Superman serves as the first film of the new DC Universe, rebooting the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) that began in 2013.
James Gunn, chosen for this pivotal project, previously led the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As head of DC Films, he begins this new universe with a standalone Superman film.
The movie is very Marvel-like and very American. The design, characters, and worldview. I had seen them all before, and there was nothing new. I was tired of seeing them.
If I had to say something different, it is more than half a comedy, although I wrote “adventure.
What’s fascinating is the film’s bold structure: it completely omits Superman’s origin story. After a brief opening sequence with just a few lines of text explaining the world, the story abruptly begins with Superman already active for three years, having recently intervened in a conflict between Bolivia and Jalampur three weeks prior, sparking controversy.
The familiar origin—Krypton’s destruction, a baby sent to Earth, growing up in Kansas, and becoming Superman—is omitted entirely.
James Gunn’s Embodiment of “Love for Every Character”
James Gunn’s real strength is giving even supporting characters real depth.
In the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy, he told a story about a group of “losers” who’d failed at everything in life, shared their wounds, and became a hero team that saved the galaxy. Then, in DC’s The Suicide Squad, he showed criminals imprisoned in a penitentiary being forcibly assembled into a team that ultimately performed heroically.
So, how does such a director portray Superman—the ultimate hero? By making humanity, not perfection, his defining trait. Gunn’s Superman is centered on emotion and self-doubt, rather than flawless heroism.
At the start of the movie, Superman is lying on the ground, hurt and unable to get up. The ‘Man of Steel’ has been beaten. This surprising opening sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Seeing Superman, who usually soars through the sky, crash to the ground reminds us that he’s human too. To me, this movie is a ‘human declaration’ for Superman, constantly showing his human side.
The “Kindness to Underdogs” Common to James Gunn’s Works
James Gunn’s heroes are never the perfect supermen society expects. They’re underdogs—people who have failed many times.
This Superman also belongs to that lineage. What becomes clear during the interview scene with his lover, Lois Lane, is the fact that Superman is facing public criticism for preventing an invasion of Jhalampur, a country not allied with the United States.
On social media, the hashtag “#SuperShit” is trending, and people are angry, saying, “Don’t represent us!” This shows that Superman is seen as an outsider, not accepted by everyone.
And Superman reacts to this with intense emotion. He makes threatening remarks to the President of Bolivia, revealing glimpses of his immaturity as a hero. This very human portrayal of Superman is typical of director James Gunn’s approach.
A group portrait where even the supporting characters have their own personalities
Director James Gunn’s skill shines most in his ability to make each individual in a group appear attractive.
The movie “Superman” features a team of heroes sponsored by a company called The Justice Gang. The three members are Mr. Terrific, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), and Hawkgirl.
This team is pretty chaotic and fights in a way that’s nothing like Superman—they don’t worry about the damage they cause. Their headquarters, the ‘Hall of Justice,’ is still being built, which adds a funny touch.
Mr. Terrific, in particular, is a character that appeals to the hearts of science-minded boys, and for me personally, he was the MVP (Most Valuable Player). If I had seen this when I was in elementary school, I would definitely have wanted a Mr. Terrific action figure. While saying he has “no interest in human hearts,” he shows his emotions as he interacts with Superman and Lois Lane, revealing his charming tsundere/kuudere personality.
Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) is also a highlight, thanks to James Gunn’s unique sense of humor. At the opening night screening, one of his scenes had the whole theater laughing.
The Daily Planet newspaper staff is also charming. Jimmy Olsen, played by Skye Gissendahl, who was impressive in “Booksmart,” elicits laughter with his inexplicable popularity with all women. This is also typical James Gunn humor.
The unpredictable charm of Krypto (Superdog)
Krypto, Superman’s dog and partner, makes his first live-action appearance and is a real highlight.
Krypto, an unpredictable dog who bosses around both Superman and Mr. Terrific, adds comedy to the entire film. An adorable creature with superpowers who doesn’t understand humans—this is also a signature touch of director James Gunn, reminiscent of Baby Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Eegle (Wassie) in the drama Peacemaker.
David Corenswet plays a “human-like Superman.”
The new Superman is played by David Corenswet, who gained attention for his roles in Pearl and Twisters.
His version of Superman feels more human than any before, and I think he really brought out that side in this film.
Comparison with Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve’s Superman from the 1978 film is remembered by many as the “ideal Superman.” His detached demeanor, occasional piercing gaze, and combat movements embodied a kind of “fatherly perfection.”
