'Superman' Review: A Bold Reboot That Embraces Its Comic Book Heart
- Elliot Lines
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 11
By Elliot Lines - July 10, 2025
One of the most iconic superheroes returns to the big screen in James Gunn's new-look DC Universe. Superman has been a fan-favourite comic book character since the early days of the medium. Over the years, we've seen multiple iterations — from Christopher Reeve in the late 70s to Henry Cavill more recently in the DCEU. Now, James Gunn, director of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and The Suicide Squad, takes the reins of this storied franchise.
Superman isn’t afraid to embrace its comic book roots — it's silly at times, a lot is crammed in, and while not perfect, it's an energetic, must-see summer blockbuster.
What is 'Superman' about?
When Superman (David Corenswet) gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nichloas Hoult) the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane and Superman's four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him before it's too late?
In an oversaturated comic book movie landscape, Superman stands out by fully embracing comic book logic. James Gunn has crafted a film unafraid to break from recent trends that insist superhero stories be grounded in realism. There’s a deliberate silliness here—one you’d expect to find only on the pages of a comic—and for that, Gunn deserves credit for his bold, unapologetic approach.
The film avoids rehashing Superman’s origin story, opting instead to plunge straight into a world where superheroes are already established. This choice allows the film to hit the ground running, delivering action set pieces early on. Characters like Lex Luthor are already known entities, and Superman is presented as a fully formed, complex figure.
Because the film skips the origin story, a lot is packed into its two-hour runtime. The action scenes are largely energetic and vibrant, thanks to their sci-fi flair and wide cast of characters. However, the sheer volume of content sometimes makes the editing feel choppy, and the dialogue occasionally suffers as a result.
David Corenswet embraces the role of Superman, striking a balance between emotional depth and physical presence. The jury may still be out on his portrayal of Clark Kent, as the film focuses more heavily on his superhero persona. Rachel Brosnahan plays a confident and tenacious Lois Lane, already firmly in the narrative as a key ally. At the center of the conflict is Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, bald and brooding. His performance channels a sort of spoiled menace—petty but purposeful—with a clear goal: destroy Superman.
The Future Looks Bright for the DC Universe
In this new era for DC Studios, James Gunn moves away from the dark tone of past films and embraces the vibrant spirit of comic books. Superman isn’t a perfect film, but it’s a strong and refreshing step forward, laying a solid foundation for the future of the DC Universe.
'Superman' releases in cinemas July 11
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