James Gunn’s “Superman” (2025) is the kind of film I would’ve wanted my young self to watch. It would probably impact me the same way I spent breaks during second grade, drafting engineering plans for a functioning hoverboard. But it also manages to be a movie that wouldn’t make me want to grab my phone, just like I do in the middle of a long song and dance number featuring forest animals or inanimate objects.
“Superman” is a fun film with a lot of heart. When in action mode, it leans on grand cinematography and scoring to deliver key moments. While all its pros were the fruit of intention (mainly the message), all its cons (mostly perceived) were akin to responses to the great expectations and comparisons prevalent in today’s social media age.
We’re long past the era of wardrobe changes in telephone booths. The cinematic landscape demands more—and this film delivers.
The stakes are higher now, and the storytelling reflects that. At times during the movie, the gore is implied. It doesn’t shy away from character deaths, allowing for a more mature tone without being overtly explicit. This debut/semi-origin project reintroduces a young hero who seems emotionally adrift, but this sets up a brilliant trajectory.
If we follow past trends, the DC Universe (DCU) has 10-15 years’ worth of storytelling to turn an emotional Clark Kent into the Man of Steel that adults will be clamoring for by then. This approach is also incredibly timely, as it aligns with the timeline leading up to the 100th anniversary of Superman’s first appearance in a comic book, which will occur in 2038.
Gunn’s take on the Smallville hero is a masterclass reset. And it’s just one piece of the puzzle for the new DCU.
“Superman” paints a colorful world that serves as the perfect contrast to a Dark Knight, whose hopelessly serious outlook and sharp intellect should make him the most essential member of the group. His signature dark aesthetic, by this time, would be a welcome breath of fresh air. I, for one, can’t wait to see Superman’s bright optimism engage with Batman’s grounded realism.
Of course, there is still room for improvement. Gunn’s creativity has boundaries, with “Superman” sharing similar elements to his previous projects for another studio. But for what it’s worth, any perceived lacks in the film are simply spaces waiting to be filled by richer lore of Gods Among Men.