Every so often, a filmmaker comes along and reminds us why we fell in love with a character in the first place. For me, that’s always been Superman. He’s a beacon of pure, uncomplicated hope. With the bright-coloured costume and the unwavering smile, he’s the kind of hero who made you believe the world could be good.
Over the years, we’ve seen so many different versions of Superman. Some leaned into his alien origins, while others tried to make him darker, grittier, and more “modern.” But James Gunn’s Superman goes in the complete opposite direction, and it is all the better for it.
This is the Superman I grew up loving. He’s a boy scout and a symbol of peace, justice, and doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do. Gunn brings the Man of Steel back to his roots in the best way possible, delivering a film that feels like it leapt straight off the yellowed pages of the golden age Action Comics issues, yet still feels fresh and relevant in 2025.
It’s classic comic book Superman with a modern-day heart. And honestly, I was grinning throughout the film.
From the moment David Corenswet appeared on screen, he WAS Superman. Bright, optimistic, a little awkward at times, and yes, he even drops the occasional “golly,” which genuinely made me chuckle.
This version of Superman isn’t trying to be edgy or overcomplicated. He is compassionate, a little naive, and carries himself with a gentle warmth and sincerity that instantly makes you trust him. If Christopher Reeve is the gold standard, Corenswet is the perfect modern successor. He sits somewhere between Tom Welling’s earnest young Clark in Smallville and Tyler Hoechlin’s grounded, dependable Superman in Superman & Lois.
It honestly felt like we were seeing Kal-El in his prime. He is past the self-discovery stage, but not yet fully settled down. He is confident, kind, and exactly the kind of Superman we have been waiting to see again.
This Superman is exactly what the world needs right now. A true symbol of hope, peace, and justice. He believes in people, chooses kindness, and even when the odds are stacked impossibly high, his first instinct is always to protect.
It has been a long time since we’ve seen a live-action version of Superman that truly captures the heart of what being a hero means. The one who helps an old lady cross the street and punches a meteor into dust. The one who inspires others not with fear or power, but simply by leading with heart.
And honestly, I didn’t realise how much I missed that until now.
I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous when I first heard how many other characters were going to show up in the film. Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Metamorpho, Mr Terrific… it sounded like a lot for what is meant to be a story about the film’s titular character.
But to my surprise, the ensemble didn’t take away from the main event. Instead, they added energy, humour, and some great action moments that helped flesh out the world without ever stealing Clark’s spotlight. It felt more like a fun nod to the wider DC Universe rather than a distraction.
That said, not every inclusion hit the mark. Cat Grant and Steve Lombard, while nice references to Clark Kent’s journalistic roots, didn’t feel essential to the story. I also found myself wondering why Mr Terrific had so much more screen time than his Justice Gang colleagues.
Still, for the most part, the supporting cast brought something worthwhile, and I appreciated how they complemented, rather than competed with, Superman’s story.
Rachel Brosnahan is absolutely phenomenal as Lois Lane. She is sharp, driven, and exactly what Lois should be: a fearless journalist with a strong moral compass who never backs down, even when she is standing toe-to-toe with Superman himself.
She isn’t here to be rescued. She is here to chase the truth, hold power accountable, and remind us why Lois has always been one of the most iconic women in comics. More than any other Lois Lane, Rachel’s version felt far more akin to Margot Kidder’s portrayal, which I really enjoyed seeing.
And of course, her chemistry with David’s Superman was simply off the charts.
Nicholas Hoult, on the other hand, completely delivers as Lex Luthor. He brings a calculated, cold intensity to the role that makes every scene with him feel electric. This version of Lex is intelligent, ruthless, and deeply fixated on bringing Superman down, not just because he is powerful, but because he represents something Lex cannot control or fully understand.
There is a constant simmering resentment beneath his cool exterior, masked as concern for humanity’s safety, and it makes him all the more dangerous. Hoult’s performance feels like the perfect blend of Gene Hackman’s theatrical charm and Michael Rosenbaum’s cunning menace, with a modern twist that feels chillingly relevant.
Together, Lois and Lex form two of the strongest pillars in Superman’s world. One pushes him to be better, the other is determined to break him down. Their dynamic with Superman really forms the emotional core of the film, and I couldn’t imagine it working without them.
Visually, James Gunn’s Superman feels like a comic book panel brought to life. From the towering skyscrapers of Metropolis to the breathtaking design of the Fortress of Solitude, everything looks rich and true to the source material. Though, some sequences did leave a bit to be desired.
The action is exciting and packed with heroic spectacle, while the more grounded, emotional moments give the story real heart. And just when things start to get heavy, the film leans into humour to keep the pacing light and balanced.
There are a few moments where the story slows down, mainly when it assumes the audience already knows Superman’s lore. Some of the writing could have been a bit tighter here, but it does not take away too much from the overall experience.
Now we have to talk about Krypto. The Superdog is, without question, the heart-stealer of this film.
From his adorable tail wags to his wildly enthusiastic outbursts, Krypto is every bit the chaotic good pup we didn’t know we needed. As a pet owner myself, I laughed, melted, and even found myself mildly frustrated at times, because he felt so real.
He is not just a sidekick. He is a full-fledged character in his own right. I guarantee people will walk out of the cinema either wanting to adopt a dog or, at the very least, track down the cutest Krypto plushie they can get their hands on.
James Gunn’s Superman is a true return to form. Not just for the character, but for what superhero films can be when they are built on heart.
While the film isn’t without its imperfections, what stood out most was how well it balanced its light-hearted, hopeful tone with darker, more serious themes. It isn’t afraid to lean into moments of war, loss, and fear, all of which reflect real-world issues we’re facing today, but it does so without losing that sense of wonder and optimism that defines Superman. That contrast only adds more weight to the hope he represents.
This is a Superman who isn’t perfect, but he tries. He loves deeply, believes in the good in people, and inspires those around him to be better. And in this film, that is more than enough to remind us why he is the ultimate superhero.
If this is the direction the new DC Universe is heading in, then count me in.
James Gunn’s Superman flies into Australian cinemas this Thursday, 10 July. And yes, stay for both the mid and end credits scenes.
Big Blue is officially back, and the future suddenly feels a whole lot brighter.
