The new "Superman," directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, marks a pivotal moment for the DC Universe. James Gunn, celebrated for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy, has taken the helm of DC Studios to revive a franchise that had lost its footing. With a roadmap including Supergirl and the Lanterns corps, this film was the ultimate test—and after watching it, my excitement for the future of DC has skyrocketed.
The basic premise is familiar: baby Kal-El arrives on Earth from Krypton, grows up as Clark Kent, and becomes the superhuman savior. However, the 2025 version doesn't settle for a simple origin story. It follows Superman as he navigates the complexities of international conflict, subsequently loses public trust, and fights to regain his status as a symbol of hope. Alongside Lois Lane, the film introduces Krypto the Super-Dog and a colorful cast of "B-list" heroes like Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) and Mr. Terrific.
The most striking feature of this film is its accessible, lighthearted tone. Unlike the recent MCU, you don’t need to have mastered years of backstory to keep up. It also sheds the excessive darkness of previous DC iterations. While it avoids being "heavy," it never feels shallow. It’s the perfect "popcorn movie" that delivers exactly what you want from a superhero flick. Unlike the dark, philosophical undertones of The Dark Knight, this is a story about Superman being Superman—unyieldingly good, undeniably heroic, and yet profoundly human.
As someone who has been a DC Comics fan since middle school, I was particularly impressed by how Gunn breathed life into lesser-known characters. Choosing the abrasive Guy Gardner over more famous Lanterns like Hal Jordan or John Stewart was a risk that paid off beautifully. Mr. Terrific was also handled with surprising charisma.
The villains were equally well-crafted. Lex Luthor is depicted perfectly—not just as a grandiose mastermind, but as a brilliant man consumed by a petty, obsessive inferiority complex toward Superman. A great hero needs a great villain, and the combination of Luthor and a well-executed Bizarro truly anchored the film. Watching James Gunn give these "underdog" characters their time to shine makes me genuinely optimistic for the upcoming chapters of the new DCU.
