Superman 2025 characters who deserve more hype
Sure, Superman, Lex, and Lois are cool… But can we talk about the real scene-stealers in Gunn’s Superman (2025)?
While everyone’s busy dissecting the Big Three, some underrated heroes (and chaotic charmers) quietly stole the show and no, we’re not just here for Supes. It’s time we gave these overlooked icons their moment in the spotlight with a healthy dose of sarcasm, of course.
Let’s talk about them, one by one:
Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo)
Jimmy’s gone from nerdy shutterbug to the surprise Casanova of the Daily Planet. Yes, Gunn reimagines him as a stealth heartbreaker texting thirst traps to Lex’s ex, Eve. The charm is real, but sometimes it felt like we were watching Jimmy’s Tinder story instead of a newsroom drama. Still, Skyler Gisondo’s self-aware delivery and desk-side heroics keep the momentum going even if the “ladykiller” subplot occasionally veers off-track.
Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover)
Our favorite gossip queen delivers snappy barbs and sharp comedic timing… think the Daily Planet’s answer to Perez Hilton, but with dignity. Mikaela Hoover’s on-screen chemistry with Brosnahan (Lois) feels authentic, and her warmth adds balance to the newsroom chaos.
Perry White (Wendell Pierce)
The Chief is barely in frame which is hilarious considering he’s, well, the boss. Pierce’s commanding voice is mostly used for background status updates, but his occasional outbursts remind us who’s in charge (when the camera remembers to include him).
Also, shoutout to his stellar work alongside John Krasinski in Jack Ryan. We need more of that energy here.
Malik (The Sandwich Guy)
This might be a slight spoiler, but hear me out. Malik Ali, an ordinary civilian, helps Superman get back on his feet. Why? Because Superman once saved his life, and Malik returned the favor with a sandwich. It’s a small act of kindness that hits surprisingly hard.
His sincerity and loyalty were heartwarming, and honestly? He deserved more screentime. Tragically, Malik’s role becomes one of the film’s most emotional gut punches.
Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi)
Gathegi delivers some of the film’s most electric moments. That long-take solo sequence? Instant highlight. Terrific blends tech genius and physical dominance like a cross between Q and James Bond.
If Gunn’s planning a spin-off, we’re in. He’s basically DC’s answer to Tony Stark but calmer, smarter, and refreshingly ego-free.
Green Lantern / Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion)
When you hear Green Lantern, you think Hal Jordan or John Stewart. But Gunn introduces us to Guy Gardner and wow, what a choice. Nathan Fillion nails Gardner’s loudmouth bravado: part charming blowhard, part space-cop-on-steroids.
He’s basically Sophia Petrillo with a power ring. He steals laughs and sometimes even Superman’s spotlight although his ego occasionally threatens to burst through the screen.
Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced)
Less screentime, more shriek. Merced’s warrior energy adds some much-needed visual flair, but her wings might as well be invisible as they barely register.
It’s more “cosplay cameo” than proper character. Still, she’s charming and magnetic. Fingers crossed for a solo arc in the future.
Metamorpho / Rex Mason (Anthony Carrigan)
Side effects of watching him include random eyebrow raises and whispered “whoa”s during his mid-film transformation. Carrigan brings subtle depth to Rex, an archaeologist turned elemental being but limited screen time means limited emotional payoff.
That said, he looks visually incredible. I genuinely want to know more: his backstory, powers, everything. A solo movie or HBO Max series, perhaps?
Krypto the Super Dog
James Gunn’s real MVP? His own dog, turned interdimensional menace-slayer. One second he’s adorable, the next he’s mauling a demon with precision. Krypto moves the emotional needle more than half the cast combined.
Fun fact: After Superman’s release, dog adoption-related Google searches skyrocketed — “adopt a dog near me” went up 513%, and “rescue dog adoption near me” rose 163%, per The Wrap. Seriously, give us an origin story for Krypto. We’ll watch it twice.
Ma & Pa Kent (Neva Howell & Pruitt Taylor Vince)
The emotional core of the film. Their scenes ground Clark’s journey in something pure, something human. One Pa Kent speech in particular? An absolute tearjerker.
Proof that you can still anchor a cosmic movie in small-town values and make it work.
Final Thoughts
James Gunn went full ensemble with Superman (2025) tossing in a Justice Gang with more gusto than runtime. Some characters like Terrific pr Gardner shine; others feel tacked on (Ron, we’re looking at you). It’s as if Gunn found a “Buy one hero, get ten cameos free” coupon.
But in the chaos, the supporting cast delivers humor, heart, and more than a little dog fur.
It’s messy, it’s overstuffed and somehow, it still works.
For our in depth review of Superman click here. For more such movie takes click here.
Amit Mitra
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