James Gunn’s Superman (2025) Review: A Bold, Divisive Reboot That Aims to Soar

The Man of Steel is back, and this time, he’s under the direction of James Gunn, the visionary behind Guardians of the Galaxy and co-CEO of DC Studios. Released on July 11, 2025, Superman marks the official kickoff of the new DC Universe (DCU), with David Corenswet donning the iconic red and blue cape, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as the cunning Lex Luthor. But does this reboot live up to the hype? In this Superman movie review, we’ll dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between while exploring why this film has sparked such polarized reactions. Buckle up for a breakdown that’s as action-packed as a Metropolis showdown!

A New Dawn for Superman: James Gunn’s Vision

James Gunn’s Superman isn’t your typical origin story. Instead of rehashing Kal-El’s Kryptonian roots, the film drops us into a world where Superman has been saving Metropolis for three years. The story begins with a battered Clark Kent (Corenswet) licking his wounds after a brutal fight, setting the tone for a vulnerable, humanized Man of Steel. Gunn, known for his irreverent humor and heartfelt storytelling, infuses the film with a mix of Silver Age comic book charm and modern-day political commentary, tackling themes like immigration, heroism, and media manipulation.

The plot centers on Superman’s controversial intervention in a fictional war between Boravia and Jarhanpur, which draws the ire of tech billionaire Lex Luthor. Hoult’s Luthor is a standout, blending charisma and menace as he orchestrates a smear campaign against Superman using social media bots and metahuman muscle. Meanwhile, Clark navigates his budding romance with Lois Lane and grapples with a shocking revelation about his Kryptonian parents’ intentions.

What Works in Superman (2025)

1. David Corenswet’s Charismatic Superman

David Corenswet steps into Christopher Reeve’s and Henry Cavill’s big red boots with ease, delivering a Superman that’s equal parts earnest, dorky, and inspiring. His “golly-gee” Midwestern charm and punk-rock idealism make him a refreshing take on the character. Critics praise his ability to balance vulnerability with god-like power, making this Superman feel relatable yet larger-than-life.

2. Chemistry Between Clark and Lois

The heart of any great Superman story is the romance between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, and Gunn nails it. Rachel Brosnahan’s whip-smart Lois is a perfect foil for Corenswet’s Clark, with their banter crackling like a classic rom-com. Their scenes at the Daily Planet are a highlight, evoking the charm of a ‘90s comic book flick.

3. Comic Book Energy and Krypto the Superdog

Gunn’s love for DC’s deep cuts shines through, with vibrant visuals and a Saturday-morning-cartoon vibe. The inclusion of Krypto the Superdog (inspired by Gunn’s own pet, Ozu) steals the show, adding humor and heart. Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy will recognize Gunn’s knack for blending goofy spectacle with emotional stakes.

4. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor

Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a masterclass in villainy—less cartoonish than past iterations, more a jealous genius with a tech-bro edge. His schemes, from digital smear campaigns to metahuman battles, feel ripped from today’s headlines, making him a chilling antagonist.

Where Superman Stumbles

1. Overstuffed Plot

Gunn’s ambition to launch the DCU leads to a cluttered narrative. The film introduces a slew of characters like Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), but many feel underutilized or shoehorned in for future setups. The Justice Gang’s camaraderie is presumed rather than earned, leaving some fans wanting more depth.

2. Tonal Inconsistency

While Gunn’s breezy, irreverent tone works for some, others find it jarring. The film swings from heartfelt drama to slapstick comedy, and not all jokes land. Critics note that the constant CGI spectacle and quirky humor can overshadow the emotional core, making it feel like “five different issues of All-Star Superman mixed together.”

3. Emotional Disconnect

Despite its vibrant action, Superman struggles to recapture the emotional weight of Richard Donner’s 1978 classic. The geopolitical allegory, while bold, feels conceptually heavy but emotionally shallow. Some critics argue that Superman’s crisis of confidence lacks the depth to truly resonate.

Critical Reception: A Love-It-or-Hate-It Reboot

Superman has divided critics and fans alike, earning an 82% “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 100 reviews. Here’s a snapshot of the sentiment:

• The Positives: Variety calls it “arresting and touching,” praising its comic-book energy and Corenswet’s performance. Rolling Stone hails it as a “living, breathing comic book,” while NPR lauds its sincerity and idealism.
• The Negatives: Forbes deems it a “painfully mediocre, super generic mess,” criticizing its overwritten plot and tonal issues. The Guardian slams its “square-faced soullessness,” and some X posts echo fan frustration, particularly among Zack Snyder loyalists who find it too goofy.

Early reactions on X highlight the film’s polarizing nature, with some calling it “the happiest I’ve walked out of a theater since Top Gun: Maverick” and others labeling it a “convoluted mess.”

Box Office and Cultural Impact

Superman kicked off with a record-breaking $22.5M in previews, surpassing Barbie and The Batman. However, with a $225M budget and the weight of relaunching the DCU, its box office performance will be closely watched. Gunn’s film tackles timely themes—immigration, media manipulation, and heroism in a cynical world—making it a cultural talking point. Whether it can sustain momentum remains to be seen.

Is Superman Worth Watching?

If you’re a fan of James Gunn’s colorful, irreverent style or crave a Superman who’s equal parts hopeful and human, this reboot delivers. It’s a fun, chaotic ride that leans into comic book absurdity while grounding its hero in relatable struggles. However, if you prefer the gritty realism of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel or expect a tightly focused narrative, you might find it overwhelming or tonally uneven.

Verdict: Superman (2025) is a bold, flawed, and undeniably entertaining start to the DCU. It’s not perfect, but it’s a refreshing take that dares to be different. Catch it in theaters for the full comic-book spectacle, and keep an eye out for Krypto stealing the show!