There’s a new Man of Steel in town, and he soars with strength, soul, and style. In James Gunn’s Superman, the world already knows metahumans exist, but they’ve never known one quite like this. Set in a universe where gods walk among men and the political landscape has adapted accordingly, Superman introduces a version of Clark Kent who grapples not only with villains, but with identity, alienation, and the responsibilities of being Earth’s most powerful immigrant. From the opening prologue, Gunn crafts a vision of a world that feels lived-in and ready for heroes, while still leaving room for wonder, hope, and jaw-dropping spectacle.
Superman Trailer:
The Good
David Corenswet delivers a performance that reshapes the legacy of the character. This Superman feels like someone you’d want to grab coffee with after he saves the day. He’s funny, vulnerable, warm, and full of heart. Corenswet gives us the most human Superman we’ve ever seen on the big screen. Opposite him, Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp, grounded, and commands every scene she’s in. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and gives the film an emotional anchor.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a formidable antagonist, weaponizing intellect and tech in ways that constantly push Superman to his limits. His schemes are cunning and dangerous, making him a worthy match for the Last Son of Krypton. Hoult’s Lex doesn’t just hate Superman…he fears what he represents. That fear fuels a rivalry that feels personal and intense.
The supporting cast, including standout Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, all get their moment in the sun. Gathegi, in particular, leaves a lasting impression with a scene that proves he’s more than just a smart side character. Nathan Fillion brings levity, and his timing and quips work.
The film’s action is nothing short of thrilling. Superman’s flight is breathtaking, the laser vision scene is an all-timer, and every punch packs weight thanks to slick VFX and dynamic cinematography. The visual design is clean, colorful, and rooted in comic book splash-page energy.
Beyond the punches and heat vision, Superman succeeds in thematically grounding the character. Gunn explores the outsider experience with a level of effectiveness, drawing real-world parallels to xenophobia and identity politics. In doing so, he reaffirms Superman’s place as the ultimate immigrant story.
The Bad
At times, the film’s sense of humor oversteps its bounds. While Krypto is charming and often hilarious, his screen time occasionally edges into overuse. Similarly, certain comedic moments undermine the emotional tone of key scenes, making it difficult to tell if the film wants to be taken seriously or just have fun.
A few character beats also feel out of place. Superman’s decision to share a lighthearted moment with Lois while chaos unfolds in the background contradicts his established compassion. It’s a moment that slightly weakens the character’s heroic core.
Lex Luthor, while menacing throughout, is given a moment of emotional vulnerability that clashes with his otherwise cold and calculating nature. It risks softening a villain who thrives on arrogance and emotional detachment.
The Verdict
Superman is a crowd-pleasing triumph, full of heart, style, and heroism. This felt like a comic book come to life. James Gunn brings the icon back to cinematic glory with a film that blends old-school ideals with modern relevance. This is Superman for a new era, and possibly the most complete version we’ve seen yet. While a few tonal missteps hold it back from perfection, the film more than makes up for them with unforgettable moments, heartfelt themes, and sky-high ambition. Superman has become a good starting point for the DCU. There are two post-credit scenes, but nothing you should feel pressured to wait and see. This is a Superman movie worth experiencing on the biggest screen possible.