Superman 2025

Superman (2025)

A Refreshingly Original, Hope-Filled New Beginning

★★★★☆

A storytelling and entertaining triumph that marks a remarkable first entry into a new DC universe.

After years of equal parts anticipation and skepticism, James Gunn finally delivers his version of the iconic Superman. This isn't a remake of the Donner years or a continuation of the Snyder era; it is an entirely new interpretation where superheroes have been part of civilization for centuries. The result is a comics-accurate, charming, and sentimental success.

"This is a world where civilians watch giant monsters with measured indifference, because they are comforted by the fact that Superman will shield them."

— Review Perspective

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: James Gunn
• Starring: David Corenswet (Clark Kent), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor)
• Supporting: Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Edi Gathegi (Mr. Terrific)

The Vision

James Gunn brings his uniquely inventive hand to the material, creating a Metropolis that feels lived-in and comfortable with its metahumans. David Corenswet's Superman remains an alien with a pure heart and strong morals—sympathetic, affable, and grounded in a way that feels refreshingly original. The action is impressive and the storytelling engaging, free from the cynical lens of previous modern takes.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Comic Roots: While an original story, Gunn cited All-Star Superman and Superman for All Seasons as primary tonal inspirations.
• The Score: Composer John Murphy worked to create a theme that balances the traditional majesty of the character with the new universe's unique energy.
• Practical Metropolis: Major sequences were filmed on location in Cleveland, Ohio, which served as the stand-in for Metropolis just as it did in some classic comic depictions.

✅ Pros

• Core concept of a "pure-hearted" Superman remains perfectly intact.
• Fascinating "lived-in" superhero world building.
• Effective balance of moving drama and high-stakes action.

❌ Cons

• May meet resistance from fans who prefer a more grounded, gritty tone.

🏆 Final Verdict

Superman is simply an entertaining triumph. If this is the first step in the new journey for Warner Bros. and DC, I can't wait to see what sights and ideas James Gunn explores next.

View original review on Letterboxd