James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ is not just a reboot—it’s a reinvention.
Bold, vibrant, and unashamedly comic-book in nature, this new take on the Man of Steel rockets the DC Universe into a new era with purpose, personality, and a powerful emotional core.
From the film’s opening sequence, where a battered and bloodied Superman (David Corenswet) lies defeated in the snow after his first-ever loss to the Hammer of Boravia, Gunn makes it clear: this Superman bleeds. He’s not a distant god—he’s a symbol of hope forged in vulnerability. It’s a refreshing angle that anchors the film’s larger-than-life spectacle with real human stakes.
Rather than tread the well-worn origin story path, Gunn drops us into a world already teeming with superheroes—metahumans who’ve existed long before Superman ever donned the cape. Yet, it never feels overcrowded. The Justice Gang, featuring Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and others, complements Superman’s story instead of overshadowing it. Even the inclusion of Krypto the Superdog and robotic sentinels in the Fortress of Solitude feels right at home in Gunn’s unapologetically comic-book landscape.
David Corenswet delivers a superb performance that captures both the mythic and the mild-mannered sides of Kal-El. His Superman is graceful yet grounded, idealistic but not naive. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane crackles with old-school newsroom charm and modern emotional depth. Brosnahan’s Lois is sharp, independent, and never reduced to a damsel. Their scenes together, especially those not rooted in action, shine with a warmth rarely seen in superhero films.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a standout. He plays the role not just as a megalomaniac but as a charming, manipulative tech tycoon—eerily contemporary in his rhetoric and influence. Gunn wisely positions Luthor as a master strategist, using misinformation, pocket universes, and political spin to erode Superman’s public trust.
The film doesn’t shy away from big ideas—geopolitical interference, media manipulation, and the burden of power. Yet it balances these themes with moments of levity and wonder. Gunn’s trademark humor is present but restrained, letting emotion lead and comedy support. Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) and Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern offer well-timed comic relief without hijacking the tone.
Visually, Superman is a feast. Gunn’s dynamic camerawork and thoughtfully choreographed action scenes lend real weight to the film’s set pieces. Whether Superman is hurtling through Metropolis or trapped in Luthor’s disorienting pocket dimension, the effects serve the story rather than overwhelm it. The emotional beats hit just as hard as the punches.
The supporting cast impresses across the board, particularly María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, whose loyalty to Luthor adds complexity to the antagonist’s circle. Cameos and Easter eggs are plentiful but never distracting—they enrich rather than burden the story.
Gunn doesn’t just adapt Superman—he interrogates him. What does it mean to stand for hope in a cynical age? Is there still room for idealism in a world that misunderstands strength as threat? Superman answers with a resounding yes. This film believes in heroes—not just the caped kind, but the everyday kind too.
Though it occasionally stumbles with overstuffed subplots and underdeveloped side characters, those are minor flaws in an otherwise triumphant return. Gunn has laid a strong foundation for the DCU with a Superman who feels both mythic and modern.
LionhearTV‘s verdict. In short, ‘Superman’ is everything fans hoped for and more: a love letter to comic book storytelling, a character study with emotional heft, and a thrilling setup for what’s to come. Believe again—because the Man of Steel is back, and this time, he’s here to stay.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Best seen in IMAX. Best felt in your heart.
