In June 1938, Action Comics #1 hit newsstands, and Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster gave the world their greatest gift: the first appearance of Superman. Since that moment, the character has become one of the most influential figures in pop culture and modern mythology. Over the past 86 years, Superman hasn’t just remained on the page; he’s evolved across every medium imaginable. From George Reeves’ portrayal in the 1950s television series to animated adaptations, Big Blue has always been a part of our collective consciousness.
It wasn’t until Superman turned 40 that he truly soared onto the big screen. While 1951’s Superman and the Mole Men served as a modest 58-minute feature tied to the TV series, Richard Donner’s 1978 film finally made audiences believe a man could fly. That landmark achievement didn’t just redefine the superhero genre; it introduced the world to Christopher Reeve, whose portrayal still stands as the definitive version of the Man of Steel.
Since Donner’s era, it has often felt like Warner Bros. and the various filmmakers who have handed the keys to the Fortress of Solitude have been chasing that same magic, and in my view, haven’t quite recaptured it. Attempts to modernize the character have ranged from admirable to misguided. Most recently, Zack Snyder reimagined Superman through a darker, more existential lens, which for many; including myself missed the essence of what makes the character timeless. It stripped away the one thing that defines Superman above all else: hope.
After the collapse of the DCEU, James Gunn was tapped to reboot the entire DC Universe. And naturally, the first film in this new chapter had to start with the symbol at its center—Superman. As someone who’s enjoyed most of Gunn’s past work, I walked into this film with a cautious but open mind. It had been decades since I truly connected with a cinematic version of Superman. Would this finally be the one to restore the emotional impact I’d been missing? Would I once again feel the belief, the inspiration, the hope?
The answer: yes. James Gunn’s Superman makes you believe a man can fly… again. A soaring, heartfelt triumph that recaptures the classic DC spirit and reminds us why the Man of Steel still matters. This isn’t just a new Superman; it’s the fresh start the DC Universe has long needed. It’s a return to believing.
Set three years after Superman’s arrival in Metropolis, the film drops us into a world still divided about his presence. Following a controversial overseas intervention and a bruising early defeat, Clark Kent is confronted by global skepticism. His every action is scrutinized. His motives are questioned. And in the shadows, Lex Luthor manipulates public fear to serve his own ambition. Superman must navigate a minefield of political doubt, personal loss, and philosophical tension to prove that hope still matters, even when the world isn’t sure it wants a savior.
Gunn, known for his sharp comedic edge and character-driven storytelling, may have seemed like an unconventional choice to helm a Superman reboot; but he proves more than capable. His love for the source material is evident in every frame. The screenplay is rooted in emotional sincerity and moral clarity, echoing the optimistic tone of Donner’s films without feeling like reverent imitation. At its core, Superman doesn’t position Clark as a god among men, but as a man trying to do right by all.
That said, Gunn’s signature humor, while mostly well-timed, occasionally undercuts the emotional weight of key scenes. In moments where silence would have deepened the impact, misplaced jokes land with a thud. These moments don’t derail the film, but they do slightly chip away at its sincerity and highlight a key truth: the kind of humor that works effortlessly in the Guardians of the Galaxy universe doesn’t translate as seamlessly here as Gunn might have hoped.
What leaves the strongest impression are the films central trio; those tasked with carrying the weight of legacy: Superman, Lex Luthor, and Lois Lane. David Corenswet brings warmth, humility, and conviction to Superman, capturing the character’s moral center without ever feeling like a nostalgia play. He honors what came before while making the role undeniably his own. Nicholas Hoult is a standout as Lex Luthor, channeling the cold intellect of Gene Hackman and the chilling charisma of Michael Rosenbaum’s Smallville portrayal, all while injecting his own modern edge. And Rachel Brosnahan delivers a Lois Lane who instantly feels iconic; sharp, fearless, emotionally grounded, and fiercely committed to the truth.
While some were wary of the film’s packed ensemble, those concerns prove to be overblown. Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, Mister Terrific and Metamorpho are all used just enough to complement, not crowd the story. That’s not to say they go unnoticed. Nathan Fillion and Edi Gathegi, in particular, steal every scene they’re in, delivering the films sharpest one-liners and laughs. And yes, Krypto makes his mark too, melting the hearts of every pet lover in the audience.
That said, not every supporting player lands. Sara Sampaio’s Eve Teschmacher continues a long-running trend for the character: underwritten and underdeveloped. Despite her screen presence, she feels less than integral, making her the weakest link in an otherwise well-balanced supporting cast.
On the technical side, the film’s VFX were a concern going in and while a few shots of Superman in flight don’t look quite right, the majority of the sequences are well-executed. One standout moment features Superman soaring above the clouds. The score, composed by John Murphy and David Fleming, pays respectful homage to John Williams’ iconic theme while confidently establishing a bold and original sound of its own.
James Gunn’s Superman isn’t a course correction, it’s a statement. It reclaims the soul of the character that has too often been buried under misguided reinvention. While not without its flaws, the film succeeds where it matters most: reminding us that Superman still has something vital to say in a world that too often doubts the power of truth, kindness, and hope. For the first time in decades, I walked out of a Superman film feeling uplifted, inspired, and ready to believe again. The Man of Steel has returned and with him, the heart and future of the DC Universe.
