Superman (Gunn, 2025)

Can Superman truly bring the hope the world and the DC universe need?

With tough times being the way of the world at present, we all need something to believe in. Superman, since 1938, has been a beacon of hope for the world, and in 2025, his message becomes only stronger.

Written by Hailey Passmore

We all know the story, whether or not we want to admit it. Born on the planet Krypton under the name of Kal-El, the youngling was sent to Earth by his parents to escape the destruction of their home world. Crash landing on a farm in Smallville, Kal-El is raised by the Kents as Clark Kent. As he grows, he discovers that Earth’s sun provides him with superpowers, and he begins to use them for good, becoming a champion for truth and justice, fighting for those in need. By day, he goes by Clark Kent, working as a journalist for the Daily Planet; by night, Superman, a superpowered being whose only goal is to do good and defeat evil. With his first appearance in DC Comics back in April 1938 to his run-ins with other superheroes and villains in comics, films, and television shows, Superman’s next adventure awaits in James Gunn’s reincarnation of Superman. 

In his newest adventure, or newest reboot as well, Superman Clark Kent (David Corenswet) takes a journey into the unknown as he tries to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage while reflecting on his human upbringing. Superman opens with a title sequence reminding us of how Kal-El got to where he is today: it has been three centuries since the first metahuman was found on Earth, but only three decades since Kal-El crash-landed here. After three decades, he introduced himself to the world as Superman only three months ago and has since been defending the city of Metropolis. 

After a successful run with the Guardians of the Galaxy (2014-2023) trilogy for Marvel Studios, director James Gunn diverted drastically, becoming the CEO of DC Studios and preparing to create a new set of superhero films for them. Superman, being the first of his upcoming DC films, it appears the director is on the right track to create a more positive rapport for the studio. With his choice of opening the film with a quick Star Wars type introductory credits, Gunn can bring the audience up to date with Superman’s story before he gets to where he is at present. Giving a quick recap on the basic lore of Kal-El, of which some may already know, he provides a starting point for those who don’t. 

In creating a strong basis for his take on the character of Superman, audiences are encouraged to hope for something new in the film – new and entertaining, that is. Yet it slowly slips into chaos as we join in on Superman’s current battle against the Hammer of Boravia. From this point in the film, through audiences’ introduction to Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) until the Justice Gang – comprised of Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) – are fighting alongside Superman, it all ends up feeling more bombarded with characters than relevant to the plot. This, however, quickly changes as Gunn makes each character relevant later on in the film. You begin to wonder if Gunn expects audiences to know and understand Clark Kent’s past and how he came to be in this situation, as the film follows more of the present day, compared to providing another backstory film to the world. And though the film feels a bit jumbled at the beginning, Gunn proves that he knew where he would take audiences to by the end of the film. As soon as Kal-El uncovers the true intentions of his parents in sending him to Earth, the tone of the film changes.

Though most adults would know the story of Superman, Gunn’s version brings in political struggles, current with the world’s economics. This provides more than just action and heroism from the comics and allows Superman to be relevant to present-day society and issues. As the world struggles through many issues, we all want a way to escape it and be able to relax for a few hours, hence what movies tend to be for. Audiences don’t look for political films as a method of relaxation; however, in Superman, there is just enough of a hint relating it to the real world that the viewer can still enjoy themselves while contemplating things as well, should they so desire. 

Reinventing Superman also requires the need for another set of actors to portray these beloved characters, which could go one of two ways. Luckily for the 2025 reboot, Corenswet provided just the right amount of strength while greatly into the importance of the heart and compassion. Along with our titular Superman, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Lex Luthor are the second most important roles to cast. The power Brosnahan holds is captivating, and she has already caused massive commotion for her portrayal of the journalist. In the 21st century, Lane can be an empowered female who can make her own decisions AND even be the hero of her own story. While yes, she is there to be the love interest of Clark Kent, Gunn has given her an ‘upgrade’, allowing her to be her own person. Then, with many portrayals of Luthor in the past, the next one needed to be all the more evil. Not to say that one is better than the other, but Hoult brings such realism and vulnerability to the character. Hoult’s portrayal helps strengthen Gunn’s writing of the character, allowing him to be an immensely realistic villain. Luthor, in this film, not only represents some real billionaires in the world, but he also shows the human emotion of jealousy and hate that we all have, even if we don’t always admit it or take it to the lengths Luthor does. 

With past DC films, there have not been many ways for audiences to connect to their characters, making this where the film tends to fall short. Where Superman succeeds, however, is in its grasp on humanity, allowing us to relate to a hero of such high standards. No matter how famous or praised a person may be, two things remain true. Their lives can come crashing down around them at any moment, and they may, too, just like us, begin to question who they really are. 

If there is one thing to take away from Superman, even if you really did not enjoy it, it is that we all question who we really are and who we want to be at times. If someone as powerful as Superman can struggle with his own inner demons and still be a savior of Earth, then each of us can get through it, too, in our own way. 

Superman has just flown into cinemas on July 11th, 2025. Do see it while you can on the big screen. This is perhaps a new path for the DC universe in film, and where James Gunn takes us next remains to be the big question.

Photos: Warner Bros Pictures