‘Superman’ Review: The Start Of The New DCU Couldn’t Instil Anymore Hope

When Henry Cavill revealed himself at the end of 2022’s Black Adam, I was beyond excited to see a Man of Steel 2, which was announced as in development at DC Films. Less than a week later, DC Films was abolished, its leaders fired, and James Gunn and Peter Safran hired as the co-CEOs of the new DC Studios. Admittedly, I was quite disappointed. Why promise a new beginning only to rip it away for a blank slate? 

Still, James Gunn has long reigned supreme as one of my favourite comic-book adaptation directors. From his stint at Marvel Studios to his R-rated venture with The Suicide Squad, he thrives in making characters lovable, despite their irregularities. That’s why Superman works. Gunn understands the character, and whilst it feels fundamentally different from other adaptations, like Reeve’s portrayal and certainly Cavill’s. The character clearly craves the portrayal of heart, and sincerity is the easiest way to get there, which is where this movie thrives. From the little human moments of playing with a mischievous dog, to being pampered by your parents, it’s not only relatable, but instils a sense of nostalgia, and a sense of the human experience as a whole, directly tying into the main theme of the film. 

Superman follows Clark Kent (David Corenswet), three years into his career as he grapples with the geopolitical climate and his archnemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), doing his best to save any and all life. In his journey, he teams up with the likes of Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), a Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan).

Whilst the film is full of heart, the film doesn’t have the most impactful emotional core. Between the main dynamic of Lois and Clark and Clark’s heritage, there is some semblance of emotional impact, but it doesn’t really hit the spot until the final moments of the film, where we truly reconcile with those relationships. The needle drop of that scene (one of two in the movie, a more reserved move from Gunn) does a lot of the heavy lifting and ties the movie incredibly well. 

For a long time in the lead-up to this movie, I worried about David Corenswet’s performance. Whilst he has never given a bad performance, his lack of screentime and presence in projects like Lady in the Lake and Twisters made me anxious. Suffice to say, he performed exceptionally here. He nails the mannerism of Kal-El, making for a funny and exciting watch. The supporting cast, particularly Nicholas Hoult and Edi Gathegi, is fantastic here. They bring a real sense of character to the film, making the movie feel lived in and like a real event and not just a huge act.

Rachel Brosnahan provides a solid backing for the other side of Clark’s romantic relationship, but the script doesn’t offer her too much to do acting-wise, even if she is quite important to the plot. She is a great Lois, on par with other portrayals like Elizabeth Tulloch.

The Justice-Gang, the proto-Justice League of the film, was quite expected, operating in a similar capacity to the Justice Society in Black Adam. Fillion hangs up his Hal Jordan gear, having previously played the character in animated films, and puts on the ring of a different Lantern, this time Guy Gardner. He is a good and proper asshole here, even more than I expected initially. Fillion nails the douchebag type role and brings a perfect balance to the stoic and smart Mr. Terrific, who stars in his own excellent one-take fight sequence, and Hawkgirl. The secondary villains too, work well for the plot creating not only a threat, but a cool one too.

The real highlight throughout this film for me was the CGI dog Krypto. Despite lacking lines, this CGI dog has more heart and character than most characters in most movies, giving a really personal touch to the film. Who doesn’t love dogs? Yet again, James Gunn proves his prowess in the field, adding his special touch of CGI animals with heart. First, Rocket and Groot, to King Shark, to Cosmo, and to Weasel, he clearly knows what works, given his reuse of cinematographer Henry Braham and composer John Murphy. Murphy, teaming with David Fleming, gives an almost metal portrayal of the original Williams score from the 1978 Superman film. It works wonders and induces goosebumps more than once in the viewing. Like Murphy’s The Suicide Squad score, this one will be sitting with me for a while.

James Gunn does the impossible and reinvents Superman yet again, creating not only a fantastic adaptation of the character but the definitive film for the character. With a stunning ensemble and a good dose of heart, this movie will make anyone hopeful.

Superman is written and directed by James Gunn, and stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, and Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher.

Superman hits theatres worldwide starting July 9, releasing in the United States on July 11th, 2025.

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