By Emma Barhydt
It’s been a long wait, but Superman finally feels like Superman again. James Gunn’s latest addition to the DC universe is a thoughtful, joyful revival of an icon. Breaking from recent films’ dark, angst-driven approach, Gunn restores Superman’s original appeal as a symbol of optimism, sincerity, and relatable humanity.
James Gunn smartly bypasses the conventional superhero origin story. Instead, we enter the film in Clark Kent’s bustling career at the Daily Planet. This decision allows Gunn to dive deeper into the core themes: identity, purpose, and the profound truth that we become who we’re meant to be through our choices rather than our destinies.
At the heart of this revival is David Corenswet, whose portrayal of Clark Kent recalls the earnest charm of Christopher Reeve. Corenswet captures the quiet decency of the Smallville native, creating a Clark who’s believably awkward, endearing, and deeply human. His journey is less about discovering powers and more about navigating the complexities of adulthood, ethics, and identity, making Superman’s feats all the more exhilarating because they’re rooted in genuine stakes.
Rachel Brosnahan’s brings intelligence, wit, and resolve to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Lois Lane. Brosnahan ensures Lois is more than just Superman’s love interest, she’s a tenacious reporter in her own right, driven by integrity. Brosnahan and Corenswet share authentic chemistry, their interactions reminiscent of classic Hollywood romances, full of humor, warmth, and mutual respect.
The film’s strength extends beyond its leads. Nicholas Hoult offers a riveting Lex Luthor, charmingly sinister and intellectually formidable. His nuanced performance ensures Luthor is a credible and complex antagonist. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner adds a perfect dose of charisma and comic relief, while Isabela Merced provides emotional depth and complexity as Hawkgirl. Skyler Gisondo’s portrayal of Jimmy Olsen is perfection. Gisondo’s Olsen is sincere, fully capturing Olsen’s innocence and competence. Edi Gathegi also shines as Mister Terrific, bringing a compelling combination of intellect, charisma, and strategic depth to the ensemble. Collectively, this outstanding ensemble elevates every scene, visibly enjoying their roles and radiating enthusiasm that proves infectious.
James Gunn’s passion for Superman’s legacy and the wider DC canon is unmistakable. The film seamlessly integrates iconic moments and references from previous incarnations, notably through strategic use of John Williams’s classic Superman theme. Each carefully chosen musical cue reinforces the narrative’s emotional beats, bridging past and present with heartfelt nostalgia. Gunn’s thoughtful homage enriches the storytelling, grounding the film in the rich history of its beloved character.
The film expertly balances emotional depth, humor, and breathtaking action, a testament to Gunn’s adept direction. It refuses to succumb to cynicism, instead embracing the genuine hopefulness Superman embodies.
This Superman reminds audiences precisely why he has resonated so deeply across generations.
Visually, Gunn’s Superman is exceptional. Rejecting the gloomy, destructive aesthetics of recent superhero outings, this film opts for vibrant colors and sweeping visuals that highlight both Superman’s extraordinary abilities and the sweetness of his Kansas upbringing. Every frame is meticulously crafted, underscoring Gunn’s deep respect for the source material and his intuitive understanding of what makes Superman timeless.
Ultimately, Gunn’s Superman is a complete reset on the DC Cinematic Universe.
For audiences who’ve waited patiently for Superman to return to his roots, Gunn’s movie is triumphant.
This Superman lifts the audience with him, reminding us all of our shared capacity for hope, kindness, and heroism. James Gunn has given us a Superman film that understands what makes the Man of Steel great—and proves once again why the world needs not only Superman, but Clark Kent.
