Superman (2025) – A Fresh Start for the Man of Steel

🦸 This review is part of the DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters – follow the new DC Universe from the ground up.

James Gunn had one job with Superman (2025): convince a DC fanbase that had been burned repeatedly that a full reboot was worth their trust. He pulled it off. Not by being loud about it — by making a Superman film that actually works as a film first and a franchise launch second.

David Corenswet’s Clark Kent is a different kind of Superman than what’s come before, and that’s by design. The tone is brighter, funnier, and unapologetically hopeful — a deliberate contrast to the Snyderverse’s operatic weight. Whether that lands depends on what you wanted from DC. For dads who found the last decade of DC cinema exhausting, it’s a genuine change of weather.

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James Gunn reimagines Superman with heart, action, and a standout cast in this fresh start for the DC Universe.

Story & Characters

The story follows Clark Kent as he balances his dual identity as a humble journalist in Metropolis and the world’s greatest hero. Unlike previous iterations, this Superman feels more accessible — not just because he’s younger and more relatable, but because the story gives him room to grow, connect, and inspire.

David Corenswet is perfectly cast. He brings the right mix of idealism, strength, and awkward charm to the role. You believe he wants to do the right thing – not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.

Lois Lane is a standout. Smart, tough, and funny, she’s not just a love interest – she’s a force in her own right. Their chemistry is warm and believable, giving the emotional core of the film real weight.

The villain – whose identity we won’t spoil here – is one of the better antagonists DC has introduced in years. Charismatic yet dangerous, he brings real stakes to the story and challenges Superman both physically and philosophically.

And yes – the dog. Superman’s trusty Kryptonian companion steals every scene he’s in without turning the film into a cartoon. He’s the perfect blend of comic relief and loyalty.

Visuals & Sound

Visually, Superman (2025) is stunning. The flight sequences are graceful and exhilarating, the fight choreography is easy to follow yet impactful, and the set design of Metropolis strikes a nice balance between stylized and grounded.

The film uses vibrant colors without going full comic-book neon, staying visually distinct from the gray palette of past DC films. Krypton flashbacks, in particular, look amazing – alien yet majestic.

The score is heroic, orchestral, and sweeping – echoing John Williams in spirit without being derivative. It elevates key scenes and gives the film a hopeful emotional throughline.

The Dad Watch

Watching Superman (2025) as a dad was a delight. The film doesn’t drown in cynicism or moral ambiguity – it celebrates decency, responsibility, and optimism. My daughter was especially taken by the scenes with the dog (no surprise), but also by Clark’s quiet moments with his parents and Lois.

It’s not just a superhero film – it’s about identity, purpose, and being someone others can look up to.

The film has enough action and spectacle to entertain teens, but also enough warmth and clarity for younger viewers. And as a launchpad for a new DC Universe, it hits the right notes: bold, sincere, and fun.

A New Face Under the Cape

David Corenswet had the unenviable job of following Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill — and he sidesteps the comparison by playing a different kind of Superman entirely. Where Cavill’s was a brooding god learning to trust humanity, Corenswet’s Clark is already all-in on people from frame one. He’s younger, warmer, and a little awkward, a Superman who leads with kindness and treats it as his real superpower rather than a weakness. It’s a reading of the character that feels genuinely refreshing after a decade of grim, conflicted capes.

That’s the film’s whole thesis, and it’s where James Gunn plants his flag: this is a Superman who is unapologetically good, an immigrant raised by Kansas farmers who believes decency is worth fighting for even when the world calls it naïve. For a dad watching with kids, that’s the selling point — it’s a hero who models the values you actually want to pass on, without a shred of cynicism. The film even builds its central conflict around that idea, with the villain weaponizing public distrust of Superman’s sincerity.

If there’s a knock, it’s that Gunn front-loads a lot — this Superman already exists, already has the suit, already knows Lois — so newcomers expecting a traditional origin may need a beat to catch up. But skipping the umpteenth retelling of Krypton-and-the-rocket is the right call, and the film trusts you to already know the legend.

Krypto, Lex, and a Stacked Bench

The not-so-secret weapon is Krypto the Superdog. Inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, this badly-behaved Kryptonian mutt is pure chaos — he doesn’t talk, he just wrecks things and demands belly rubs — and he’s an instant scene-stealer who kids will adore. Crucially, Gunn uses him for more than comedy: Krypto becomes a small, furry argument for the film’s whole “care for the helpless” worldview.

On the villain side, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is one of DC’s best big-screen antagonists in years — a petty, brilliant tech billionaire consumed by envy, weaponizing media manipulation and private armies rather than just punching. He’s frighteningly modern. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a genuine equal, sharp and skeptical, and her interrogation-style first date with Clark is a highlight. Gunn also crams in a “Justice Gang” of supporting heroes — Mister Terrific (a scene-stealer in his own right), Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern Guy Gardner — seeding the wider universe without derailing the main story.

The DCU Launchpad — and Where It Sits

This is the cornerstone of Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe, the “Gods and Monsters” chapter’s opening statement, and it carries the weight of relaunching an entire franchise after years of false starts. The smart move is that it works as a complete film first and a universe-builder second — the connective tissue (the Justice Gang, the wider metahuman world) is texture, not homework. You can enjoy it cold without having done any reading.

It’s also a clear tonal reset from the Snyder era: brighter, funnier, more hopeful, and proudly comic-booky. Whether that lands depends on your taste — some will miss the operatic gravity of Man of Steel — but as a mission statement for where DC is headed, it’s confident and clear. For families burned out on grim superhero fare, it’s a welcome change of weather.

Rewatch Value & Home Viewing

Superman (2025) is an easy, joyful rewatch — it’s bright, brisk, and packed with character beats and Krypto gags that reward a second look. It’s also one of the most genuinely kid-friendly superhero films in years, which makes it a reliable family-movie-night pick rather than a one-off.

For the shelf, the 4K Ultra HD release is the way to go: Gunn’s vibrant, saturated Metropolis and the soaring flight sequences are tailor-made for HDR, and the John Williams–inspired score swells beautifully in a proper sound system. It streams on the usual services too, but the disc is the better way to take in the spectacle.

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James Gunn reimagines Superman with heart, action, and a standout cast in this fresh start for the DC Universe.

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FAQ

Is Superman (2025) suitable for kids?

Yes, the movie is family-friendly with action scenes that are intense but not overly graphic. Recommended for kids 10 and up.

How long is the movie?

The runtime is approximately 132 minutes (2 hours and 12 minutes).

Is Superman (2025) part of the DC Extended Universe?

No – this film marks the beginning of James Gunn’s new DC Universe and serves as a fresh reboot.

Is there a post-credit scene?

Yes – Superman (2025) includes two post-credit scenes. The first, during the mid-credits, shows Superman and Krypto on the moon in a lighthearted moment. The second, after the full credits, features Superman and Mister Terrific inspecting a building damaged during the final battle. While neither scene teases specific future DCU projects, they add charm and character depth to the new universe.

Who plays Superman and Lex Luthor in the 2025 film?

David Corenswet plays Clark Kent / Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. James Gunn writes and directs.

Do I need to know DC movies to follow this one?

No. It’s a fresh reboot and the first film of James Gunn’s new DC Universe, with no ties to the older Snyder-era films. Superman already exists when the story starts, so it skips the traditional origin and works as a complete standalone.