity in the face of immense power. Clark’s internal conflict, how to reconcile his Kryptonian origin with his Earthly upbringing, is at the story’s centre, and it’s handled with admirable nuance.
This is a Superman who saves not because he can, but because he believes he must. The film frequently returns to the theme of restraint: when to act, when to hold back, and when to believe in people instead of dominating them.
That said, the second act does wobble. The script tries to balance character arcs, ethical dilemmas, and thematic weight while setting up future plot threads. A handful of side characters and DCU cameos, while exciting for fans, slightly disrupt the pacing and dilute the narrative focus. Still, it never entirely loses sight of its emotional core.
Visuals and Cinematography
Visually, Superman (2025) exemplifies restraint and precision over excess. While many modern superhero films rely heavily on overwhelming CGI and frantic action scenes, James Gunn’s vision adopts a more carefully curated aesthetic, one that enhances storytelling rather than distracting from it.
Superman’s flight sequences, for instance, are rendered with a fluidity that feels physically plausible. The CGI used in larger-scale action scenes is equally strong, but what stands out most is the emotional realism integrated into the effects. Destruction isn’t depicted as a mindless spectacle; it is contextual, impactful, and often intertwined with character stakes. When Superman employs his powers, it feels purposeful. The special effects team resists the temptation to go “bigger just for the sake of bigger.”
The design of the world itself deserves special mention. Metropolis is presented not merely as a city of towering skyscrapers and glass facades, but as a vibrant, breathing place. Production design leans into a retro-futuristic blend that honours Superman’s Golden Age origins while feeling contemporary and refreshing. The Daily Planet building is crafted with iconic flair, balancing nostalgia with modern detail. Costumes also reflect this ethos. Superman’s suit is bright and timeless yet subtly textured; supporting heroes wear gear that feels tactile and character-driven rather than overly stylised.
In terms of colour grading and lighting, Gunn favours a naturalistic palette with moments of stylised contrast. Daylight scenes are vibrant and clear, befitting Superman’s symbolic association with hope and transparency, while darker moments are never visually muddled or incoherent. There is a real sense of tonal harmony in how the visuals are assembled. This film is unapologetically a comic book adaptation. It’s bright, colourful, filled with unusual characters and settings, and yet, despite everything, it feels more authentic than previous comic book movies.
Pacing Is Mostly Smooth with Minor Hiccups
Superman (2025) runs just over 2 hours and 20 minutes, and for the most part, it justifies that runtime with confident storytelling and an emotionally resonant arc. The structure follows a fairly classic three-act model, but James Gunn’s character-focused sensibilities give each segment a distinctive texture. The opening act is powerful, efficient, and engaging. Gunn wastes no time introducing us to Clark Kent’s and Superman’s worlds. Within the first 20 minutes, the film successfully establishes its tone, moral conflicts, and key players without feeling rushed or overstuffed. It’s a smart, economic setup that gives emotional weight to everything that follows.
The final act delivers a thematically satisfying payoff. Without spoiling plot details, it’s fair to say the climax is more about moral resolution than raw spectacle. While it may not subvert expectations for longtime fans of the character, it lands with emotional clarity. Gunn prioritises character choices and internal transformation over sheer bombast. The action is impactful and a spectacle, but more importantly, it serves the story’s philosophical core. It’s a conclusion that feels earned, grounded in the character arcs developed throughout the film. It does feel like there are two ends to this film, however, with the last scene being shoehorned in to set up another movie in the DCU, I think this would have worked better as a post-credits scene so as not to detract from what many would assume is the final moment.
Middle Act Shortcomings
However, the middle third of Superman (2025) is where the film loses its footing, if only briefly. As the story expands to include broader world-building, the introduction of supporting heroes, glimpses into larger DCU mythology, and a more expansive geopolitical backdrop, some narrative focus is momentarily lost. There’s a subtle but noticeable tug-of-war between competing priorities: deepening character relationships (especially Clark and Lois), setting up future DC instalments, and driving the immediate plot forward. There are also many moments where Superman isn’t the one saving the day, which may be off-putting to some fans. This stretch isn’t without its highlights; there are some rich character moments and welcome comic beats, but the pacing slows and the momentum dips. A few transitions feel choppy, and certain subplots momentarily distract from the emotional throughline.
Still, what prevents the middle act from derailing the film is Gunn’s thematic clarity. Even as narrative threads briefly pull in different directions, the film never loses sight of its central question. What does it mean to be Superman in a complicated world? That constant return to moral exploration, to identity and purpose, anchors even the film’s more meandering moments. And just as the story threatens to sprawl too far, Gunn reins it back in with a renewed focus in the third act. Resolving arcs, tying up motivations, and re-centring Clark Kent’s evolution.
Reassuring Ambition
In the end, while the pacing isn’t seamless, it reflects the ambition of the film. Gunn isn’t making a streamlined, plot-heavy blockbuster; he’s crafting something more reflective, part origin story (which thankfully we only see small snippets of in exposition and conversation and not a full blown Superman origin story which we don’t need again), part philosophical essay, part launchpad for a new DC Universe. That ambition occasionally causes friction in the middle, but it also elevates the material beyond formula. For a film with so many moving parts, Superman (2025) remains impressively cohesive, and its heart never wavers.
Final Thoughts On Superman (2025)?
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Man of Steel or someone burnt out on superhero fare, Superman (2025) offers something we haven’t had in this genre for a while. Optimism, fun and heart. It’s a compelling argument not just for the character of Superman, but for the superhero genre itself. It’s bright, bizarre and yet strangely grounded. It feels like if superheroes existed, this is what life would be like.
Gunn has crafted a film that respects the past without being beholden to it, and one that lays a solid foundation for the future of the DC Universe.
