James Gunn’s Superman delivers a hero we really needed.

★★★★☆

Superman (2025) - Image copyright (©) Warner Bros. Pictures or related entities. Used for publicity and promotional purposes.

Look Up, Superman’s flying in this summer.

James Gunn’s Superman has been one of the most anticipated films of 2025, and it has finally landed, and in a classic heroic fashion, saved DC. This action-packed summer blockbuster has made hearts soar with a performance that reminds us in critical times like this of what it means to have kindness, but more importantly, what rooting for good looks like.

Although I have personally always had a preference for Gotham City/ Batman, this bold reset of Superman may have turned me and many others into having a soft spot for this character, and I think that’s the point.

James Gunn’s Superman has taken inspiration from the DC Comic All-Star Superman written by Grant Morrison, and there are a lot of themes in the comics that have been successfully integrated. Much like Morrison’s writing for these issues, the movie was less about re-doing origin stories or unpacking classic narratives, but more about re-booting this character into something timeless and also relevant to this time, as well as focusing on the character of Superman as a beacon of hope and optimism.

These characteristics are played perfectly by David Corenswet, who takes on the role of Clark Kent AKA Superman. Corenswet’s Superman brings charm, kindness and an honesty that’s quite rare to see in people these days, but also in superheroes when they are developed from comic panel to live-action. The glamour of cinema can often easily lose quiet and almost innocent moments of a hero’s journey, of purely trying to do good. Corenswet delivers a hero that adds more than just being a strong being with superpowers. We see a struggle in Clark Kent, and the story unveils a rawness of what it takes and what it’s like to be human; it’s refreshing to see in a hero’s story.

This film is also filled with incredible characters, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Lex Luther (Nicolas Hoult) and even little Krypto had great, unique performances, adding humour and fun to the movie. Making mistakes, owning up to them and learning that we aren’t just in it for ourselves is a core part of this movie. This Superman has reset DC Comics into a space where these characters are celebrated off the comic boards and onto the big screens, undoubtedly creating a film feature that will be a DC Classic.

Gunn has reminded us that being a champion of the oppressed is still pretty cool, and I think this summer season, we could do with a little more fun, humour and kindness.

With thanks to Warner Bros.