Superman 2025: Return of the Hero

In a world searching for hope, James Gunn revives the DC Universe with a humanist reinterpretation of Superman, its oldest superhero.

With the global release of Superman on July 9, 2025, James Gunn officially launches the new cinematic universe of DC Studios. Following several uneven attempts to bring Superman into the modern age, this film marks a stylistic and ideological shift. The goal is not just to modernize the iconic character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, but to reaffirm his core values — truth, justice, hope — in a world grown increasingly cynical. Gunn delivers an ambitious film blending spectacular action, emotional depth, and an unapologetically optimistic tone, remaining true to the spirit of the character.

A Hero Between Two Worlds
Superman follows the story of Kal-El, also known as Clark Kent (played by David Corenswet), caught between his Kryptonian heritage and his human upbringing. Already established as a global superhero, he strives to protect humanity while questioning his place within it. His international actions—such as intervening in foreign conflicts and responding to crises across the globe—begin to stir public unease, as many question whether one individual, however powerful, should act beyond the authority of nations. Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), a sharp journalist at the Daily Planet and Clark's partner, provides a human and critical perspective.
Opposing them is Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a brilliant manipulator and tech billionaire who sees Superman as a threat.

Around this central trio gravitate numerous figures from the extended DC Universe: Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Krypto the Superdog, and metahumans like Mister Terrific, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Angela Spica, a.k.a. The Engineer — a term used in the DC Universe to describe individuals with extraordinary abilities, often due to genetics, science, or alien technology, setting them apart from regular humans.

James Gunn Steers a Fresh Start
As the first official film under DC Studios, co-led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, Superman sets the foundation for a new, coherent shared universe—DC’s answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Choosing Superman as the cornerstone of this new beginning is symbolic: he was the very first superhero in comic book history and, in recent years, an underused figure compared to Batman and Wonder Woman.

This film doesn’t revisit his well-known origins but instead drops us into a narrative where Superman is already active and facing a moral crisis.
The production involved major technical and artistic efforts. Shooting took
place in Norway (Svalbard), Georgia (Macon), and Ohio (Cleveland and Cincinnati), using real locations to represent the Fortress of Solitude, Metropolis, and the Justice Gang HQ. Gunn worked with his trusted team: Henry Braham (cinematography), Beth Mickle (production design), Judianna Makovsky (costumes), and composers John Murphy and David Fleming.

The screenplay, written by Gunn himself, draws inspiration from Grant Morrison’s graphic novel All-Star Superman, which portrays a benevolent hero in a world where kindness is increasingly rare.

High Expectations, Open Questions
In the months leading up to the film’s global premier, anticipation was strong among both fans and industry watchers. Gunn’s decision to reframe the myth without cynicism or irony has sparked considerable discussion, as has his portrayal of Superman as a vulnerable yet deeply moral figure.
Questions remain. Can a classically heroic figure still resonate with mainstream audiences accustomed to morally grey protagonists? Will the inclusion of numerous secondary characters (such as the Justice Gang) dilute the central arc? And will audiences embrace the total reboot of the DCU, leaving behind ties to previous films?

A new proposition in the superhero genre
Still, Gunn’s vision—anchored in values, emotion, and character—offers a distinctive proposition in the crowded superhero genre.
At the emotional core of the film is the relationship between Clark and Lois. As described in the press kit, they represent complementary ideals: Clark acts before thinking; Lois thinks before acting. Their differing worldviews drive both tension and growth.
Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, emerges as a more nuanced antagonist—motivated not just by envy, but also by genuine fears for humanity. In his interview, Hoult emphasizes his goal to make Luthor’s rationale feel disturbingly credible, even when misguided.

A Modern Fable About Believing in Humanity
More than just an action spectacle, Superman aims to restore faith in the idea of doing good. In a media landscape saturated with dark or cynical narratives, James Gunn offers a story grounded in the belief that kindness is still possible. Superman here is a mirror, not of a perfect world, but of one still worth fighting for. He doesn’t battle evil out of pride or revenge, but out of conviction.
David Corenswet, in the press interview, sums it up this way:
“What moves me about Superman isn't his strength — it’s his commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.”

The Dawn of a New Hope for DC
With Superman, James Gunn manages a difficult balancing act: renewing a classic superhero while remaining faithful to his essence. The film appeals to comic book enthusiasts and general audiences alike, offering a thoughtful and emotionally resonant story. As the first entry in the new DC Universe, it lays the groundwork for a cinematic world where action meets introspection and optimism.

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