Flying into theaters triumphantly, Superman (2025) boasts more than $400 million worldwide. It is holding its position even through its second week as positive word-of-mouth spreads. Much like the eponymous character himself, the Superman movie seems to be beloved by all.
Debuting in Action Comics #1 in 1938, Superman was the brainchild of Jewish second-generation immigrants Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel. Reflecting his creators’ experience, Superman had travelled far from home and was raised in the American heartland, becoming humanity’s greatest protector and kindest hero regardless of his alien status. His impact cannot be overstated, and the many cinematic adaptations of the character left director James Gunn with big red trunks to fill.
Gunn had no need to balk at the expectations, however. Having directed the Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and its two sequels, Gunn was respected as an interesting, funny, and creative voice in the world of comic book movies. He went on to direct DC’s The Suicide Squad (2021) that spawned the spinoff show Peacemaker (2022-). Trusting Gunn’s creative vision and directing experience, DC placed him in charge of their superhero cinematic universe, hoping to finally contend with Marvel. Superman is Gunn’s opening volley.
The movie introduces us to the character in a rare moment of vulnerability and weakness, as he lies in the snow commanding his disobedient dog to take him home. David Corenswet plays the character with a charming boyishness reminiscent of Chirstopher Reeve in Superman: the Movie (1978). The performance is held up by Corenswet’s ability to play Superman with as much humane kindness as the character deserves. His attempts to discipline the excitable super dog Krypto are hilarious, his chemistry with Lois electric, his Clark Kent persona bumbling, and his Superman a figure of hope as touchable and friendly as Mr. Rogers. Despite the many claims that Superman is too overpowered or perfect a character to be interesting, Corenswet has delved deep into the character’s mentality and homed in on his ostracization from humanity, his homely Kansas upbringing, and the cost of his kindly actions.
Playing against his wide-eyed country boy naivety, Rachel Brosnahan portrays the street-tough and incisive reporter Lois Lane with strength and charm. Having played stand-up comic Midge Maisel in the acclaimed series The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (2017-2023), Brosnahan uses her excellent timing and gift for wit to full effect. In a standout scene where Lois interviews Superman about his off-screen involvement in stopping the country of Boravia from invading Jarhanpur, she throws him tough questions about his authority and the potential abuse of his power. Corenswet reacts to her doggedness wonderfully, volleying back and forth from Superman the saviour to Clark Kent the unequipped boyfriend in a matter of seconds. His final, empathic response that people would have died had he not interfered tells you all you need to know about the character.
Unlike the past iteration of Superman in the dark, realistic Man of Steel (2013), Gunn’s version of the character harkens back to a more innocent time. Known for his playfulness and tendency to embrace the weird side of comic books, Gunn does not shy away from portraying Superman’s goofy costume in all its trunks-on-the-outside glory, nor does he make any excuses about a super-powered dog with a cape. His good-natured joy and passion for everything ridiculous and silly makes him a great director for Superman. He can embrace the inherent good heartedness of the character without bogging him down with unnecessary angst or drama. The movie serves as a breath of fresh air in the jaded, cynical world we live in.
The movie is not only a good time, however, and has plenty to say about the villainy that is present all around us. Nobody exemplifies villainy more than Lex Luthor, the bald megalomaniacal billionaire who is profiting off the invasion of Jarhanpur and will do anything to stop Superman from foiling those plans again. Portrayed expertly by Nicholas Hoult, the character exudes menace and the very real fear of multi-billion-dollar corporations destroying the Earth for their own petty reasons. He manages to use the media to his own ends and even manipulate the American government to work against Superman. While some parts of the film are charmingly anachronistic, the central conflict between Clark and Luthor feels startlingly modern and like a glaring piece of commentary on the dangers of corporations left unchecked and nations run wild with power who refuse to consider the human cost of their actions.
The film balances these darker themes with the rest of its likeable, comedic cast. Rounded out with Skylar Gisondo as the dorky ladies-man Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as the hilarious Eve Teschmacher, Nathan Fillion as the irritatingly funny Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as the deadly Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as the scene-stealing Mr. Terrific, the film has no shortage of talent. Gunn populates his world with wild, colorful characters who bounce off the screen in this adventurous, optimistic tale about a man’s resolute faith in kindness and staying true to your beliefs. A wonderful first film that sets up a rich table for future installments in the universe, Superman assures us that the only way to go is up, up, and away.