James Gunn’s “Superman” redefines the term “superhero movie,” bringing new life to a struggling genre. Marvel has long ruled the box office, but DC’s newest iteration of the iconic hero’s story is a smash hit. With David Corenswet leading a cast seemingly pulled straight out of the comics, the film grabs audiences’ attention with action-packed fight sequences and enough romantic scenes to make viewers swoon. It also emphasizes some serious issues, like immigration and international conflict.
What truly sets Gunn’s “Superman” apart is its return to hope. The film trades Zack Snyder’s brooding god-like character for a brighter color scheme and humble hero who embodies optimism rather than stoicism. Superman’s suit is the clearest example of this shift. The classic cape, bold “S” insignia and the return of the red trunks bring comic authenticity to the screen. Combined with the film’s overly saturated color grading, these choices underscore the film’s central theme of hope.
One standout scene cements this vision: in the aftermath of many Metropolis skyscrapers collapsing, Superman saves a woman from certain death before rising above the rubble, illuminated by a beam of light. The perfect image of a hero, he stands tall, embodying the resilience and optimism that are cornerstones of the character.
Corenswet delivers an engaging and authentic portrayal of the hero. His portrayal of Superman has a strong connection to both his human parents and Kryptonian parents, but Gunn could’ve delved deeper into his character instead of displaying a few meager sentences explaining his journey from Clark Kent to Superman. A few extra minutes exploring his relationships or daily life in Smallville could have helped viewers feel more connected to Clark Kent and his superhero persona. But even with the film’s two-hour runtime, the story is kept sharp and entertaining for a general audience..
That’s not to say that Corenswet’s performance falls short — his Superman is comic-accurate and refreshingly human. Clark Kent is your classic boy-next-door, complete with his canine companion and occasionally corny dialogue, while Superman is slightly naive yet endearingly earnest. Gunn even includes instances where Superman is seen muttering terms like “gosh” and “golly” in moments of surprise. This child-like sense of loyalty leads to a 12 minute argument between Clark and his girlfriend, Lois (Rachel Brosnahan), where his need to do good clashes with her warnings about the ramifications of his spontaneous actions.
Gunn expertly grounds the plot in real-world issues, highlighting themes of immigration, belonging and international conflict. Clark’s identity as both human and alien mirrors modern debates over cultural acceptance and national borders, while the political backdrop of global unrest gives his choices greater stakes than a typical comic book showdown. The argument between Clark and Lois exemplifies this balance; her insistence on responsibility clashes with his instinct to save at all costs, raising questions about morality, power and unintended consequences.
The climactic final battle between Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and Superman solidifies these ideas, as Superman delivers an impassioned monologue declaring that his “greatest strength” is his humanity, not the amount of power he has. These moments of gravity showcase that Superman isn’t a one-dimensional character, as they challenge the traditionally-uncompromising ideals of comic book heroes and redefine what it is to be a hero in today’s world.
James Gunn’s “Superman” is more than just another throwaway film to add to DC’s long history of subpar superhero flicks. It feels like the true beginning of something bigger. Rumors of a planned “Superman Saga,” potentially spanning at least three more films, suggest that Gunn is laying the groundwork for an epic story arc with Corenswet at its center. If this first chapter is any indication, audiences can expect a Superman who is hopeful, intrinsically human and true to his comic roots. Whether the next films lean further into action, romance or political allegory, one thing is clear: Gunn has restored Superman as the beating heart of the DC Universe, a hero who not only saves the world but inspires it.
