Released on July 11, 2025, Superman marks a bold and reinvigorating new chapter in the DC cinematic universe. Directed and written by James Gunn and produced under the DC Studios and Troll Court Entertainment banner, the film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as the ever-calculating Lex Luthor. With a runtime of 129 minutes, Superman boasts a vibrant production design by Beth Mickle and sweeping cinematography from Henry Braham, supported by a heroic score from David Fleming and John Murphy.
This new take on the iconic superhero gracefully avoids yet another retelling of his origin. Instead, it dives straight into action, with Kal-El already a known and established force for good. As political unrest brews between fictional nations and distrust in metahumans grows, Gunn crafts a Superman movie that feels both delightfully nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. This film review takes you inside the cinematic experience of Superman (2025)—a film I watched on opening night, and which truly earned its place as a high-flying blockbuster.
Genre:Action, Sci-Fi
A Film That Knows Its Hero—and His Humanity
From the first scene, it’s evident that James Gunn’s Superman isn’t interested in rehashing old beats. Kal-El, raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent in Smallville, has been Superman for three years by the time the story begins. When we meet him, he’s just survived a brutal encounter with a mysterious new threat, and is rescued by none other than Krypto, his adorably overpowered dog.
David Corenswet brings a wonderfully grounded performance to the title role. His Superman isn’t a brooding god or untouchable savior; instead, he’s a hopeful, fallible man navigating his responsibility in a complicated world. Whether he’s exchanging banter with Daily Planet colleagues or confronting interdimensional threats, there’s always a glimmer of sincerity behind his eyes. The performance hits a sweet spot between classic idealism and modern vulnerability.
Crucially, Superman avoids cynicism. The script embraces the hero’s earnestness, allowing his moral compass to be both a strength and a source of conflict. In an era where superheroes are often layered in moral ambiguity, this film leans into clarity: Superman is good, not because he must be, but because he chooses to be.
Supporting Cast That Soars
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is the perfect counterpart to Corenswet’s Superman. Intelligent, sharp, and entirely self-possessed, her Lois is never sidelined for the sake of romance. Their relationship is already well underway, giving the film space to explore the tensions and trust between them—especially when Superman’s public image comes under fire. One of the most electric moments in the film comes from a televised interview between Lois and Superman, which tests both characters' ethics and emotions.
Then there’s Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, delivering a chilling performance that may go down as one of the most politically resonant versions of the character yet. This Luthor isn’t just a brilliant megalomaniac—he’s a manipulator of media, an arms dealer, and an ego-driven symbol of technocratic supremacy. Hoult plays him with just the right mix of charm and menace, giving Superman a truly formidable nemesis.
The supporting cast adds dimension and energy to this already-rich ensemble. Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific brings intellectual gravitas and deadpan humor. Nathan Fillion’s obnoxious Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, provides comic relief, while Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl adds fierce presence. Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen is charmingly chaotic, with enough depth to become a fan favorite.
Action That Dazzles Without Losing Focus
Visually, Superman is a triumph. Gunn and cinematographer Henry Braham create a world that bursts with color and texture—from the crystalline serenity of the Fortress of Solitude to the neon chaos of interdimensional battles. Unlike the grayscale gloom that has dominated many recent superhero films, this movie embraces a bold, comic book-inspired palette.
The action sequences are thoughtfully constructed, never losing sight of character. Whether it’s a hand-to-hand battle with Luthor’s clone, Ultraman, or a high-stakes aerial conflict against kaiju in downtown Metropolis, every set piece feels earned. One particular sequence involving a black hole over the city is both visually arresting and emotionally intense, proving that even spectacle can serve the story when handled with care.
Despite the grandiosity, Gunn’s direction ensures that the stakes always feel personal. Superman’s fight isn’t just for the world’s survival—it’s for its belief in him.
Themes of Identity, Power, and Trust
At its heart, Superman (2025) is a movie about identity and trust. The film wrestles with what it means to be a savior when the world doubts your intentions. It asks whether power can be wielded altruistically—and whether people can still believe in goodness without suspicion.
This Superman is a refugee, an outsider who has chosen Earth as his home, and who must grapple with a message from his Kryptonian parents that challenges everything he thought he knew. Gunn doesn’t beat the audience over the head with political subtext, but it’s there—resonating in discussions about foreign intervention, public paranoia, and the weaponization of fear.
Luthor embodies the fear of irrelevance in the face of true altruism. He doesn’t want to defeat Superman because he’s dangerous; he wants to defeat him because he makes humanity’s worst impulses look small. It's a fascinating and timely portrait of villainy rooted not in ideology, but in personal inadequacy.
Krypto: The Breakout Star
We need to talk about Krypto. Modeled after Gunn’s own rescue dog, Krypto the Superdog is a scene-stealer throughout the film. Whether he’s dragging a wounded Superman across the Antarctic or causing chaos in the Fortress of Solitude, Krypto balances fierce loyalty with pure, silly charm. The visual effects used to bring him to life are consistently impressive, and the decision to let him behave like a real dog—albeit with superpowers—makes him instantly lovable. He’s a perfect example of the movie’s tone: earnest, whimsical, and unafraid to be goofy when it counts.
Final Verdict: A Superhero Movie for Now
As a film review, this critic walked out of Superman (2025) not just entertained, but hopeful. James Gunn has created a Superman film that dares to believe in decency, in community, and in the power of the individual to inspire change. It’s not just a film about a flying alien; it’s about what we choose to be when faced with fear, division, and manipulation.
There are flaws, of course. Some of the secondary characters—especially within the Justice Gang—could use more development. And the movie’s attempt to juggle geopolitical allegory, comic-book bombast, and character drama occasionally leaves it feeling overstuffed.
But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise spectacular achievement. Gunn delivers a Superman that’s not bogged down by origin stories or continuity checklists. Instead, he gives us a Man of Steel who can be hurt, who can doubt, but who ultimately inspires by choosing to be better.
Final Rating: 4.5/5