James Gunn’s “Superman” is not just another origin story. It’s a strong step into familiar terri
tory that reclaims the titular character’s optimism and sets the tone for a revitalized DC Universe.
Following Gunn’s previous work with DC on “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker,” he continues building the universe with Superman featuring comic-accurate characters and emotionally grounded undertones, and overtures.
With colorful costumes, otherworldly beings and impossible technology that just works, this film ushers in all the whimsical nuances found only in the world of comic books.
Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938 for the first issue of Action Comics, and over 80 years later, fans have been introduced to the popular Kryptonian in dozens of adaptations across thousands of comics, several major motion pictures and a number of television series.
David Corenswet takes up the mantle following Henry Cavill, who played the hero in five appearances between 2013 and 2022.
Tyler Hoechlin also donned the red cape in the TV series “Superman & Lois” in four seasons from 2021 to 2024.
Corenswet’s performance as the titular hero was confident but vulnerable; his Superman felt human.
A popular critique of the previous iteration was that Superman wasn’t much more than a god-like being burdened with absolute power.
Corenswet’s portrayal of the mild-mannered reporter reminds audiences that he too was raised on earth, by humans among humans.
This can be seen in the way Superman carries himself when he’s pretending to be Clark Kent, hunched over with unkempt hair and a suit that’s ever so slightly too big, Corenswet is almost unrecognizable.
The overwhelming sense of justice that Superman is supposed to carry on his massive shoulders at all times was definitely present in Corenswet’s take on the character; never backing down, running back to a fight before fully recovering and even saving a squirrel.
At some points, even I forgot I was watching a grown man in tights pretending to be a flying alien with laser vision, with his underwear on the outside no less.
Though titled “Superman,” the film feels like an ensemble piece starring Rachel Brosnahan as Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Superman’s billionaire-nemesis Lex Luthor.
Holt’s performance as the iconic member of Superman’s rogues gallery was cold, calculated and unflinching; his hate-fueled obsession with Superman felt absolutely menacing and desperate throughout the film.
Stopping at nothing to kill Superman, Holt’s Luther wanted to make the world hate him in the process; all while proving a bald head and a clean suit will never go out of fashion.
In traditional Gunn fashion, characters from all over the DC roster were called on to build the supporting cast, including Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.
There are several other notable appearances in the film, and some voice cameos, but the list would just go on and on.
The score of the film, composed by John Murphy and David Fleming, built on the original theme by John Williams for the 1978 film “Superman,” creating an exciting yet nostalgic vibe throughout.
If you’ve seen a movie by Gunn, you know he often uses music as a powerful storytelling mechanism, sometimes anchoring a pulse-pounding fight choreographed to a high-bpm classic, or a tear-jerker backing a gut-wrenching moment.
“Superman” is not a soundtrack movie, however there is a kinetic one-shot action sequence set to “5 Years Time” by Noah and the Whales in which Mister Terrific makes light-work of Luthor’s army of goons and scientists.
Utilizing his brains, and brawn, Mister Terrific protects Lois and clears the camp of all threats with deliberate movement and the help of his T-Spheres; a scene that echoes the energy brought to the DC in “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker.”
The film opens with Superman having lost a fight, a first in his short three-year career as a hero publicly known as Superman.
It is established in this film that “metahumans” have been around for hundreds of years and are a part of every-day life, as shown later in the film with a privately-funded team of heroes, known as the “Justice Gang,” by at least one of the members.
People in this world already know about aliens, kaiju and technology to create pocket dimensions, they certainly don’t bat an eye at Superman getting knocked out of the sky over Downtown Metropolis.
There is even a moment when Superman stops to take a breather, and the Justice Gang are hard at work taking care of some cosmic entity in the background.
To further cement this effect, Gunn opted to forgo the origin-story we have all seen numerous times by now, Kal-El being ejected from his dying home world Krypton in a rocket-crib, a hail Mary by his parents to save their son, and the legacy of the planet.
Between “The Suicide Squad,” “Peacemaker” and now “Superman,” it’s clear Gunn has a vision for the new era of DC comics storytelling on the big screen; it’s big, bright and full of all the thwacks, booms and smacks one could want from a comic book movie.
The film’s visuals move away from the desaturated tone of recent DC entries and embraces a Golden Age vibrancy that matches the tone of the story and its characters.
Just as Superman is a symbol of hope, the film is too, not only for the future of Gunn’s DC universe, but comic book movies as a whole.
The film also includes a playful performance by Krypto the superdog, who Superman is watching for his cousin, supergirl.
“Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” directed by Craig Gillespie and stars Milly Alcock as Supergirl was announced for a June 26, 2026, release date.
The term “superhero fatigue,” gets thrown around every time there is a new comic-book movie announced, and that is with valid reason; this is a character and a story we have been told time and time again, but behind the project there is a palpable passion on all fronts, the writing, the acting, the action, it all fits together superbly.
When I went to the movie, I had only seen the teaser and first trailer released; so I knew the premise. I was going to watch Superman fight some bad guys and save the day.
To put it simply, this movie made me feel like a kid again; I forgot I was even watching a movie, I was invested in a story, the characters, the world and it is safe to say that I am excited for not only Gunn’s next project, but where the franchise goes next.
I give “Superman” 4 stars out of 5.