After years of misfires, DC’s new universe finally finds solid ground with James Gunn’s release of “Superman,” a film that feels refreshingly modern and deeply faithful to the character’s roots.
More than just a reboot, this film reintroduces Superman as a symbol of hope, compassion, and conviction. It presents a grounded and emotionally sincere Man of Steel who reflects the ideals that have defined him for generations while embracing the complexity that modern audiences expect. With strong performances and a focus on character and storytelling, the film sets a clear and confident tone for what the DC Universe under James Gunn could become: a world where sincerity matters and heroes lead with both strength and heart.
The film takes place during Clark Kent’s third year as Superman, as he faces a series of challenges while trying to live up to the responsibility of protecting Earth. Along the way, he battles Lex Luthor, Ultraman, a towering kaiju and perhaps most unexpectedly himself. These conflicts aren’t just physical; they force Superman to question his purpose and the cost of his ideals in a world that doesn’t always share them.
While there have been several iterations of Superman on the big screen, James Gunn’s vision draws clear inspiration from the optimism of the Christopher Reeve era while adding his own emotional and thematic layers. This version of the Man of Steel feels less like a reboot and more like a revival, one that deepens the character without losing his essence.
David Corenswet delivers a standout performance as the “strongest metahuman Earth has ever seen,” carrying both the physicality and vulnerability that define Superman. He fully embodies the character’s inner strength, staying true to his values even as the stakes grow darker. Corenswet brings sincerity to the role, offering a Superman who leads with empathy, chooses restraint over dominance, and genuinely believes in the people he protects. It is a refreshing portrayal that reminds us why the character has endured for so long.
His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, a reporter for the Daily Planet, adds emotional depth to the story. Their relationship is layered with tension, ambition, and mutual respect as they try to balance romance with personal responsibility. The film establishes their complicated bond early on, giving the audience a reason to invest in how their connection develops.
Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch nemesis, is one of the most compelling villain performances DC has brought to the screen in years. He captures Luthor’s obsession and intellect with chilling control, portraying a man driven not just by power, but by a deep resentment toward Superman’s very existence. Hoult’s Luthor is calculating, charismatic, and dangerously unhinged.
Gunn also introduces Krypto the Superdog, marking his first appearance in live action. While Krypto could have easily been reduced to comic relief or a cute sidekick, the film gives him a meaningful presence that supports both the emotional and action-driven moments of the story.
This film also introduces the “Justice Gang,” a trio made up of Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific. Their hard tactics often clash with Superman’s values, creating moral tension within the group. While they don’t overshadow the story, their presence hints at a larger, interconnected universe and shows how Superman’s idealism may not always align with those around him.
One of the film’s biggest shortcomings is how it introduces several new characters without fully developing their relationships with Superman. While the Justice Gang adds energy and teases the broader scope of Gunn’s DC Universe, their interactions with Clark feel surface-level and rushed. There’s not enough time for meaningful chemistry or ideological tension to build between them, which makes their inclusion feel more like a setup for future films than a natural part of this one.
At times, the script feels overstuffed, juggling multiple plot points with the introduction of multiple characters that can compete for attention. Scenes can move at super speed, giving viewers little time to sit with emotional beats before jumping to the next crisis. In Gunn’s effort to build out this new universe without repeating old origin stories, the film sometimes stumbles in its pacing and exposition. Certain moments overexplain character details that could have been shown through action or dialogue, while others leave key plot points underdeveloped.
Despite these issues, “Superman” remains a hopeful and entertaining launchpad for the new DC Universe. It reclaims the emotional core of a hero who has too often been reduced to his powers, reminding audiences that strength, when guided by compassion, still matters.
Overall, this movie is a breath of fresh air, not just for the Superman character, but for comic book storytelling as a whole. Rather than following the darker trends that have shaped the genre in recent years, the film returns to the values that made Superman iconic in the first place. It resists the urge to modernize him through complexity for complexity’s sake. Instead, it embraces the idea that true strength, when rooted in compassion and principle, remains just as powerful today.