James Gunn’s Superman is not just a superhero movie; it’s a celebration of what makes the Man of Steel an enduring icon. From the opening frames, this film announces itself as the best blockbuster of 2025—and in my view, the finest film of the year. Gunn, wielding both pen and camera, crafts a story that feels both timeless and refreshingly original, steering clear of the grim tones that have weighed down past DC features. This Superman is a beacon of light, humor, and heart, and it’s an exhilarating introduction to Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe.
The casting is nothing short of perfection. David Corenswet embodies Superman with a warmth and sincerity that evokes Christopher Reeve’s legendary portrayal while carving out his own distinct identity. His Clark Kent is endearingly awkward yet quietly confident, a Midwestern soul navigating the chaos of Metropolis. Opposite him, Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a revelation—a whip-smart, fiercely independent journalist whose tenacity and wit make her every bit Superman’s equal. Their chemistry is magnetic, whether they’re bantering in the Daily Planet’s newsroom or sharing a quiet rooftop moment. It’s the kind of magic that makes you believe in love as much as you believe in a man who can fly.
Gunn’s story is a bold departure from the familiar. Rather than rehashing Superman’s origin, the film dives into a world where Kal-El is already a known hero, grappling with his role as an immigrant savior in a polarized society. The central conflict pits him against Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, a tech mogul whose smug intellect masks a festering inferiority complex. Hoult’s Lex is chilling, his schemes unfolding with a plausibility that feels ripped from today’s headlines. The addition of two monstrous alien threats and Lex’s superpowered minions keeps the stakes high, but it’s the personal battles—Clark’s identity crisis, Lois’s pursuit of truth—that give the film its emotional weight.
What sets this Superman apart is its embrace of humor and hope. Gunn infuses the script with his signature wit, from Clark’s sincere pun’s about being “punk rock” to Jimmy Olsen’s nerdy charm. The humor never undercuts the drama but instead amplifies the humanity of these larger-than-life characters. Even Krypto the Superdog, a fan-favorite from the trailers, steals scenes with his loyal, mischievous energy. Every bark and wag feels like a love letter to the fans, proving Gunn knows exactly what makes this world tick.
The real magic, lies in Corenswet and Brosnahan’s performances. Their Lois and Clark are not just archetypes but fully realized people whose love story anchors the film. Brosnahan, in particular, delivers a Lois Lane who feels like a Pulitzer-worthy journalist, her relentless drive matched only by her vulnerability. Corenswet’s Superman, meanwhile, is the embodiment of hope—a hero who believes in humanity even when it doubts him.
Gunn’s Superman is a love letter to the character’s nearly century-long legacy, drawing inspiration from sources like John Byrne’s comics and Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman. Yet it feels wholly original, a testament to Gunn’s ability to honor tradition while forging a new path. Superman is a triumph because it dares to be hopeful in a cynical world. It’s a film that believes in heroes, in love, and in the power of doing what’s right. This is the Superman we’ve needed, and Gunn delivers him with style, heart, and a five-star flourish.
Superman flies into theaters on Friday, July 11.
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