10 Ways James Gunn’s Superman 2025 Is Better Than Man of Steel
If you’ve been feeling burned out by superhero movies lately, James Gunn’s Superman might just change your mind. With a powerful mix of heart, action, and hope, this reboot is exactly the kind of revival DC Studios needed — and it’s showing at the box office, soaring toward a solid $115M–$120M opening in the U.S.
The Story and Direction
Superman reintroduces us to Clark Kent (played by David Corenswet), but this isn’t just another origin story. Gunn, who wrote and directed the film, takes a more grounded, emotionally rich approach while still delivering the big superhero spectacle. It’s a film that respects the legacy of Superman but isn’t afraid to modernize it for today’s audience. Think less gloomy and brooding, more sincere and inspiring.
As the new co-head of DC Studios, Gunn brings a real sense of purpose and direction to this film. It’s clear he understands what makes Superman tick — not just the cape and powers, but the humanity.
Performances That Shine
David Corenswet is a worthy successor to the cape. He brings warmth, vulnerability, and quiet strength to Superman — a mix that feels both classic and fresh. Rachel Brosnahan is a standout as Lois Lane: sharp, witty, and full of presence. And Nicholas Hoult delivers a chilling, intelligent take on Lex Luthor, avoiding cartoonish villainy for something more grounded and menacing.
The supporting cast — including Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl — adds charm and diversity, each character feeling distinct without stealing too much spotlight.
Visuals & Vibes
Visually, the movie looks fantastic. The action scenes are crisp and exciting without feeling overstuffed. Metropolis is beautifully realized, and there’s a nostalgic charm to the design — it feels like a comic book come to life, but with modern polish. The cinematography by Henry Braham (Gunn’s longtime collaborator) gives the film an epic yet accessible scale.
Music and Mood
The score is stirring, uplifting, and deeply in sync with the emotional beats of the story. It never overwhelms but enhances — especially in those moments where Superman just… soars. You’ll get chills, guaranteed.
Audience Reaction & Buzz
The film has earned an impressive 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, showing that viewers are loving it. Critics are mostly on board too, giving it an 82% RT score. And the diversity in the audience suggests this Superman is connecting across age groups and backgrounds — always a good sign.
Strengths & Weaknesses
What works:
- Fresh yet respectful reboot of a legendary character
- Strong performances, especially from Corenswet and Brosnahan
- Balanced direction and emotional depth
- Gorgeous visuals and stirring music
- A hopeful tone that feels right for Superman
What could be better:
- At times, the pacing dips during setup-heavy moments
- Lex Luthor’s arc, while solid, could use more screen time
- Hardcore fans might miss the darker tone of earlier DC films
Final Verdict
James Gunn’s Superman is a bold, heartfelt reimagining that succeeds on nearly every level — and more importantly, it brings the hope back to DC’s most iconic hero. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just dipping into superhero films again, this one’s worth your time. A triumphant step forward for DC.
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