Superman is more than just a good comic book movie; it’s a good movie and is especially relevant in the moment we find ourselves in as a world. The newest film from James Gunn, and the opener to the renewed DC universe under the banner of the Gunn and Safran-led DC Studios, is wildly engaging and entertaining. It is not perfect, but it is a return to the best parts of the character, both human and alien. The David Corenswet/Gunn iteration of the character will define Superman for a generation of movie-goers. And underneath all the comic book spectacle is a an excellent example of what comic book stories can do and what they can be.
From a story point of view, Superman is refreshing. The film immediately establishes the timeline and stakes without belaboring the origin story that we all know and have seen several times at this point. Although I will add that there are flashbacks to his Kansas childhood, and that his parents from Krypton become an important part of the plot eventually in the film. We are drawn into the first scene that made Antarctic shockwaves when it was revealed in the trailer, late in the action, instead of hemming and hawing to get to that point. We meet David Corenswet’s Superman after he’s been badly beaten by a shady character called the Hammer of Boravia.
The Hammer of Boravia has a bone to pick with Superman after the man in tights intervened in a dispute (invasion!) between Boravia and Jarhanpur. Again, hard to ignore the real-life parallels here. This movie is very intentionally an excellent mirror of the times we’re in. Without going too deep into details, Superman’s unauthorized border incursion sets off a chain of events that leaves the audience pondering citizenship, authority, doing good, justice, and so much more. It’s a story worth watching without being spoiled, and in the end, worth thinking about.
Just like the question of what actor will play Bond, the question of who will play Superman has been the subject of much speculation. David Corenswet earned the role and the decision, as it was everything DC, which was met with much commentary. (Rachel Brosnahan would earn a lot of chatter for being cast as Lois Lane, but more on that later.) Having seen the film, it’s evident as to why. The actor is a spectacular Superman and a spectacular Clark Kent, too. There’s a point in the movie that drives home the fact that Superman is very much human, and in the end, it’s his humanity that makes him so special. Corenswet perfectly portrays this humanity that is the connector between the concurrent but never seemingly at odds parts of the character.
Although Superman struggles with his identity and where he fits in the universe, especially after some big revelations, there’s never a question of his morality. Public opinion on Earth might waiver, even if it’s goosed by an internet connected monkey troll farm, but Clark never toys with doing wrong. And in fact when he is at his lowest, he still tries to help. And although antiheroes are fun to watch, having Superman be a shining beacon of goodness is in a way, restorative to watch.
Rachel Brosnahan, who made a name for herself as Miriam Maisel, brings a fire to Lois Lane. She’s independent and determined and doesn’t back off of her convictions, even when waived away by people she loves. This version of Lois doesn’t quite pass the Bechdel test, as I’m pretty sure most of her conversations with people are about Superman or Clark. But Brosnahan brings her to life with incredible skill. Her comedic chops are evident in the part but she also does a great job with the dramatic moments, making us believe her.
Though both actors shine individually, they have an absolutely ridiculous on-screen chemistry together. There’s a real magnetism and believability. The entire film is elevated because you’re rooting for the couple amidst the challenges they face. If you’re a rom-com fan, take heart because this will scratch that itch. There’s a particular moment that was teased in the film’s official media, which is a rather emotional and heavy conversation between Lois and Clark. But it’s balanced with humor with the purple interdimensional imp that the Justice “Gang” is fighting in the background.
A Superman story is only as good as the villains he faces, and in this story, though there are several antagonists, the main villain is Lex Luthor. Nicholas Hoult does an excellent job, and there’s something poetic (if not a little cruel) by having an actor who auditioned for Superman actually get the part of Lex. The story wastes no time in showing that Lex is bad and there’s never a question of his motivations. He’s not sympathetic at all but he is complex in the reasons he hates Superman. Fear and jealousy motivate him, base bits of humanity taken to a highest degree that are really understandable. He’s a billionaire who is unhinged, but instead of buying a social media company, he has created pocket dimensions, jails for anybody who has ever “wronged” him, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Outside of the core persons that are essential to any Superman story (hello! the freaking amazing Wendell Pierce as Perry Marshall), there are some standouts in this new film. Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific was excellent. The role is so different from what the author knows him from, as Dev on For All Mankind. But it shows his range and skill as an actor. The person who I watched Superman with called out his performance for being excellent, too. Gathegi as Mr. Terrific has this brilliant stoicism with an attitude that is engaging and so watchable.
In the end, though, what Superman leaves me with is a feeling of hope and excitement for the future. And it’s been a long time since a story on screen has done that. Although the movie isn’t perfect, it feels remarkably timely, as it’s perfectly suited to the current historical movement and has immense rewatchability. I’m looking forward to what comes next from the Corenswet Superman era and the next moves by DC Studios.
Superman is in theaters on July 11, 2025.
Learn more about the film, including how to buy tickets, at the official website for the title.
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