Superman Review: James Gunn and David Corenswet don’t just reboot the hero—they resurrect the hope

Superman Review: Gunn ensures the mythology of Superman comes alive differently, and Corenswet wears the responsibility with vulnerability and irresistible charm.

Superman Movie Review

Superman Review: Story: It's been three centuries since the Metahumans landed on Earth, 30 years since the Kryptonian prince Kal-El arrived, and three since he revealed himself to the world as Superman (David Corenswet). Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) has been tracking every single move of the Kryptonian saviour and has devised a master plan to destroy him and rule the world. But Superman cannot let that happen. He intervenes to stop a war between Boravia and Jahanpur, landing himself in a political controversy. Will the beacon of hope manage to retain peace in the world or succumb to the greed that wants him off the planet?

Superman Review:

What is the first superhero that comes to your mind when I ask you to list five? The chances that it will be Superman are high. Even if you're not in sync with superhero culture, you know Kal-El and his iconic red underwear he boldly wears over blue tights. So when the first film under the new DCU regime was announced, Man of Steel felt like an obvious choice. What wasn’t obvious was James Gunn directing it — a filmmaker known for his quirky, irreverent takes, now handling the most straight-arrow superhero. But then came the first glimpses of a vibrant, grounded vision. It promised something bold, and I’m happy to report — the wait was absolutely worth it.

The superhero genre, globally, is teetering on the edge. It’s like the collective memory of why these stories mattered has started to fade. The once revolutionary grammar of the genre has grown predictable and, in some cases, downright dull. Whether it’s the MCU or the DCU (formerly DCEU), the decline has been impossible to ignore. But the arrival of Gunn and Peter Safran to helm the reboot injected a new hope. Here was the man who gave us Guardians of the Galaxy and fixed The Suicide Squad. So expectations were high — and rightly so.

Who is Superman? A beacon of hope, an unwavering ambassador of peace. Nothing more, nothing less. That’s the thread Gunn clings to. His Clark Kent, Kal-El, and Superman are not three personas — they’re a single man, grappling with identity. The urgency to conceal himself as Clark, the yearning for belonging as Kal-El, and the responsibility of Superman’s burden are all beautifully layered. Gunn sidesteps the traditional origin story. No more VFX-heavy pods or exploding planets. We’re spared yet another recap of Krypton’s doom. Instead, Gunn dives into what comes after. What does it mean to be Superman now?

That’s why Superman (2025) feels different. We meet Kal-El on his worst day — broken, bleeding, and reeling from defeat. For the first time, he’s been outmatched. His fear is palpable. He may still be the strongest being on Earth, but mortality now lingers like a shadow. He’s three years into his public life, and the pressure is mounting. Gunn is faithful to the comics, yes, but he’s also addressing us — the cynical, weary audience — and asking us to feel again. James Gunn respects the comic fans, the movie nerds, and everyone who is buying that ticket.

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Much of the teaser/trailer footage appears in the first 20 minutes, after which Gunn fully opens the door to his vision. The goal here isn’t just to revive Superman, but to revive the audience’s belief in superheroes. The real world trickles in — politics, public scrutiny, the blurred lines of power. Remember when Iron Man (2008) flirted with real-world military politics? Gunn goes further. Superman doesn’t just fight aliens or monsters; he intervenes in wars, gets embroiled in global diplomacy, and faces backlash for choosing to care. It’s high-stakes storytelling with real consequences.

Consumerism, nationalism, and media manipulation seep into the plot. Lex Luthor isn’t just a villain — he’s a calculated, resource-rich industrialist shaping public perception. The line between hero and threat is razor-thin, and Gunn walks it confidently. There’s also a clear meta-narrative — a commentary on what fans expect, what the genre has become, and how mythology is made and broken in today’s age. The media frenzy that surrounds Superman's every move is eerily familiar, echoing the way we treat public figures today.

Gunn also signals what the DCU’s future holds. It’s not just Superman and Batman anymore. Lesser-known characters get their moments. I won’t spoil them, but the cameos and supporting players shine. Gunn is building a world — not just a movie. And it’s worth investing in.

David Corenswet is not Henry Cavill, and that’s precisely why it works. He brings a different physicality — gentler, yet resilient. His Clark is humble and bright-eyed; his Superman commands presence with empathy, not brute force. His vocal transitions between personas are subtle but brilliant. There’s an endearing awkwardness to his Clark Kent that contrasts beautifully with his confidence as Superman. With Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, the chemistry crackles. She’s smart, sharp-tongued, and emotionally present. This Lois doesn’t need saving — in fact, she saves him. And in doing so, she becomes just as important to the narrative arc as Superman himself.

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor is cold, restrained, and quietly terrifying. While a bit more screen time could have deepened his arc, Hoult plays him with intelligent menace. His Lex isn’t maniacal — he’s disturbingly logical. He sees Superman not just as a threat, but a challenge to human autonomy. It’s a layered performance that refuses to reduce Luthor to a mere antagonist — he is a man with beliefs, however twisted they may be.

The visuals are striking. Metropolis looks alive and complex, not just glass and steel. Krypto, the Superdog, is an unexpected joy — chaotic, loyal, and wildly entertaining. And yes, there’s a reason for his recklessness, and no, you’re not ready for it. The “Pocket Universe” subplot, though underutilized, teases fascinating implications for the future. The production design overall leans into a retro-futuristic aesthetic that pays homage to Superman’s roots while also looking refreshingly modern.

Still, the film isn’t perfect. It sags in places. The screenplay meanders briefly, and some scenes overstay their welcome. But those are minor dents in an otherwise soaring experience. Gunn knows when to go big and when to pull back. He trusts the audience. He respects the source. And most importantly, he gives Superman his heart back. In a time of bombastic superhero fare, this one chooses sincerity.

Superman Review: Final Verdict

Look up — we finally have a superhero movie the world deserves. James Gunn and David Corenswet deliver a film that brings Superman back to his core: hope. This is a revival of myth, meaning, and a genre that still has something left to say. It’s a reminder that even gods among men can bleed — and still choose to save.

Superman hits the big screen on July 11, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more reviews like this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

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