Superman (2025)
Cast: David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosahan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell, Sara Sampaio, Alan Tudyk, Maria Gabriela de Faria, Skyler Gisondo.
Director: James Gunn
Genre: Superhero, Sci-fi, Action, Adventure
Released: 10th July 2025
There have been 11 (12 if you count Nicolas Cage's short cameo in 2023's Flash) live-action iterations of DC's Man of Steel since his screen debut in 1948. Each actor donning the red cape has done their best to bring this iconic character to life. Such as it is with many superhero characters on the big and small screen, it has been a rollercoaster of hits and misses. With James Gunn at the helm of DC films (alongside producer Peter Safran as Co-CEO), it feels fitting that this character, one of DC comics' oldest characters, is the one to launch the new era of DC films.
With a character as familiar in pop culture as Superman, one problem is coming up with something fresh to separate it from previous iterations. Whilst the last cinematic version that Zac Snyder helmed introduced him through the origin story route, director and writer James Gunn chose to portray a character already present in the world as a hero. Not only that, but the film portrays a world already filled with metahumans (a term used to describe people with above-average abilities, such as Edi Gathegi's Mr Terrific). The sprinkling of characters such as Guy Gardner's Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), The Engineer (Maria Gabriela de Faria) and Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi) gives the world a lived-in feel. Each character's inclusion is not just to be different, but Gunn inserts them with a purpose. The Green Lantern, Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mr Terrific as a group (Justice Gang as Gardner calls them) are utilised as an interesting way. A juxtaposition of how other heroes operate in comparison to Superman. The battle with Kaiju vs Superman and the Justice Gang, while the others are focused on taking the monster down no matter what, Superman tries to stop the Kaiju from killing civilians and animals. Scenes like this, whilst they are action packed still give insights into who Superman/Clark Kent is. His drive as a hero.
This drive is also a source of conflict within the film. As powerful as Superman is, there is very little that could be a cause of tension. What the film does well is not only provide an outward contention but also feature internal struggle. Questioning his purpose as a hero. This struggle could only work with the right actor. While it is very easy to find an actor who can fulfil the look, to have them be able to show other sides to the last son of Krypton is not as easy. The moments that David Corenswet shine best are the moments without words. His ability to be able to portray Superman's vulnerability, allowing the audience into a pain he can't put into words, such as when his whole purpose as a hero is flipped on its head. Corenswet effortlessly showcases all these sides to Superman: his heart, confidence, vulnerability, ego, and optimism. The relationship with Lois, (Brosahan, stellar as the ballsy and inquisitive reporter) as a pair their chemistry is easy. Even when he's at The Daily Planet as Clark, his choices as an actor are to change his physicality to suit his alter ego. His Superman is multidimensional. It makes him an actor to look out for.
Every superhero is only as good as its villain. As good as the casting of Corenswet is, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Superman's antithesis, is genius. After Snyder's egregious treatment of Lex as a whiny tech bro in Batman vs Superman (2016). Hoult's Lex is a tour de force. Not since Michael Rosenbaum portrayed Lex in the 2001 TV show Smallville has there been a Lex with the perfect mix of camp and maniacal intellect. This Lex not only can camp it up by being showboating in TV interviews or constantly knocking over a cup of pens his minions keep fixing for him, but can display the intellect that is an essential trait to how he is a good foil for Superman. The giving moves to his henchmen in fighting Superman, like it is a chess match, whilst delivering a monologue, shows Lex as a master manipulator. Relentless in his pursuit of taking the hero down just because he is different. However, as evil as Lex is, Gunn is clever enough to weave into the script that there's a small element of truth in Lex's motivation that you, as an audience, you can't help but think that he may have a point (trolling mind control monkeys and locking up ex-girlfriends aside). What does it mean for humankind when an all-powerful being shows up and takes it upon himself to be the police/military/diplomat? Lex questions the progress that humanity can have now that Superman exists. If only his egotistical envy didn't get in the way.
What Gunn and the well-put-together cast (new and familiar Gunn collaborators, IYKYK) have done has given the audience 129 minutes of joy, hope, fun, and heart. This film brings front and centre the qualities that make Superman so beloved as a hero. Whilst there are great action sequences, it's not done at the expense of character development. The film not only brings Superman back to being a shining beacon of hope, but it is a promise that this new era of DC films is being brought into the light for the first time in years.
5 stars.