Superman: A Fresh Take on a Superhero Franchise in 2025 – Review

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Twenty years ago, Marvel Studios revolutionized Hollywood by introducing the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a change that still resonates today (with a new release coming up this month). While superhero movies continue to captivate audiences, the film industry has undergone significant transformation since 2008. The hunger for superhero blockbusters persists, but viewers have grown weary of the repetitive – as numerous origin stories explore different genres and aesthetics, yet share similar structures and narratives.

Superman

Title Date: July 11, 2025

Director: James Gunn (himself)

Screenwriter: James Gunn (himself)

Main Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, María Gabriela de Faría, Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced

Rating: This film is rated PG-13 for its content which includes intense violence, action scenes, and strong language.

Duration: The movie runs for approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes (129 minutes).

In the evolving entertainment world, what’s the best approach for launching a new superhero universe in 2025? James Gunn, writer, director, and Co-CEO of DC Studios, offers an ingenious solution: disregard complex plots and instead concentrate on compelling stories. Just like a trainer setting a treadmill at full speed when you enter the gym, knowing you already know how to run, the movie doesn’t construct a universe but rather immerses you in one. The journey it takes you on is both exhilarating, emotional, dramatic, and filled with joy.

Among other things, what makes this stand out is that despite over a dozen Superman movies preceding it and these films being a significant influence on contemporary blockbusters, it still offers an unprecedented experience.

In this film, there’s no backstory provided; instead, we jump right into the ongoing narrative. Superman, played by David Corenswet, has created a stir by interfering in a global conflict where a powerfully armed nation is attempting to annex its neighbor. The story catches us at the instant he experiences his first ever loss while upholding heroism. Assisted by his lively and unpredictable pet Krypto and resources from his Fortress of Solitude, Superman recovers, but it’s just the beginning for our hero as he returns to Metropolis after the setback.

The blossoming relationship between Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Superman (himself) faces challenges due to his superhero duties, yet it’s the machinations of tech mogul Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) that pose a greater threat. Luthor is not only fueling an international conflict aimed at incriminating Superman but also has his minions The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) and the enigmatic Ultraman infiltrate the Fortress of Solitude for a covert investigation. Their findings, later revealed to the world, significantly alter public perception of the Kryptonian hero. Superman must now convince everyone of his true values by addressing these damaging allegations.

James Gunn instantly embeds us in the DC Universe with Superman, and it’s a perfect way to introduce the world.

In this version of the story, Superman deviates significantly from the classic narrative where an alien baby lands in Smallville, Kansas and is brought up by loving parents who instill moral values. Instead, all characters lack the traditional origin structure. Given that audiences generally have a basic understanding of these heroes and villains, the film doesn’t dwell on their backgrounds or motivations, focusing instead on action-packed storytelling with memorable personalities. James Gunn chooses to omit unnecessary exposition and focuses on telling his unique tale, which proves successful as it prioritizes action over setup.

In this storyline, we don’t have to strain ourselves to grasp the personalities of the characters involved. Lex Luthor, a wealthy and influential tycoon with an overinflated ego, resents an alien receiving global admiration that he believes should be his. Leveraging his vast resources, he devises a wicked plot to bring down the alien at any cost. This situation compels Superman to reevaluate his higher mission, but his strong sense of identity and principles empower him to resist. The narrative lacks contrived elements like MacGuffins or magical blood; instead, events unfold naturally, making the story’s smooth progression a delight to follow.

David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult prove standouts in a Superman ensemble brimming with excellent performances.

Overcoming a key challenge in telling such a story is ensuring viewers immediately identify with the characters – often, reboots do this by delving into origin stories. Fortunately, Gunn has managed to gather a cast that allows Superman to make this transition seamlessly. David Corenswet faces a daunting task stepping into one of pop culture’s most recognizable roles, but his transformation into the Man of Tomorrow is mesmerizing in its ease, as he convincingly portrays the protagonist’s multiple facets: he exudes small-town charm alongside a strong sense of righteousness, yet cannot fully conceal the vulnerability that stems from being an outsider and his yearning for acceptance.

In the meantime, Nicholas Hoult endows Lex with all the necessary attributes for this portrayal of the iconic villain. He imbues the character with an undying arrogance and raw, unquenchable fury that comes across as incredibly menacing when paired with his intellect.

In this story, the constant struggle between Superman (Supes) and Lex Luthor takes the main focus. However, Gunn’s script doesn’t shy away from developing the universe, adding immediate depth and vividness to the DC Universe. With the villain manipulating advanced technologies and interfering in global affairs, the film moves seamlessly between supernatural and realistic settings, effectively utilizing a highly skilled ensemble cast. In one realm, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, and Isabella Merced unite as the Justice Squad – Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, and Hawkgirl – and they expertly deliver Gunn’s witty dialogue in their intricate teamwork (they are united by a shared goal to do good, but their personalities entertainingly conflict).

Simultaneously, Gunn mobilizes the editorial team at the Daily Planet. Lois Lane suspects that there’s something odd about the international dispute that prompted Superman to intervene, as an insider from LexCorp secretly provides info to Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) and editor-in-chief Perry White (Wendell Pierce) supports this investigation. Rachel Brosnahan perfectly embodies Lois’s energetic determination, Skyler Gisondo convincingly portrays the charming, womanizing version of Jimmy Olsen, and Wendell Pierce delivers a powerful performance as he approves the publication of an exposé while safeguarding Metropolis in a spaceship piloted by his top reporter during the thrilling climax of this blockbuster film.

Indeed, there are several characters who manage to grab the spotlight in this production too. Anthony Carrigan delivers an outstanding performance as Metamorpho, while Sara Sampaio adds a comical touch as Eve Teschmacher – however, it’s Krypto, the fearsome super dog, who truly stands out. His charming exuberance is contrasted by his incredible capacity for mayhem.

Superman has an immense scope that is consistently delivering exciting action.

In this movie, it’s no wonder that James Gunn was able to assemble such a talented cast, given his proven knack for ensemble acting dating back to his early days as an indie filmmaker. Moreover, his visual style has grown over time, and with Superman, he gets another chance to show off his prowess in spectacle. The movie doesn’t have one standout sequence, but it’s packed with grandeur, awe, and excitement. We see the breathtaking majesty of the Fortress of Solitude, a kaiju fight in the heart of Metropolis, the terrifying reality of a pocket dimension built by Lex as a super prison, and the chaotic mix of war and a world-splitting rift in existence.

This film carries significant weight on a broader scale, serving as a prelude to an upcoming series and unveiling James Gunn’s grand studio plans. It excels at this role, igniting my enthusiasm for the sequels – yet even disregarding all that, it’s just an exceptional movie. Superman offers breathtaking spectacles accompanied by thoughtful complexity and strikingly contemporary themes, presenting them in a manner unlike any other superhero blockbuster.

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2025-07-08 22:08