Superman Returns: James Gunn’s New Man of Steel Is a Work in Progress
It’s been twelve years since Superman had a solo film. On July 11, 2025, the Man of Steel finally returns, and this time under the watchful direction of James Gunn, best known for Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. Gunn has a reputation for putting heart into superhero movies, and this one is no different. But the results are mixed.
Titled simply Superman (2025), this movie also kicks off the new DC Universe. It’s part of a larger story arc Gunn is calling Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. So it’s not just a reboot—it’s meant to be a whole new beginning.
But the question is: does it deliver? This Superman 2025 review digs into what worked and what didn’t.
David Corenswet’s Superman: Vulnerable Hero or Missing Icon?
We all hoped for a Superman who was strong, inspiring, and larger than life. What we get is a younger, softer Clark Kent, still figuring things out. He’s not the confident hero we expected. He’s unsure, sometimes awkward, and very human. That’s a bold choice. But it doesn’t always work.
Instead of feeling like a powerful symbol of hope, this Superman 2025 often feels too down-to-earth. He jokes around, gets knocked down (a lot), and doesn’t yet command the awe you expect from the character. Gunn wants us to grow with him over time, but in this film, it makes Superman feel less… super.
Plot Analysis: What Works and What Falls Flat
Clark Kent (played by David Corenswet) lives in Metropolis as a quiet journalist, still trying to balance his human life with his Kryptonian powers. He wants to do good—but he’s not sure how. When a new enemy rises, it’s not just a physical fight, but a clash of values and ideas. The villain? None other than Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult.
But here’s the problem: we’re dropped right into the action without much explanation. We don’t know why Lex hates Superman, or what Superman has done to earn that hatred. The movie assumes you already know the history—whether from past films or comics—but for many, that background is missing. As a result, the battles don’t feel as meaningful as they should.
There are lots of fight scenes and dramatic moments, but the emotional build-up is weak. We’re supposed to care, but we’re never fully pulled into Clark’s internal struggle. There’s a lack of setup that makes many moments feel rushed or flat.
Most Superman 2025 reviews echo the same thought and find the plot ambitious, but unfocused—big swings, but not always clean hits.
Superman 2025 Cast: The Film’s Strongest Asset
The best part of the film is the Superman 2025 cast.
David Corenswet plays Superman with warmth and honesty. He smiles. He cares. He feels like someone who wants to do the right thing, even if he’s still learning how.
Rachel Brosnahan is fantastic as Lois Lane. She’s smart, bold, and emotionally grounded. Her chemistry with Corenswet is real and refreshing. Their relationship adds heart to the movie.
Nicholas Hoult gives us a different kind of Lex Luthor. He’s not the over-the-top villain we’ve seen before. Instead, he’s cold, calm, and calculating. He truly believes Superman is dangerous, and he plays that belief with chilling confidence.
Supporting characters like Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, and Ma Kent help build a solid world around Superman. They aren’t just there for fan service—they feel like real parts of Clark’s life. If you’re curious about the Superman 2025 cast, know that this ensemble lays a solid foundation for future chapters.
Visuals, Music, and Direction
If you caught the Superman 2025 trailer, you’d expect sweeping visuals and emotional beats—and the film does deliver on scale.
The movie looks big. Filming took place across Georgia, Ohio, and even the icy landscapes of Norway. There are massive action sequences, and a spaceship reveal that surprised even the cast during filming.
The music is a mix of new compositions by John Murphy and David Fleming, with moments that nod to John Williams’ classic Superman theme. When that familiar tune plays, it’s a rare and powerful moment of emotion.
However, the Superman suit doesn’t look great—it feels stiff. And the CGI in some scenes doesn’t meet the high bar set by other recent superhero films.
Tonal Issues: When Superman Doesn’t Feel Super Enough
One key decision in the film is to make Superman more vulnerable. He doesn’t win every fight. He gets hurt. He doubts himself. In theory, that’s fine—it gives him room to grow. But the pacing feels off. There’s so much struggle, and not enough triumph. You start to wonder: is this Superman?
There are also lighter moments that don’t quite work. The scenes with Superman’s pet dog, Krypto, are meant to be funny, but they often disrupt the emotional flow of the story.
Superman 2025 Verdict: Promising Foundation, Incomplete Vision
Superman 2025 isn’t a bad film—it just feels incomplete. It’s trying to set up a larger universe while also telling Clark’s personal story. There’s potential here. Corenswet and Brosnahan are a strong team. If future films focus on the story, deepen the emotion, and let Superman truly shine, there’s hope for what’s to come.
The film opened to a strong domestic box office of $122 million and crossed $217 million globally within its first week, making it the biggest solo Superman launch to date, which is still a win for DC. So maybe, just maybe, it’s the beginning of something great.
And if you’re wondering where to watch, the film releases in theaters first before eventually heading to Warner Bros.’ Max platform.
Quick Facts About Superman 2025
- Release Date: Superman (2025) released on July 11, 2025, and marks the official launch of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
- Director & Writer: The film is written and directed by James Gunn, who now heads DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. This is Gunn’s first Superman film and his first DC project since The Suicide Squad.
- New Superman: David Corenswet makes his debut as Superman, replacing Henry Cavill. This version of Superman is younger, more emotionally open, and still discovering his place in the world.
- New Lex Luthor: Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor. This marks Hoult’s return to comic book films after playing Beast in the X-Men franchise. His Lex is said to be colder and more logical—a modern tech mogul-style villain.
- Universe Setup: This film serves as the launchpad for a new, connected DC universe. It will be followed by titles like The Authority, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and The Brave and the Bold.
Why You Should Watch Superman 2025
- Fresh Start for DC: It’s the first real taste of James Gunn’s new DC vision—whether you’re skeptical or excited, this is the movie that sets the tone.
- Emotional Superman: Unlike previous portrayals, this Clark Kent is more introspective and emotionally layered. It’s not just about strength—it’s about growth.
- Stellar Cast: From Rachel Brosnahan’s grounded Lois Lane to Nicholas Hoult’s cool and calculated Lex, the Superman 2025 cast brings major talent and nuance.
- John Williams Theme Returns: The score incorporates moments of the original Superman theme, adding a nostalgic touch that lands well, even amid the new tone.
- Character-First Storytelling: The film aims to be more than just fights and CGI. It tries (even if not always successfully) to focus on identity, belief, and what it means to be good.
QUICK SCAN | Things to Know Before Watching
PROS
- Corenswet brings sincerity and warmth to Clark.
- Brosnahan’s Lois is sharp and grounded.
- Sweeping visuals and cinematic scale.
- Nostalgic nods to John Williams’ theme.
- Sets a strong foundation for the new DCU.
CONS
- Weak setup—key motivations feel unexplained.
- Tonal shifts feel inconsistent and jarring.
- CGI and suit design underdeliver.
- Action lacks emotional weight.
- Superman feels too unsure, not iconic.
