The 2025 film Superman released today on 11 July, Which is a major reboot of the iconic superhero franchise and marks the launch of the new DC Universe (DCU) on film. Written and directed by James Gunn.
This movie is the first in the DCU’s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” slate and is not a retelling of Superman’s origin, but instead follows a younger Clark Kent/Superman as he balances his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
Review:
James Gunn’s 2025 Superman reboot has received a largely positive, though sometimes divisive, response from critics, with most agreeing it marks a significant tonal shift for both the character and the DC cinematic universe.
Performances and Characters
- David Corenswet is widely praised for his portrayal of Superman/Clark Kent, bringing sincerity, charm, and emotional depth to the role.
- Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is described as sharp, warm, and independent, with strong chemistry between the leads.
- Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is noted for being both menacing and theatrical, though some critics find the character a bit one-dimensional.
Tone and Direction
- Gunn’s film is characterized by a return to optimism, humor, and comic book absurdity, moving away from the darker, more brooding tone of previous DC entries.
- The movie is described as relentlessly entertaining, with a sense of “child-like wonder” and a focus on hope and kindness as Superman’s core values.
- Critics highlight the film’s vivid color palette, brisk pacing, and playful tone, often comparing it to a vibrant Saturday morning cartoon.
Strengths
- The action scenes are dynamic and visually polished, though they sometimes lack the high stakes or gravitas of earlier superhero spectacles.
- The film is praised for its emotional core and its willingness to embrace the corners of the DC universe, including characters like Krypto the Superdog and other meta moments.
- Gunn’s script is seen as a love letter to Superman’s ideals, celebrating his relevance and the enduring power of hope.
Weaknesses and Criticisms
- Some critics find the movie overstuffed, with too many ideas and a narrative that can feel scattered or rushed.
- The humor occasionally undercuts tension, and the film’s campy tone may not satisfy those seeking more serious or high-stakes superhero storytelling.
- A minority of reviewers describe the film as generic, overwritten, or lacking narrative coherence, with some visual effects and set pieces feeling weightless or inconsequential.
Critical Consensus and Scores
- The film is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 83% critics score and an average rating around 7.3/10.
- Metacritic lists it at 70/100, indicating generally favorable reviews.
- Many reviewers praise the film’s fun, pacy, and heartfelt approach, calling it a “breath of fresh air” for the superhero genre.
Key details of Superman (2025):
- Release: Premiered July 7, 2025, at TCL Chinese Theater; wide release on July 11, 2025.
- Director/Writer: James Gunn.
- Cast: David Corenswet (Superman/Clark Kent), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, among others.
- Plot: Superman, now an established hero, faces new threats as he tries to reconcile his alien and human sides. He battles Lex Luthor, who manipulates public opinion against him using a Kryptonian message and unleashes threats like Ultraman and the Engineer. Superman teams up with other heroes such as Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl, and even his superpowered dog Krypto plays a key role.
- Inspiration: The film draws heavily from Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman and other classic comic arcs, aiming for a blend of epic action, science fiction, and heartfelt character moments.
- Tone: Critics note the film’s lighter, more colorful approach, reminiscent of Silver Age comics, with elements like giant kaiju battles and pocket universes, while still delivering emotional depth and timely themes.
Reception:
- Critical response: The film has received generally positive reviews, with 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 70/100. Critics praise its heartfelt tone, dynamic world-building, and fresh take on Superman, though some reviews are more mixed.
- Box office: Projections suggest a strong opening, with estimates ranging from $115–175 million domestically, and the film is expected to be a major financial success if it surpasses $700 million worldwide.
Notable features:
- No origin story: The film skips the classic origin, focusing instead on Superman’s life as a hero and reporter in Metropolis, already in a relationship with Lois Lane.
- Lex Luthor as a true threat: Luthor is portrayed as a formidable antagonist, orchestrating complex schemes that genuinely challenge Superman.
- Krypto the Superdog: Krypto is a significant character, adding both action and heart to the story.
- Visuals and style: The film is noted for its vibrant visuals and imaginative action sequences, including battles with giant monsters and high-concept sci-fi elements.
This film is seen as a fresh start for Superman on screen, aiming to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences by balancing classic heroism with modern storytelling.
Summary:
Superman (2025) is a colorful, heartfelt, and entertaining reboot that re-centers the character’s optimism and humanity. While it may not satisfy everyone—especially fans of darker or more grounded superhero films—it stands out for its sincerity, humor, and comic book energy. David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan shine in the lead roles, and James Gunn’s direction brings a playful, hopeful spirit back to the world’s first superhero.
The tickets for this movie are available on BookmyShow and District.
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