‘Superman’ – Review
The Last Son of Krypton returns in a whole new way with James Gunn’s Superman, a bold and colourful reimagining of the iconic hero that marks the official launch of the DCU’s Gods and Monsters chapter. Packed with Gunn’s signature flair—quirky characters, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of comic book weirdness — this take on Superman leans into four-colour fun and nostalgic optimism. While it might not reach legendary heights, it still delivers a solid, feel-good superhero ride that’s sure to get fans talking and paves the way for a new era of DC storytelling.
Superman explores Clark Kent/Superman’s (David Corenswet) journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his adoptive human family in Smallville, Kansas.
The Man of Steel returns, and this time, it’s under the offbeat, kaleidoscopic gaze of James Gunn. With Superman, the first official entry in the newly minted DCU’s Gods and Monsters chapter, Gunn lets loose with his signature flair, and while it doesn’t quite soar into the stratosphere, it’s still a breezy, above-average watch packed with pop, colour, and a whole lotta heart.
Gunn’s Superman isn’t aiming for dark and brooding. Instead, it’s a bright, candy-coloured comic book romp that feels like a four-colour splash page come to life. Drawing heavily from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman, Gunn embraces the mythic optimism of the character while layering it with his trademark ensemble-centric style, punchy humour, and an eye for oddball detail. While it gives you the broad strokes of Superman’s origin and classic good vs evil storytelling, this version leans more into Gen-Z sensibilities and kid-friendly charm than gritty pathos.
David Corenswet steps into the red cape as Clark Kent/Superman, and he’s a solid fit. He’s not trying to be the next Henry Cavill, nor is he echoing the operatic weight of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. Instead, Corenswet channels a bright-eyed sincerity more reminiscent of Christopher Reeve, with a wholesome dose of the Big Blue Boy Scout energy. He’s got charm, warmth, and a slightly goofy likability that works, especially in his banter with the ever-intrepid Lois Lane, played with wit and spark by Rachel Brosnahan. Their chemistry is playful and grounded, giving this version of Superman a throwback romantic energy that’s endearing, if a little stylised.
Nicolas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is bound to divide fans. His take on the iconic villain is less cold mastermind and more tech-bro megalomaniac — think Elon Musk with a Messiah complex. Some will find it a refreshing update; others might find the smugness grating. Still, Hoult holds his own, giving Superman a worthy, if not exactly terrifying, adversary to clash with.
Where Superman really feels like James Gunn’s sandbox is in the sheer number of characters he introduces. This is less a solo movie and more a launchpad for the DCU. Standouts include Nathan Fillion’s hilariously obnoxious Guy Gardner (his Green Lantern is pure chaos), Edi Gathegi as the brainy and composed Mister Terrific, and Isabela Merced’s fierce Hawkgirl. Cameos from John Cena’s Peacemaker and a surprise Bradley Cooper as Jor-El are sure to get fans buzzing. And yes, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl makes an appearance, teasing a future that looks mighty exciting.
Special mention must go to the Daily Planet newsroom, which feels lifted straight from a comic panel. Wendell Pierce is pitch-perfect as Perry White, Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen is full of eager charm, and the ensemble, including Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, and Christopher McDonald, rounds out what could easily carry a spin-off series of its own. Seriously, give these journos their own show!
But let’s be real — the MVP of this film? Krypto the Superdog. Bratty, powerful, and full of doggy attitude, Krypto steals every scene he’s in and might just be the breakout star of the entire movie. If you weren’t already begging for a spin-off, you will be once the credits roll.
The tone of Superman is somewhere between Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Love and Thunder. It’s got action, yes, but also plenty of quips, comedic beats, and that wink-at-the-audience tone that’s become a Gunn staple. Some of the humour lands, some doesn’t. The action is solid but not jaw-dropping, with a few standout set pieces balanced by more modest skirmishes. The visual effects and animation are decent, and there’s a definite comic-book logic to how the world functions.
Ultimately, Superman is a film that doesn’t try to out-muscle the past—it sidesteps it completely and carves its own lane. It’s fun, colourful, and a sign of interesting things to come. James Gunn clearly loves these characters, and while not every choice lands, there’s heart here. And with Corenswet flying high, the DCU looks like it will have plenty of room to grow.
Image: Warner Brothers Pictures
