When Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel premiered in cinemas in 2013, it presented audiences with a darker, heavier version of Superman—one that divided fans but transformed how the character could be portrayed on the big screen. Over a decade later, the cape is back, now under the direction of James Gunn. With Superman (2025), Gunn isn’t just rebooting the world’s most iconic superhero—he’s reshaping him, removing the cold steel exterior and restoring humanity to the centre of the story.
This isn’t just a story about being unbreakable; it’s about vulnerability, identity, and finding a balance between incredible power and very human choices. Gunn’s Superman feels less like a deity above us and more like a man among us—still able to perform amazing feats, but now rooted in hope, kindness, and an emotional depth that had been missing for years. It’s a fresh start for the hero who began it all, and it might just be the most relatable version yet.
You know, Superman has always been more than just the guy who can lift buildings and fly faster than a jet—at his core, he’s the outsider, the immigrant trying to carve out a place in a world that isn’t really his. James Gunn leans into that idea here, and it works beautifully. Early on, Clark steps in to stop what looks like the start of a brutal war, and while he technically saves the day, it doesn’t take long for his actions to be spun against him. Instead of being praised, he’s suddenly the target—thanks to Lex Luthor, who jumps at the chance to brand him as an alien threat who doesn’t belong.
That’s the thing about this film: it doesn’t shy away from the immigrant story that’s always been tied to Superman, but it doesn’t hit you over the head with it either. Gunn uses it in a way that feels real and relevant, reflecting some of the conversations happening in our world today without turning the movie into a lecture. The result is a story that’s sharp, timely, and true to what Superman has always represented—hope, belonging, and the constant battle to do what’s right even when the world pushes back.
What truly makes this movie work is David Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent. From the moment he dons the cape, you can feel the difference. He isn’t weighed down by endless brooding or anger bubbling just beneath the surface—he’s lighter, warmer, and honestly, just easier to cheer for. There’s a charm to him that feels modern but still connects back to the classic Superman that people loved decades ago. He smiles when he saves people, reassures them when they’re scared, and yes, at one point, he even saves a squirrel. Little touches like that remind you this isn’t just a god-like figure soaring above us—it’s a man who genuinely cares.
And the best part? Corenswet manages to balance both sides of the role. His Clark Kent is awkward in just the right way, disarming with a grin and slipping through a newsroom unnoticed, while his Superman radiates confidence and hope. It’s the first time in a while that you watch Superman on screen and think, that’s the hero I’ve been waiting for. Gunn clearly wanted to strip the character back to his core—less steel, more heart—and Corenswet absolutely nails it.
One of the true highlights in Superman is the chemistry between David Corenswet’s Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. Their exchanges feel lively and authentic, with Brosnahan portraying a Lois who is sharp, fearless, and genuinely human. Together, they strike an ideal balance—Clark’s warmth and optimism combined with Lois’s wit and determination. Every time they appear on screen, the film buzzes with energy, and you can’t help but wish there was more space for their relationship to
On the other side, Nicholas Hoult brings Lex Luthor to life with chilling accuracy. He’s not the exaggerated villain of the past, but a character shaped by the billionaire culture we see in the headlines today. He’s smug, manipulative, and frighteningly convincing, which makes every confrontation between him and Superman feel more like a clash of values than just another good-versus-evil fight. Hoult’s Luthor adds a sharp edge to the film that sticks with viewers long after his scenes.
The challenge, however, is that. Gunn doesn’t stop at these main characters. He fills the film with a packed supporting cast—Jimmy Olsen, Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and, of course, the scene-stealing Krypto. Each adds something fun to the mix, but with so many characters vying for screen time, the storyeel a little overcrowded. It’s not that these roles weaken the film—they don’t—but the large number of them means Superman, Lois, and Lex occasionally get less time than they deserve.
When it comes to spectacle, Superman knows exactly what it’s doing. From a clash with a towering kaiju-like creature to breathtaking flight sequences that put you right in the skies with Clark, the action feels big, bold, and refreshingly straightforward. Gunn avoids the messy, frantic style that bogs down so many blockbusters—every punch, every chase, every rescue is staged so you can actually follow the momentum. There’s also plenty of variety, from sweeping city rescues to an all-out stadium brawl that looks like it was ripped straight from a comic book splash page.
With a budget that would make most studios sweat, the visuals were always going to be scrutinized—and they deliver. The effects are polished but never overpower the story, whether it’s Superman blasting through the clouds or Krypto causing chaos in his own hilarious way. More than just eye candy, the action sequences reinforce the film’s core idea: that Superman isn’t only about strength, but about heart, with every daring rescue reminding us why he’s the hero audiences have been waiting for.
By the time the credits finished rolling, I realized how refreshing it was to see Superman portrayed with such sincerity again. Too often, recent superhero movies have relied so heavily on spectacle that they forget why audiences originally fell in love with these characters. Gunn’s approach might not revolutionize the genre, but it restores a sense of warmth and optimism that has been missing, and that alone makes it stand out in a crowded field.
David Corenswet’s performance is key to that success. His Superman isn’t weighed down by cynicism or constant brooding—he’s accessible, charming, and convincing as both Clark Kent and the hero in blue. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane matches him stroke for stroke, sharp and determined without ever being pushed aside. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, meanwhile, adds the film’s edge, providing a villain who is chilling precisely because he feels so familiar in today’s world.
That being said, the film isn’t perfect. Sometimes, it seems like Gunn is trying to fit too much into one story, with an ensemble cast that risks overshadowing the main narrative. The pacing wavers in some parts, and there are moments where you wish the film would slow down and give its main characters room to breathe. But even with these flaws, the story remains cohesive because it never loses sight of Superman’s role as a symbol of hope.
This version of Superman might not satisfy everyone—especially fans who preferred the darker, grittier interpretations—but it succeeds in capturing the essence of the character. It’s heartfelt without being cheesy, spectacular without being overwhelming, and timely without being preachy. For me, it was less about superhero fatigue and more about being reminded why this character has endured for nearly a century: he inspires.
Rating: ★★★★☆
