David Corenswet is the best Superman since Christopher Reeve. James Gunn’s official launch of the new DCU arrives with the right actor in the lead and plenty of heart, humor, action, and Krypto. The canine sidekick steals the show, and his goofy interactions with Superman will resonate with anyone who loves dogs.
The 2025 reboot begins with Superman losing his first battle. It’s a very exuberant Krypto to the rescue as the caped canine drags the Man of Steel to the Fortress of Solitude. Gunn’s Superman is the first to introduce automatons, and these numbered robots quickly explain what they do and that they’re not sentient. They’re unintentionally hilarious, even though they don’t care for Krypto and don’t understand the appeal of dogs in general.
There’s a lot of exposition that takes place, at least half of which is unnecessary, before the film gets down to business. And that “business” includes Superman’s controversial involvement in a foreign war, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) manipulating the US government into helping him destroy his nemesis, and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) trying to balance her personal relationship with her responsibility to impartially report the news. Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) pop in to assist Superman, and the running joke about the group’s temporary name doesn’t lose its punch over the two-hour running time.
More exposition later, and Superman becomes a pariah, thanks to Lex Luthor’s obsessive hatred. But this iteration of Superman remains committed to protecting humanity, defending the weak against oppressive forces, and finding the good in people. And it’s that goodness, that overwhelming sense of hopefulness about the future, that drives the titular character and the film itself. Above all else, James Gunn’s Superman is a feel-good film. It strikes just the right tone and skillfully balances the gigantic set pieces and supersized fight sequences with lighter moments, mostly involving the supporting crew of Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Krypto.
David Corenswet delivers a relatable, flawed superhero who makes questionable choices but never compromises his morals. Superman’s an immigrant who’s fiercely loyal to his adopted planet, even when those he only wants to protect turn their backs on him. Corenswet portrays Superman’s vulnerableness as well as his steely strength, imbibing the popular comic book character with a true personality for the first time on the screen since Reeve took on the role in 1978.
Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan have solid chemistry as the iconic couple, Clark Kent/Superman and intrepid reporter Lois Lane. Brosnahan’s Lois is intelligent and fierce, easily the winner in verbal battles with Superman. She’s also courageous and willing to put her life on the line to rescue her co-worker/lover when others fail to act.
The dynamic threesome of Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific deserved more screen time, but this is a Superman movie, so it’s understandable they’re relegated to supporting roles. Fillion’s Green Lantern is more annoying than entertaining, but that could also be the haircut negatively influencing his appeal. Of the three, Gathegi has the most to do and the best fight sequences. The effects in a scene in which Mr. Terrific protects Lois while wiping out a whole battalion of Luthor’s minions are so well rendered that it’s possible to forget it’s all CG. And Gathegi’s deadpan delivery works well amid all the chaos and more animated performances.
There’s a John Wick-ish segment in Superman where the Man of Steel’s actions are a direct result of something bad happening to Krypto. By the time it takes place, Krypto’s become such a significant part of the story that Superman’s actions are not only justified but also essential. It’s a moment in the film that solidifies Superman’s basic goodness.
James Gunn has successfully delivered a reboot that feels fresh and fun while remaining true to the character’s history. While the set pieces are gigantic, over-the-top, and thrilling, it’s the heartwarming charm that makes this Superman truly special. Blending incredible action with unwavering positivity, this version of the iconic hero is an uplifting cinematic experience so needed in 2025. James Gunn’s fresh take brings a vibrant energy that should resonate with both comic book fans and those who have just a basic knowledge of the superhero.
(Be sure to stick around for two scenes during the ending credits.)
GRADE: B
Rating: PG-13 for language, action, and violence
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Running Time: 2 hours 9 minutes
Studio: DC Studios
Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, Skyler Gisondo, Bradley Cooper, Angela Sarafyan, Sara Sampaio, Wendell Pierce, Michael Ian Black, Neva Howell, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and María Gabriela de Faría
