Superman 2025 review time, and this isn’t the gloomy, gravel-voiced Kryptonian you remember from the last decade. James Gunn has taken the cape, dusted it off, and given us a Big Blue Boy Scout who actually looks like he enjoys saving the day.
It’s the first Superman film in 12 years, and the contrast with Man of Steel is night and day. Snyder’s brooding, battle-scarred alien has been swapped for David Corenswet’s charming, hopeful hero, a version that feels closer to Christopher Reeve without feeling like an imitation. And with Gunn behind the camera, the movie embraces the “comic” in comic book, leaning into color, character, and a whole lot of fun.
David Corenswet’s Superman, The Reeve Connection
In this Superman 2025 review, one thing is clear: David Corenswet finally gives Christopher Reeve fans a reason to smile again. He doesn’t just wear the suit well, he moves, speaks, and carries himself like Superman should. Confident without being smug. Gentle without losing presence.
The performance avoids the trap of becoming a cosplay tribute to Reeve. Corenswet brings his own warmth, a slightly more modern sense of humor, and a believable compassion that sells the idea of a Superman people would actually trust.
And yes, the red trunks are back. I rolled my eyes when I first heard that, but somehow, on Corenswet, it feels right.
Now, full disclosure: I wasn’t always a Superman fan. The whole red undies-over-tights thing? Not exactly my aesthetic for a super-powered dude. But then came Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, and something shifted. Suddenly, I was all in on DC Comics. Of course, as much in as I can afford it, comics aren’t exactly getting cheaper, you know.
Lex Luthor and the Brain vs Brawn Game
A Superman 2025 review wouldn’t be complete without talking about the villain, and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is easily one of the strongest live-action takes in years. This Lex doesn’t waste time building giant robots or cackling in monologues. He’s smarter than that, and colder.
Hoult plays him as a man who knows he’s the most intelligent person in the room and wants everyone else to know it too. The rivalry with Superman is less about brute force and more about dismantling the hero piece by piece, using manipulation, politics, and fear.
Gunn smartly builds the film’s tension around this “brain vs brawn” dynamic, keeping their conflict engaging without drowning it in endless CGI punches.
A World Full of Heroes, and Krypto
One thing this Superman 2025 review can’t skip is the parade of other heroes popping up in the background. We’ve got Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, Mr Terrific, and Hawkgirl all running around doing their thing, and yes, Guy is played by Nathan Fillion, which means every time he smirks, I half expect him to turn back into John Nolan from The Rookie.
And I love The Rookie. Simple, easy-to-watch TV. You can fold laundry, check your phone, and still follow the plot. Comfort viewing at its finest. Seeing Fillion bring that same “I’m a bit of a jerk but you’ll still like me” energy to Guy Gardner? Perfect fit.
Also, Krypto. Adorable, super-powered, and probably the one character in this movie who could get away with stealing Superman’s lunch and still have the audience clap.
Tone & Style: Gunn Goes Full Comic Book
In this Superman 2025 review, it’s impossible to ignore how different the movie feels compared to Snyder’s era. Gunn ditches the moody grayscale filters and embraces a brighter, comic-book palette. Reds pop. Blues actually look like blues. And the humor? It’s not Marvel-style quippy overload; it’s situational, character-driven, and fits the world.
The best decision? Skipping the origin story. No Krypton blowing up. No farm boy discovering his powers for the first time. We all know how Kal-El got here, Gunn respects that and drops us straight into a Superman who’s already established, already beloved, and already juggling world crises with a grin.
This is a summer blockbuster that actually remembers it’s based on a comic book. And honestly, after a decade of heavy, “important” superhero films, it’s refreshing.
The Clark Kent Factor
If there’s one part of this Superman 2025 review where I have to nitpick, it’s here. Clark Kent gets about five minutes of screen time outside the suit. A quick Daily Planet moment, a touching trip to Smallville, and then it’s straight back to Superman mode.
It’s a shame, because Corenswet’s take on Clark has potential. He’s charming in that awkward, glasses-adjusting way, and his chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is immediate. They’re already together here, which skips the classic “Lois slowly figures it out” tension. On the plus side, we’re spared another round of “glasses as the perfect disguise” disbelief. On the downside, it removes one of the more enjoyable aspects of the Clark and Lois dynamic.
