Superman (2025): Why James Gunn’s Version Gets the Hero Right for 2025
James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel arrives with a fresh perspective that feels different from what we’ve seen before. David Corenswet steps into the iconic red cape, while Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult round out the main cast as Lois Lane and Lex Luthor respectively. This reboot kicks off DC Studios’ new chapter with a film that aims to make Superman relevant again.
What makes this casting interesting is the mix of established talent and fresh faces in the superhero space. Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, and Anthony Carrigan join as other heroes, bringing variety to the screen. The film skips the familiar origin tale and drops us into Clark’s world when he’s already been saving people for three years.
The Story Unfolds
We meet Superman at a vulnerable moment after experiencing defeat for the first time in his superhero career. With his loyal dog Krypto by his side, he retreats to heal and reflect. Meanwhile, Clark’s day job at The Daily Planet keeps him grounded, but his two worlds are getting harder to balance.
The plot thickens when a conflict between two nations forces Superman to make tough choices. Every action he takes has ripples he can’t control. Lex Luthor sees this as his chance, quietly working to paint Superman as the problem rather than the solution. What I appreciated most was how the film doesn’t give easy answers about what being a hero really means.
The Performances
Corenswet brings a genuine quality to Clark that makes you root for him even when things go wrong. He manages to show strength without losing the character’s kindness and relatability. His connection with Brosnahan feels natural, which helps ground the bigger superhero moments in something real.
Brosnahan gives Lois a sharp edge that goes beyond being Clark’s romantic interest. She’s chasing stories and pushing boundaries in her own right. Hoult’s version of Lex works quietly in the shadows, making him feel more dangerous because you don’t always see his moves coming. The supporting heroes add spark when they appear, though the film could have given them more breathing room.
What Works Well
The visual style catches your eye right away with its bright colors and dynamic camera work during action scenes. Gunn knows how to stage superhero moments that feel exciting without becoming repetitive. What really sets this apart is putting Superman’s character and values at the center rather than just his ability to punch things really hard.
The immigrant angle resonates throughout without feeling forced or preachy. Clark’s journey to find where he belongs speaks to something universal. Krypto adds heart to the film in unexpected ways, becoming more than just comic relief. The quieter conversations between the big set pieces give the story room to explore its themes properly.
Where It Stumbles
The middle section drags at times when it should be building momentum. Juggling multiple storylines and characters means some elements don’t get the attention they deserve. A few supporting characters feel more like trailers for future films than fully realized parts of this story, which can be frustrating.
The tonal balance trips over itself occasionally. Jokes land during moments that needed to hit harder emotionally. While Gunn’s signature style has worked elsewhere, some of his choices here feel at odds with the character’s essence. Making Superman vulnerable creates drama, but it might alienate fans who want to see the traditional powerhouse version of the hero. The political commentary sometimes lacks subtlety.
Reception from Different Corners
Critics have largely responded positively, giving it strong ratings across major review sites. The film earned an 83% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, showing that most professional reviewers found value in what Gunn created. Regular moviegoers on IMDb rated it 7.2, which suggests audiences are generally satisfied with the experience.
Opinions split when you dig deeper into reviews. Some writers praised the film for trying to do something meaningful within the superhero framework. Others felt it leaned too heavily on humor at the expense of gravitas. Fans seem divided between those who love this sincere approach and those who wanted something with more weight. The passionate discussions around the film prove it’s at least getting people talking about Superman again, which hasn’t happened in a while.
Rating: 4 out of 5
