Superman ★★★★

Released: 11 July 2025

Director: James Gunn

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce

“You’ll believe a man can fly”, so read the tagline on the poster of 1978’s Superman. An iconic tagline for an iconic film that laid the groundwork for the genre, which continues to thrive and prosper nearly 50 years after it was released. They weren’t half wrong too, as audiences likely watched on in amazement at the sight of the late and great Christopher Reeve’s Superman taking to the skies. Ever since making his first appearance in the comics in 1938, the character of Kal-El and his alter ego, Clark Kent, has had an enduring appeal. Therefore, it is no surprise that after being the launchpad for the DC’s first attempt at a shared cinematic universe 12 years ago, the Last Son of Krypton is once again the foundation of this brand-new DC Universe under the vision of James Gunn and Peter Safran. The first film in a cinematic universe has an enormous weight on its shoulders, and although it shows promise, it doesn’t quite get off to the soaring start it would have hoped for.

Opening on a wide shot of Antarctica, where Superman has hidden his Fortress of Solitude, we learn he announced himself to the world as Superman three years ago, after being sent to Earth by his Kryptonian parents three decades prior. Being who he is, with the powers he possesses, Superman finds himself drawn into an international conflict, specifically between the two fictional nations of Boravia and Jarhanpur, with the former poised to invade the latter. Such actions inevitably lead to questions about his motivations and what this incredibly powerful, near indestructible being is doing on Earth? Whose side is he on?  In this chaotic day and age we find ourselves living in, where the fear of those we don’t know has taken root in society among far too many, this leads to some hostility among the citizens of Earth. This hostility leads the maniacal Lex Luthor (Hoult) to try to capitalise on it and eliminate Superman by any means necessary.

James Gunn is no stranger to the world of superheroes, having taken Marvel’s ragtag group of misfits and criminals and turned them into beloved household names in a hugely successful trilogy, before giving DC’s Suicide Squad some much-needed resuscitation. However, taking on the mantle of launching a cinematic universe while also doing justice to a character whose fans are legion is no easy feat. However, it is one that Gunn rises to and goes all in on the character’s updated motto: “Truth, justice and a better tomorrow”. In these politically charged times, where the fundamental ideals of the United States of America are coming under attack from those in positions of power who should be upholding these ideals, Superman’s status as a symbol of hope is rather timely. Much like with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, Gunn is not afraid to make pointed political commentary about the news, social media and how hyperbolic so much of the discussion in our daily lives has become.

For any actor tasked with donning that iconic cape, there are two crucial aspects to nail down, specifically the hero aspect and the alter ego. David Corenswet embodies these perfectly as he emphatically looks the part when suited and caped. While we don’t see a huge amount of him as Clark, you can see how he blurs the line between the two personas in a fascinating interview with Lois Lane, his fellow Daily Planet journalist and love interest. The chemistry between Clark and Lois leaps off the screen, but crucially, Brosnahan demonstrates that fierce and eager desire a journalist has when chasing a story. Furthermore, despite the personal connection she shares with him, she is not afraid to push Clark/Superman on his role in the ongoing global conflict.

With the first chapter of this Universe being subtitled “Gods and Monsters”, the universe brings other heroes to the fray in the form of the Justice Gang, namely Hawkgirl (Merced), Green Lantern Corps member Guy Gardner (regular Gunn collaborator Nathan Fillion sporting a terrible haircut that could give Anton Chigurh a run for his money in terms of worst on screen hairdos), and the scene-stealing Mister Terrific (Gathegi). Though you can’t have a Superman film without his arch nemesis, Lex Luthor. Hoult, no stranger to playing a crazy bald man, is not afraid to show his utter disdain for Superman and is conniving and ruthless in his desire to prevent the Man of Steel from interfering in his nefarious plans.

What ultimately prevents this new take on this legendary character from soaring into the cinematic stratosphere is the script, which throws a lot at the audience, and not all of it sticks the landing. As cool as some of those new characters are, it would have been beneficial to have spent more time with our titular hero, but a cinematic universe has got to cinematic universe, and so it feels set up for future projects down the line. Plus, while the third act descends into a standard superhero third act where there is a grave threat to the world, with punches aplenty being thrown. As undeniably entertaining as this is, there are some instances where the CGI looks a little wobbly. However, this goes without saying, Superman’s superpowered dog Krypto is unequivocally THE goodest boi. 

When Superman themes of the past have been composed by certified maestros like John Williams and Hans Zimmer, matching those is going to be a tall order. However, the score by John Murphy and David Fleming perfectly encapsulates the overarching theme of hope emblazoned across this movie like the symbol on Supes’ chest and will get the hairs on the back of your neck to stand to attention. The start of a new and hopefully bright era for DC Studios has liftoff!