In contrast, David Corenswet’s Superman is portrayed as a more “relatable” presence. This reflects Superman’s dual nature. The moment he shifts into combat mode, his demeanor changes dramatically. The way his gaze instantly transforms is powerful and demonstrates the breadth of his range as an actor.
An Emotional and Immature Superman
An essential trait of this Superman is his emotional vulnerability, which the film foregrounds. This distinct angle guides the review’s focus toward the purpose behind portraying an imperfect hero.
In a conversation scene with Lois Lane, they debate intervening in the conflict between Bolivia and Jalampur. When Lois raises concerns about the consequences and makes a logical argument, Superman raises his voice, retorting, “People were dying!”
This emotional outburst shows just how human this Superman is.
“I’m human.”
The words Superman delivers to Lex Luthor in the climax encapsulate the film’s entire message:
“I’m as human as anyone. I love, I get scared. I’m just a man trying to do what’s right.”
This “human declaration” is the core of the film Superman. Just as Tony Stark made his human declaration, “I am Iron Man,” in the first MCU film, Iron Man, the DC Universe also begins with its heroes’ humanity.
At that moment, Superman’s words to Luthor also feel directed at us. The film suggests that anyone can be Superman. This ability to connect with the audience is what makes James Gunn’s work special.
The childhood home videos show Clark as an “ordinary child.”
In the final scene, after everything is over, Superman returns to the Fortress of Solitude and watches his childhood home videos.
It shows young Clark being lovingly raised by Jonathan and Martha in Kansas. And when young Clark imitates flying heroes, playing “Superman” himself, he embodies every child around the world who dreams of being a hero.
These home videos reinforce the film’s thesis: Clark, or Superman, is defined by his ordinary humanity, suggesting anyone could be Superman by choosing kindness.
I thought this final human declaration, expanded to draw the audience in, was a powerfully moving ending so characteristic of director James Gunn.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor embodies “modern evil.”
Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor, is a talented actor you might know from Mad Max: Fury Road and the X-Men movies.
Contrast with Superman
This Luthor is shown as Superman’s total opposite. He’s smart, has strong beliefs, and truly thinks he’s doing the right thing.
For instance, he never helps the weak or anything like that. Ultimately, when viewed from above, it’s all about his own convenience. This feels like a very “modern” villain setup.
Fake News and Public Opinion Manipulation
In this film, Luthor spreads fake news, fuels division and hate, and even turns it into a business.
The darkest humor in the film came from the revelation that the hateful anti-posts targeting Superman—an immigrant and refugee—were actually posted by “Monkey Pod,” the monkey Luthor keeps in his pocket universe.
Seeing brainwashed monkeys angrily typing hate comments felt a bit dark for a family movie. Still, it reflects real problems—like paid political campaigns that use hate posts to divide people, or YouTube channels that make money from hate videos.
Even if some parts aren’t funny, Luthor is clearly using hate to stir up division and profit from it.
Modern Society’s “Immigrant Story” and “Depiction of Conflict”
The movie ‘Superman’ is both a superhero story and a social commentary. James Gunn stated, “This film is an immigrant story and a story about kindness.” These are the film’s two main themes: Superman as a metaphor for the immigrant experience, and the struggle to keep kindness central in a divided world.
Superman as a Metaphor for “Immigrants and Refugees”
At his core, Superman is an ‘immigrant’ from Krypton. Since he lost his home planet and came to America, you could even call him a ‘refugee.’
The film highlights this part of Superman’s identity as both an immigrant and a refugee.
In the film, Lex Luthor criticizes Superman as an “alien” and an “illegal immigrant,” seeking to expel him. This carries a strong social message: in today’s society, where xenophobia is growing, it’s time to re-examine Superman as an immigrant.
Bolivia and Jalampur
The entire film is set against the backdrop of the fictional nation of Bolavia invading its neighbor, Jalampur.
At first, the story seems like a metaphor for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The leader of Bolivia is played by Zlatko Burić, who also played a Russian oligarch in The Reversal Triangle. The language in the film is made up, but it sounds very Russian.
But if you look closer, Bolivia is actually an American ally, and some people in the U.S. criticize Superman for getting involved—basically saying, ‘Don’t interfere in a non-ally’s business.’
Also, the people of Jalampur don’t look European—their appearance and clothing are more like those from the Middle East or India/Pakistan. While Jalampur’s people protest with sticks, Bolavia’s forces have the latest American weapons.