Still, the Lois and Clark banter works, there’s one “interview” scene that’s so good you almost forget there’s a city to save.
Supergirl
And yes, before you ask, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl makes an appearance. It’s brief, but it’s enough to get collectors reaching for Action Comics #252 (or Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow if you’re playing the modern spec game). Alcock doesn’t have much screen time here, but the presence is deliberate. Gunn’s clearly setting the stage for her solo movie. Smart move; nothing stirs the hype machine faster than teasing a cape we haven’t seen in the DCU yet.
Collector’s Corner
From a collector’s angle, Superman 2025 has a few key nuggets. The movie pulls in supporting heroes like Guy Gardner, Mr Terrific, and Hawkgirl, which could spark renewed interest in their first comic appearances. The same goes for The Engineer, who’s already a favorite among Authority fans.
And yes, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl cameo is here. If you’re a key hunter, that means two things:
- Action Comics #252 – Kara Zor-El’s first appearance (1959)
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 (2021) – source material for her upcoming solo film
Key issues to keep an eye on:
- Green Lantern #59 – Guy Gardner’s first appearance
- Mister Terrific #1 (1997) – modern Michael Holt debut
- Showcase #34 – first Silver Age Hawkman & Hawkgirl
- The Authority #1 – first appearance of The Engineer
Add in the general hype of a successful Superman reboot, and older Superman keys could see a bump. If you’ve got Superman #1 (1986), the John Byrne reboot, maybe hold it a bit longer. This movie’s tone feels closer to that run than Man of Steel.
If you want to get deeper into DC collecting strategy, see Collecting DC Absolute Universe Comics for tips on timing the market.
Final Verdict
So, where does this land in the long history of Superman on screen? If Man of Steel was a moody jazz cover of the Superman theme, Superman 2025 is the bright, full-orchestra version, brass blaring, colors popping, everyone in the audience smiling.
Corenswet nails the spirit. Brosnahan’s Lois is sharp and alive. Hoult’s Lex is the best “brains over brawn” Luthor we’ve had in decades. And Gunn? He delivers a movie that feels like it leapt straight from a Silver Age comic but with modern polish.
It’s not flawless, the lack of Clark Kent is noticeable, and some of the metahuman side quests pull focus from the main story. But when the core is this strong, you forgive the side noise.
For collectors, it’s a boost of energy for Superman’s legacy and a gentle nudge to dig out those key issues before prices follow the hype. For casual fans, it’s the most fun you’ll have at a Superman movie in years.
See it in theaters. Then see it again. Superman’s not just back, he’s soaring.
Superman (2025) FAQ
Q: Who plays Superman in the 2025 movie?
A: David Corenswet takes over the cape in Superman 2025, bringing a brighter, more optimistic take on the character. He nails the strength, humanity, and charm, and yes, he looks the part without feeling like a carbon copy of past Supermen.
Q: Is Superman 2025 worth watching in theaters?
A: Absolutely. James Gunn delivers a bright, comic-book-faithful Superman film with strong performances from David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult. It’s a fun, visually rich reboot that works for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Q: How does Superman 2025 compare to Man of Steel?
A: Where Man of Steel was darker and more grounded, Superman 2025 leans into color, optimism, and comic-book charm. It skips the origin story and focuses on an already-established Superman, giving the film a faster, more energetic pace.
Q: Are there any comic book keys tied to Superman 2025?
A: Yes. Keep an eye on Green Lantern #59 (Guy Gardner’s first appearance), Mister Terrific #1 (1997), Showcase #34 (Silver Age Hawkman & Hawkgirl), and The Authority #1 (The Engineer’s first appearance). These characters feature in the film and could see a value bump.
Q: Does Superman 2025 have post-credit scenes?
A: Without spoiling too much, yes, and one of them teases future DCU storylines that could impact both Superman comics and the broader film universe.
Q: Is Krypto the Superdog in Superman 2025?
A: Yes, and he’s a scene-stealer. Fans of the comics will enjoy how he’s used for both action and humor.
Q: Is Superman 2025 a good jumping-on point for new DC fans?
A: Definitely. The movie requires no deep DC Comics knowledge, making it accessible for new fans while still rewarding long-time readers with Easter eggs and character cameos.
