James Gunn’s Superman: A Mixed Reception for the New Man of Steel
[Superman 2025 – AI Generated Image]
James Gunn’s Superman reboot has arrived in cinemas, marking a significant moment for the DC Universe. The film, released on July 11, 2025, presents a different interpretation of the iconic superhero, generating varied responses from critics and audiences alike.
David Corenswet Takes the Cape
David Corenswet steps into the role of Superman, bringing his own interpretation to the character that has been portrayed by numerous actors over the decades. The 31-year-old actor, known for his work in “The Politician” and “Hollywood,” has attracted attention for his physical resemblance to the character, with many noting that people had compared him to Superman even before his official casting. Rachel Brosnahan joins him as Lois Lane, while Nicholas Hoult portrays the antagonist Lex Luthor.
A Divisive Critical Reception
The film’s reception has been notably split. On Rotten Tomatoes, Superman holds an 83% critics score from 380 reviews, with the consensus praising its ability to flesh out a new world while keeping the character’s humanity at the centre. However, audience reactions have been more polarised, with some praising the film’s hopeful tone while others expressing disappointment.
Critics have offered contrasting perspectives on the film’s approach. Some reviewers have praised Gunn’s decision to skip the traditional origin story and present Superman in an established universe alongside other heroes like the “Justice Gang”. Others have criticised this choice, arguing that it makes the film feel less like a solo Superman story and more like a team-up movie.
Box Office Performance
The film’s commercial performance has been solid, though not exceptional. Superman earned $125 million domestically and $95 million internationally during its opening weekend, totalling $220 million worldwide. This performance made it the third-biggest opening of 2025, behind “The Minecraft Movie” and “Lilo & Stitch”. The film surpassed 2013’s “Man of Steel” opening weekend but fell short of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”.
Mixed Critical Commentary
The film has received both praise and criticism from various outlets. Some critics have highlighted the film’s bright visual palette and Gunn’s distinctive directorial style. Others have noted concerns about pacing, with some reviewers suggesting the film moves too quickly between action sequences without sufficient character development.
The BBC’s review described the film as “bursting with geeky weirdness” but noted it felt “glib and flimsy”. Meanwhile, other outlets have praised the film’s return to a more optimistic portrayal of Superman compared to previous recent interpretations.
Looking Forward
As the inaugural film in Gunn’s new DC Universe, Superman carries expectations for the future of the franchise. The film’s reception will likely influence Warner Bros.’ approach to subsequent DC projects. While some view it as a successful reboot that captures the character’s essence, others see it as a missed opportunity that prioritises spectacle over character development.
The film represents another chapter in Superman’s long cinematic history, offering audiences a new interpretation of the character while attempting to establish a foundation for future DC films. Whether this version resonates with audiences long-term remains to be seen as the film continues its theatrical run.
references:
The Popverse. “Superman release date: James Gunn and David Corenswet kick off the new DCU in style in July 2025.” https://www.thepopverse.com/movies-superman-release-date-james-gunn-2025-july-david-corenswet-nicholas-hoult
Rotten Tomatoes. “Superman (2025) Reviews and Ratings.” https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_2025/reviews
BBC. “Superman review: ‘Bursting with geeky weirdness’.” July 8, 2025. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250708-superman-review
Box Office Mojo. “Superman (2025) – Box Office Mojo.” https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt5950044/
Forbes. Paul Tassi. “‘Superman’ Just Set A Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Record.” July 10, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/07/10/superman-just-set-a-rotten-tomatoes-audience-score-record/