This setup naturally brings to mind the relationship between the US-Israel alliance and the Palestinian people.
This balance itself is, I think, a remarkably bold stance for a Hollywood film.
The message that “kindness is the new punk.”
One of the most moving and powerful scenes in ‘Superman’ is the conversation between Lois Lane and Clark Kent.
While Lois and Clark talk, you can see beings from another dimension fighting the Justice Gang outside the window. The fact that people don’t even evacuate during these battles says a lot about the world they live in.
Their conversation starts with small talk. When Clark says, ‘I loved punk rock,’ Lois answers, ‘That’s pop music, isn’t it?’
“You think everyone you meet is beautiful.”
Clark’s response to this line is the core of the film:
“Kindness is the new punk rock.”
I thought this line was really brilliant!
In a conversation between directors James Gunn and Takashi Yamazaki, Gunn’s words resonate with this line. He said:
“The world I live in isn’t exactly a nice place. Mean people climb to the top and push their agenda unilaterally. Kindness is the most rebellious thing, the very definition of punk rock.”
The world feels divided in every way, and it’s hard to know what’s right or wrong. Still, I believe that trying to face things honestly, with kindness for the person in front of you, is never wrong. I want to believe that, and I think it has to be true.
The punk rock playing in the final scene
At the end of the film, as Clark watches his childhood videos, ” Punk Rock ” by the Teddy Bears featuring Iggy Pop plays.
“Yeah, I’m a punk rocker. ‘Cause I’m a punk rocker.”
I found it to be a very gentle yet powerful film. It struck me as incredibly cruel that in this world, such an obvious message—such an obvious thing as kindness—has to become punk. But I also felt I wanted to live carrying that punk spirit of kindness.
Visuals and Direction: “Entertainment for the TikTok Era”
The visuals and direction in Superman feel very current. The first thing you’ll notice is how fast everything moves.
Within seconds, a massive amount of information is presented, and from there, a relentless barrage of events drags the audience into the film’s world. Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, already reigns as CEO of the mega-corporation LuthorCorp, wielding power that allows him to intervene in U.S. government affairs. Meta-humans, Ultraman, and the Engineer, present in the garden, suddenly attack Superman.
What would normally be the middle of a movie happens right at the start.
High-Speed Camera Work and One-Shot Action
The quick pace of the story is matched by fast camera work.
The metahumans move quickly, and the film tries to capture their actions in smooth, single takes. Some scenes even show one action per take.
Even big group conversations are filmed without cuts, using quick camera pans to keep things moving.
This is probably thanks to James Gunn’s ‘Nano’ camera rig, which he first used in The Suicide Squad.
This movie uses the Nano rig better than any of Gunn’s earlier films, showing off the ‘world of gods and monsters’ and the action of superhuman metahumans. It’s fast, handheld style feels like a new kind of entertainment.
Everything is fast—the setup, the narration, the camera work, and even the dialogue, which comes at you like machine-gun fire. It really feels like a new era for Superman movies.
Summary: Too much James Gunn? A hopeful film that hints at the future of superhero movies
As the first film in the DC Universe reboot, Superman 2025 feels like an important step for superhero movies as a whole. ‘Kindness is punk rock’ sums up the new Superman, looking again at how power and goodness can go together.
One thing that stood out was James Gunn’s trademark humor. Sometimes, his jokes pop up during emotional scenes and can take away from the moment. I wondered if Gunn is hesitant to let the audience fully feel the weight of those emotions.
I also thought Clark Kent’s portrayal was a bit weak. This Superman doesn’t really try to hide as Clark Kent—other than his hair and glasses, he’s basically just Superman. Some people might not like that the secret identity part is less important. Maybe Gunn decided that ‘Clark Kent isn’t such a big deal.’
Even with these criticisms, the film’s message and impact are strong. Superman is a character who has to be a bit naive. The many scenes of him trying so hard to help people are powerful and show that even Superman struggles. That image gives us a little hope.
The film Superman transcends mere entertainment; it is a work depicting humanity’s hope for goodness. I felt it truly succeeded in becoming one of the most important films within the superhero movie market.
The film gives a clear answer to the challenge of getting Superman right, a tough character to portray, and to the bigger challenge of showing superheroes today. I thought it was nearly perfect.
The film’s focus on ‘kindness’ makes me excited to see how this theme will continue in the next movie, ‘Supergirl,’ and in the new DC Universe James Gunn is creating.
