“Your choices, your actions, that’s what makes you who you are.”
#Superman — Only In Theaters and IMAX July 11, 2025
James Gunn’s “Superman” is more than just the launch of a new cinematic universe. It’s a reinvention of the Man of Steel for a modern, politically complex world — a film that dares to restore idealism to the superhero genre without ignoring the pressing issues of our time. With its release set for July 11, 2025, this is the first official chapter in Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe (DCU), and it strikes a potent balance between comic book spectacle and socially conscious storytelling.
David Corenswet: A Superman
Taking up the cape and the classic curl is David Corenswet, who plays both Superman and Clark Kent with a warmth that has drawn comparisons to Christopher Reeve — but with a 21st-century sensibility. Known for his work in Hollywood and Twisters, Corenswet’s Superman is deeply compassionate, painfully human, and unshakably hopeful.
Critics have praised his performance for its earnest transparency, its physical presence, and its emotional nuance. This is a Superman who feels the weight of the world — and chooses to lift it anyway.
Lex Luthor: Nicholas Hoult’s Turn as the Techno-Tyrant
Opposite Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult delivers a Lex Luthor that’s both diabolical and disturbingly familiar. Drawing from real-world tech billionaires and corporate overlords, Hoult’s Luthor is part mad genius, part populist manipulator — a villain with too much money, too much power, and zero accountability. His Luthor is less comic-book caricature and more of a mirror reflecting our own anxieties about surveillance, disinformation, and elite corruption. Lex Luthor hates Superman the way Kendrick Lamar hates Drake.
Interestingly enough Nicholas Hoult was up for the role of Superman. Here is a video from Michael Ajih where James Gunn explains how Nicholas go the role of Lex Luthor.
@michaelajih @DC Studios CEO James Gunn reveals why Nicholas Hoult didn’t get #Superman but nailed it as Lex Luthor.
Let’s Get Political
One of the aspects of Gunn’s Superman is how politically resonant it is.
Superman has always been, by definition, an immigrant. But in this film, that theme is more urgent than ever. As a literal “illegal alien” from Krypton, Kal-El’s story becomes an allegory for immigration, displacement, and the fraught conversation around national identity. In a time when the U.S. is still grappling with its immigration policies, Superman becomes a powerful symbol of outsider empathy and hope — a being who owes everything to the kindness of strangers and chooses to repay the world a hundredfold.
The fictional war between Boravia and Jarhanpur in the film unmistakably echoes real-world conflicts — particularly the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars. Gunn’s script doesn’t shy away from this. Superman is placed in situations where neutrality is impossible, where any action or inaction has massive political ramifications. These scenes are not just metaphorical — they’re raw, makes MAGA uncomfortable, and necessary. In this world, doing good is complicated. But Superman still tries.
Fox News was talking about Superman being woke. People supporting ICE when Superman is an illegal alien shows just how truly lost and hateful people are. Superman is the story of an immigrant. Nothing has changed. There have been comics where Superman fought Nazi’s and the KKK. Do you actually think Superman would support your racist and bigoted ideas? Comics have always been political .
Expanding the DC Universe with Representation
The supporting cast of Superman isn’t just window dressing — it’s a signal that the new DCU is finally embracing diversity in a meaningful way.
- Edi Gathegi plays Mr. Terrific, one of the smartest characters in DC lore and a Black STEM hero who stands tall in a genre often dominated by white billionaires and demigods. Gathegi’s performance has been described as both scene-stealing and inspiring, offering young audiences — especially Black viewers — a hero who looks like them and excels through intellect and integrity.
- Nathan Fillion plays Guy Gardner, the cocky, combative Green Lantern whose brash persona clashes with Superman’s idealism. It’s classic Gunn humor, but with deeper commentary on masculinity and militarism.
- Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl brings fury and grace to the screen, adding mythological heft and emotional depth.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is more than a love interest — she’s the moral and intellectual equal of Superman, a journalist unafraid to confront systems of power. Her chemistry with Corenswet crackles, and her sharp wit and journalistic tenacity bring credibility and urgency to the narrative. For many critics, Brosnahan’s Lois may be the definitive version of the character for this generation.
Krypto, Humor, and Heart
Yes, Krypto the Superdog is in the movie. Yes, he’s a scene-stealer. And yes, he hilariously wrecks the Fortress of Solitude.
But more than comic relief, Krypto serves as a mirror to Superman’s journey — a being of immense power trying to find his place in the world. It’s classic Gunn: use the absurd to reveal the profound. James Gunn talked about how Krypto was inspired by his own dog who acts just like Krypton in the movie. Here is a video from Michael Ajih.
@michaelajih @DC Studios CEO James Gunn’s dog inspired him to add #Krypto to #Superman 🐾
James Gunn’s Signature Touch
If Guardians of the Galaxy introduced Gunn’s love of oddballs and found family, Superman channels that spirit into something more mature and sincere. There are definitely wild tonal swings, high-concept science fiction, and expected cameos, but the emotional center is rock solid.
The film feels like a Silver Age comic book brought to life — bright, bombastic, and fundamentally good-hearted. Yet, Gunn refuses to let that optimism come easy. He shows us a Superman battered, gasping for air, and emotionally tested, before choosing — again and again — to believe in people.
The Beginning of a New Era
Superman is the first chapter in a broader vision for the DCU, with future projects like the Green Lantern HBO series “Lanterns” and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow already in the pipeline. But even in its ensemble-packed storytelling, Gunn never loses focus on what makes this character matter.
Superman is about kindness and empathy — and in today’s world, that’s very much needed.
Final Verdict
James Gunn’s Superman is not perfect, but it’s fun and entertaining. It’s a return to form for a hero who’s long been misunderstood and sidelined in the gritty superhero boom. By bringing back color, wonder, and moral clarity, Gunn’s film feels restorative.
Whether you’re here for the action, the politics, the nostalgia, or just the dog — this Superman dares to care. And that’s exactly what the world needs.
Trailer for Superman
“Superman” opens in theaters and IMAX July 11, 2025. Believe again.
Superman BTS courtesy of Warner Bros.