James Gunn’s Superman has officially lifted its social media curtain, unveiling a wave of mixed first reactions ahead of its July 11 release. With David Corenswet debuting as the iconic Man of Steel and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, this DC reboot blends legacy with fresh flair. Critics are divided—some hail it as bold and heartfelt, while others call it stylish but shallow. As DC Studios enters a new era, Superman now stands under a glowing spotlight, carrying both grand hope and cautious curiosity.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Film Title: Superman (2025)
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Director/Writer: James Gunn
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Leads: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult
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Supporting Cast: Skyler Gisondo, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced
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Release Date: July 11
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Studio: Warner Bros. & DC Studios
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Core Themes: Morality, legacy, hope, American identity
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Critical Verdict: Divided — praised for performances, criticized for uneven plot
With the social media embargo officially lifted, early reactions to James Gunn’s Superman have started pouring in—and they reveal a divided landscape of opinion. The film marks a significant milestone for DC Studios, being the first major release under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran as co-heads of the studio. It’s not just another superhero film—it’s the cinematic cornerstone of a freshly rebooted DC Universe.
Directed and written by Gunn, best known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, this iteration of Superman stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult stepping into the shoes of the infamous Lex Luthor. As the film prepares for its July 11 theatrical release, critics and fans alike have begun to weigh in—some with enthusiasm, others with skepticism.
A Bold Vision or a Flawed Start?
Among the more enthusiastic reactions was that of film critic Bryan Sudfield, who described the film as a fresh yet respectful take on the legendary hero. Sudfield praised Gunn’s ability to strike a balance between old and new, commenting:
“Superman soars with heart, humor, and style—a bold yet faithful take on the iconic hero. James Gunn sets a fresh tone while honoring the character’s legacy, and David Corenswet shines with sincerity and strength. A promising, thrilling start to DC’s new era.”
Sudfield’s sentiment was echoed by many who see the film as a symbolic restart for a franchise that has often struggled to maintain narrative cohesion. James Gunn’s vision, they argue, stays close to Superman’s core ideals while exploring modern themes.
Entertainment journalist Brandon Davis took particular interest in the chemistry between the film’s central characters. His response focused on the lead performances, particularly that of Corenswet, writing:
“David Corenswet portrays an exceptional iteration of Superman with sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational traits. Corenswet & Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry for Clark and Lois is off the charts.”
For Davis and others, the dynamic between Clark Kent and Lois Lane emerges as one of the emotional anchors of the film. Their interaction, full of warmth and tension, drives the story forward in unexpected ways.
A Dose of Criticism
But not all reviews were glowing. Some critics raised concerns over the film’s storytelling and tone. Peter Howell offered one of the more critical takes, claiming that Superman falters by focusing too heavily on visual flair at the expense of substance. He remarked:
“Superman was not the super start to the DC Universe everybody had been hoping for. James Gunn is brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling.”
Howell also had reservations about the central performances:
“David Corenswet plays a boyishly sweet Superman, constantly getting his ass kicked; he’d be better as the lead in a Dudley Do-Right movie. Rachel Brosnahan makes a spiky Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is more obnoxious than villainous. The real star of the show is superdog Krypto, who steals every scene he’s in — I’d rather see a movie about him.”
This sentiment underscores a recurring theme in some of the less favorable reviews: while the visual elements are widely appreciated, the plot and emotional stakes are seen as inconsistent.
Morality, America, and the Soul of Superman
James Gunn, on his part, has been vocal about the philosophical underpinnings of the movie. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Gunn described the film as a moral and political allegory, deeply rooted in American identity:
“I mean, Superman is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”
He added:
“Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level it’s about morality. Do you never kill no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”
This introspective approach seems to have struck a chord with some audiences, though others found the messaging to be weighed down by a plot they felt was unnecessarily convoluted.
Other Early Reactions
Rachel Leishman described the film as a return to the uplifting nature that once defined the superhero genre:
“Superman reminds us that Clark Kent has always been a beacon of hope and the goodness that can exist in this world. James Gunn’s vision is a comic book brought to life and it brought a lightness and a happiness to one of the most beloved heroes around.”
Grace Randolph was even more enthusiastic in her praise:
“This is the BEST Superman movie to date. When James Gunn gets out of the way & lets his work speak for itself, it’s incredible. 💙💛❤️ It’s not perfect, but darn close & made me a believer in Gunn’s DC.”
Still, others remained cautiously optimistic. One reaction noted:
“There’s glimmers of a heartfelt, hopeful & optimistic Superman akin to classic Action Comics, but the film sadly buckles under a convoluted & often silly plot. However, there are terrific performances from Corenswet, Brosnahan, Hoult & Gathegi – plus Krypto really is the best!”
What Comes Next
With Superman positioned as the flagship film for a newly restructured DC Studios, the stakes could not be higher. The film’s release on July 11 will serve not only as a test for Gunn’s vision but also as an early indicator of how receptive audiences will be to this new iteration of the DC Universe.
What remains clear is that Superman is no longer just a hero’s tale—it’s a statement piece. Whether it soars or stumbles, the world will be watching.
As the curtains rise on James Gunn’s Superman, the reactions paint a picture as dynamic as the hero himself—part dazzling spectacle, part divisive gamble. While some celebrate it as a bold and heartfelt return to Superman’s moral roots, others question its narrative depth beneath the style. With David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan receiving early praise for their compelling chemistry, this reboot may not please every critic, but it firmly announces the arrival of a new DC era—ambitious, risky, and undeniably watched by all. The true verdict, however, awaits the audience.
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