Superman 2025 Review – Is James Gunn’s DCU Off to a Flying Start?
So, James Gunn and DC’s highly anticipated DCU reboot, Superman, is finally out. It opened strong on Rotten Tomatoes, currently sitting at 82% at the time of writing and naturally, the big question is: is it just hype, or did Gunn actually pull it off?
Well, the answer isn’t that simple.
A Good Movie, Not the Best Superman Movie
Is the movie good? Yes. But is it the best Superman movie ever made? Not quite. Gunn has always had a knack for making superheroes feel human. He weaves real-world dilemmas into comic absurdity, and I expected no less from Superman. If you watched the trailers, the film is pretty much what you thought it would be.
From a pure storytelling and filmmaking standpoint, Superman is a bit thin. This isn’t an origin story, that’s made clear in the opening lines, where we learn it’s been three years since Clark went public, and just three minutes since his first major defeat. Superman is already a known and accepted figure. Most of the world loves him. And then comes Lex Luthor, driven by envy, determined to bring him down. Their dynamic is very true to the comics, and that’s one of the film’s biggest strengths — the characters feel like the most accurate adaptations DC has done in years.
The plot itself? It leans heavily on exposition and isn’t particularly deep, but let’s be honest, when was the last time a superhero movie blew you away with narrative complexity? As far as comic book movies go, this is a solid one. A respectable and hopeful starting point for a franchise that desperately needed a reset.
Superman vs Man of Steel: The Take You Didn't Ask For
As a fan of Superman, I liked this movie. And yes, comparisons to Man of Steel and Henry Cavill were inevitable. So let me just say it… I liked Gunn’s Superman more than Snyder’s.
Now, I’m not here to argue with Snyderverse loyalists, but that version of Superman never sat right with me. Superman has always been a symbol of hope. Nerdy, polite, a little dorky — someone who believes in the good in people. Man of Steel stripped him of that and leaned into the messiah complex. But Gunn’s take brings back what makes Superman arguably the most beloved hero in comics, an alien who embodies the best of humanity, who gives people second chances, who literally wears hope on his chest.
David Corenswet vs Henry Cavill — My Take
Henry Cavill looked the part — no question. He had the build, the suit, the presence. But he was let down by how the character was written. They made him dark and brooding. Even the sunlight in Man of Steel felt grey.
David Corenswet, on the other hand? As Superman, sure, he doesn’t match Henry’s physicality. But as Clark Kent? He nails it. Genuinely awkward, charmingly goofy, it felt like Clark Kent walked straight out of the comics. So, while he may not be the most iconic Superman yet, he’s hands down the best live-action Clark Kent we’ve seen in years. And with Gunn’s writing backing him, his Superman feels more complete and true to the source than Cavill ever got the chance to be.
Makes you wonder though… What if Henry had Gunn’s script?
Nicolas Hoult's Lex Luthor Steals the Show
Let’s talk about Lex. Nicolas Hoult absolutely becomes Lex Luthor. This is the best version of the character I’ve seen since Gene Hackman. Hoult plays the tech genius billionaire with the cold calculation and unchecked ego you’d expect — and then some. His final confrontation with Superman is everything it needed to be. Unhinged, brilliant, personal. He’s the perfect foil.
Lois Lane, Guy Gardner, and the Rest
While the movie does build up the Lois and Clark romance, Rachel Brosnahan actually doesn’t get a ton of screen time with Corenswet. But when she does appear, her chemistry with him is undeniable. She plays Lois as a punk-loving, sharp-tongued reporter — not too far from her Maisel days and it works. Critics may say she leans too hard into a familiar style, but honestly? Lore-accurate Lois has always been bold, witty, and unpredictable. She even catches the eye of a certain Gotham vigilante because of this.
And then there’s Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, absolutely hilarious and sporting one of the worst haircuts in cinematic history. He’s ridiculous in the best way. Gunn clearly enjoys putting his friends in awkward roles, and Fillion, as always, delivers.
Final Verdict: Hope Has Returned
So, did James Gunn pull it off? Is the DCU finally on the right track?
Superman (2025) is heartfelt, funny, and visually bright, a deliberate pivot from the darker tones of the Snyderverse. Gunn leans hard into the idea that this Superman is a hopeful symbol, not a burdened god. And it works. The color palette is cleaner, the third act isn’t drowned in grey CGI sludge, and you can actually see what’s happening. A miracle, I know.
There are a couple of pacing hiccups and more exposition dumps than needed. But these feel like growing pains rather than deal-breakers. The film lays strong groundwork for the future of the DCU. It doesn’t go too far with cameos or setups, but it hints just enough to make you curious about what’s next.
If I were being harsh, I’d give it a 3.5/5 for the plot thinness and exposition overload. But the performances, especially Hoult’s Lex, Fillion’s Guy, and Corenswet’s Clark — push it to a 4 out of 5. And yes, Krypto the Superdog deserves a shoutout. He’s chaotic, adorable, and steals every scene he’s in.
Rating:
Watch it or Skip it?
Definitely watch. Even if you’re a hardcore Snyderverse loyalist, go into this with an open mind. Gunn’s Superman might not be your favorite, but it’s easily the most faithful to the comics in spirit and tone. And who doesn’t want to see the Big Blue Boy Scout back on the big screen?
So what do you think? Did James Gunn pull it off? Or was this just another mediocre generic trash which is getting hyped up by Snyderverse opps? Sound off in the comments, what worked, what didn’t. Let’s chat. Like I said, there is no one way to tell a story. To know more about Superman 2025 click here and for more movie reviews click here.
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