On July 11, 2025, James Gunn’s much-anticipated Superman made its debut in theaters and IMAX cinemas across the United States. Distributed by Warner Bros., the film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan portraying Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult stepping into the role of Lex Luthor. Departing from the usual origin tale, the story begins three years into Superman’s heroic journey, presenting a more fatigued and reflective take on the legendary character.
Critics and audiences have largely responded positively, praising Gunn’s vibrant reboot for its heart and charm. The film currently holds an impressive approval rating—about 84–87%—on Rotten Tomatoes. Many reviewers describe it as a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre, with outlets like ScreenCrush calling it “a super‑breath of fresh air… easily the best Superman movie made in my lifetime” and Time praising Corenswet’s balance of charm and vulnerability .
While the tone leans lighter and more colorful than Zack Snyder’s darker adaptation, reception is mixed on narrative execution. Pitchfork noted the film’s energetic reinvention but criticized its world-building and CGI elements as inconsistent. Some reviewers appreciated the satirical and political touches—like Superman depicted as an immigrant and the inclusion of modern geopolitical dilemmas—although others felt those aspects lacked nuance.
David Corenswet’s fresh portrayal of the Man of Steel has been one of the film’s high points. He brings a contemporary blend of earnestness and emotional depth that many view as the strongest since Christopher Reeve. His chemistry with Brosnahan also drew praise in scenes that balance romance and superhero action, with critics like Roger Ebert highlighting intimate moments such as Clark cooking “breakfast for dinner” for Lois.
Box office projections further underscore the film’s impact. Tracking estimates suggested a domestic opening weekend of $130–185 million, positioning it to surpass Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel and even Batman v Superman if it hits the upper range. Its $22.5 million from previews set a new record for James Gunn and topped Barbie’s Warner Bros.
Some critics remain cautious. Carlos Boyero from El País dismissed the film’s optimistic tone as “naif,” criticizing it for being formulaic. Yet many others embrace its earnestness. The Guardian highlighted its attempts to engage with immigration and modern challenges—calling its tone “woke”—although they noted the film stops short of diving deeply into these issues .
Gunn’s version marks the inaugural film in DC Studios’ “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” building a universe that includes supporting cameos from Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and even Krypto the dog. These glimpses into a broader narrative hint at future installments and the direction of the new DCU.
In summary, Superman (2025) reinvents the iconic hero with a blend of optimism, humor, and modern relevance. It achieves its clearest success in Corenswet’s performance and the film’s heart, even if some elements—like CGI and geopolitical subplots—don’t land for all viewers. The strong box office momentum and mostly favorable reviews suggest that Superman has indeed soared into the public consciousness once more.
