Superman (2025) Review: James Gunn’s Bold Reboot Soars with Heart and Action

By [Your Name] | Published on July 11, 2025 | Click USA News

James Gunn’s Superman (2025), which premiered globally on July 11, 2025, marks a thrilling new chapter for the iconic DC superhero. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, this DC Universe (DCU) reboot delivers a vibrant mix of heart, humor, and high-flying action, setting a promising tone for the revamped franchise. With a stellar cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film balances classic Superman charm with modern storytelling, though it occasionally stumbles under its ambitious scope. Here’s our SEO-optimized review for Superman (2025), exploring its strengths, flaws, and box office potential for Click USA News readers.

A Fresh Take on the Man of Steel

Directed and written by James Gunn, Superman dives straight into the action, bypassing the traditional origin story to present a seasoned Clark Kent navigating his dual identity as a Daily Planet journalist and Earth’s protector. David Corenswet shines as a Superman who embodies truth, justice, and kindness in a cynical world. His performance, inspired by Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman and Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal, brings a relatable warmth and sincerity, making him a standout successor to Henry Cavill. Corenswet’s Clark is both a powerful hero and a vulnerable human, grappling with moral dilemmas and personal relationships, particularly with Lois Lane.

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a fiery, intelligent counterpart, delivering a performance that rivals Margot Kidder’s classic take. Their chemistry is electric, anchoring the film’s emotional core, especially in a standout interview scene where Lois challenges Superman’s ethics. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, a tech-billionaire with fascist undertones, is a compelling foil, blending menace with charisma. Supporting characters like Edi Gathegi’s scene-stealing Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion’s witty Green Lantern, and the adorable Krypto the Superdog add depth and humor, though some, like Wendell Pierce’s Perry White, feel underutilized.

Action-Packed Spectacle with a Comic Book Heart

Gunn’s Superman embraces its comic book roots, delivering vibrant visuals and fast-paced action sequences that stand out against Zack Snyder’s darker DC Extended Universe (DCEU). From Superman’s battles with kaiju-like monsters to his clashes with Luthor’s metahuman adversaries, the film’s CGI is polished, though the climactic act occasionally veers into chaotic excess. John Murphy and David Fleming’s score, incorporating John Williams’ iconic Superman theme, elevates the emotional and action-packed moments, striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation.

The film’s tone is a refreshing blend of optimism and introspection, exploring themes of immigration, morality, and human kindness. Gunn draws parallels to real-world issues, with fictional nations Boravia and Jarhanpur echoing global conflicts, and Luthor’s media manipulation reflecting modern social media dynamics. However, the script’s attempt to juggle multiple storylines—Superman’s identity crisis, his romance with Lois, and Luthor’s schemes—can feel overstuffed, leaving some characters and themes underdeveloped.

Mixed Messages and Minor Missteps

While Superman excels in spectacle and character chemistry, it’s not without flaws. Critics note that the film’s ambitious scope leads to a cluttered narrative, with too many characters vying for screen time. The final act, while visually stunning, sacrifices emotional weight for CGI-heavy chaos, and some plot twists, like a late reveal about Superman’s Kryptonian heritage, feel forced. Additionally, Gunn’s signature humor, while effective in moments like Krypto’s antics, occasionally disrupts the film’s more serious beats, creating tonal inconsistencies.

Some reviews, like a now-deleted Daily Beast critique, called the film “the final nail in superhero cinema’s coffin,” citing an overreliance on CGI and Corenswet’s perceived slight presence compared to Reeve or Cavill. However, the overwhelming consensus praises Corenswet’s earnest performance and Gunn’s vibrant direction, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 85% critics’ score and a 96% audience score, signaling strong fan approval.

Box Office Potential and Cultural Impact

Superman is poised for a massive global opening, with industry sources projecting a $200M+ start across 60,000 screens worldwide, driven by strong presales and premium format demand (Dolby, PLF, Screen-X). Stateside estimates range from $115M-$130M, surpassing Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ($118.4M). Its 85% Rotten Tomatoes score aligns with the 1978 Superman, suggesting it could outshine Snyder’s Man of Steel (57%) and set a new benchmark for DC films.

The film’s themes of hope, immigration, and morality resonate deeply, positioning it as a cultural touchstone in 2025’s polarized climate. Gunn’s unapologetic embrace of Superman’s idealism—described as “the story of America” and a celebration of human kindness—offers a counterpoint to the cynicism of recent superhero fare. However, its commentary on issues like social media mob culture and journalistic ethics occasionally feels heavy-handed, risking alienation of some viewers.

Why Click USA News Readers Should Watch

For NRI audiences, Superman offers a universal story of identity and belonging, reflecting the immigrant experience through Clark Kent’s journey as a Kryptonian raised on Earth. The film’s vibrant visuals, heartfelt performances, and action-packed sequences make it a must-see summer blockbuster, perfect for families and superhero fans alike. While it may not reach the heights of Christopher Reeve’s Superman (1978), it’s a bold, entertaining reboot that sets the DCU on a promising path.

Verdict: Superman (2025) is a lively, heartfelt reboot that soars with David Corenswet’s star-making performance and James Gunn’s comic book-inspired vision. Despite a cluttered narrative and tonal hiccups, its action, humor, and emotional depth make it a standout superhero film. Catch it in theaters for a hopeful, high-flying experience!

Global Reactions & Box Office Predictions

Initial reviews are calling it:

“A thought-provoking spectacle.”
“The most layered Superman movie ever made.”
“A bold swing — and it mostly hits.”

Early ticket sales indicate that Superman may break opening weekend box office records, especially with strong international support — including from India, the UK, and the U.S.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Where to Watch: In theaters worldwide, July 11, 2025
Runtime: 2 hours 9 minutes
Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Anthony Carrigan, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Wendell Pierce
Director: James Gunn
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Final Verdict: A Hero Reborn for a New World

Whether you’re a longtime DC fan or new to the world of Krypton, James Gunn’s Superman promises a cinematic experience that blends nostalgia with relevance. It may not please everyone, but it dares to say something — and that alone makes it worth watching.

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