Nearly five decades after Christopher Reeve defined the red-caped hero, Superman returns with a much-needed dose of optimism. Director James Gunn, known for his wit and love of misfit heroes, presses reset on the Superman legacy — this time ditching the gloom and doom of past reboots in favor of bold colors, brisk pacing, and just the right sprinkle of humor.
In this 2025 reboot, David Corenswet steps into the famous cape and boots, exuding the kind of earnest calm that made Reeve beloved. No gritty Batman-esque brooding here. Corenswet plays Clark Kent as a nice guy — and proudly so. He’s a Superman who still believes in truth and kindness, even in a cynical, digitally fractured world. Think less tortured soul, more steady beacon.
Gunn wastes no time retelling the familiar origin story. Within minutes, we learn through clean on-screen text that Clark has already settled in Metropolis. He’s working as a reporter at the Daily Planet and is dating the sharp, spirited Lois Lane, played with confidence and energy by Rachel Brosnahan. Their dynamic is lively, modern, and refreshingly low on melodrama.
A Superman for the Social Media Age
One of the smartest moves Gunn makes is updating the Man of Steel’s enemies to reflect modern threats. The primary villain, Lex Luthor, is no longer just a rich genius with a vendetta. He’s reimagined as a swaggering tech mogul — a full-on tech-bro menace, played with chilling charm by Nicholas Hoult, who goes all in with a shaved head and cold calculation.
Luthor sees Superman not as a hero, but as a threat to human autonomy — an alien invader sent to dominate Earth, not save it. He manipulates media narratives, pushing fake news and weaponizing public fear. His sinister disinformation network is literally run by monkeys hammering away at keyboards in a high-speed lie factory — a cheeky nod to the chaos of the current digital age.
In one of the film’s most hilarious yet telling moments, Clark Kent declines a selfie request by saying, “Superman doesn’t have time for selfies.” It’s a subtle jab at today’s obsession with online image and performance. Even as bullets fly and villains rise, this Superman refuses to participate in the ego games of the digital world.
This isn’t a nostalgia trip, though. Gunn crafts a story that feels grounded in today’s fractured society. Through metaphor and visual cues, Superman takes on issues like technological overreach, online propaganda, and militarized paranoia — without hitting you over the head with it.
Action-Packed Yet Centered in Humanity
While the themes are timely, Gunn doesn’t forget this is, first and foremost, a superhero movie. The action kicks off early and rarely lets up. The story begins with Superman reeling from a defeat by a monstrous armored villain called the Hammer of Boravia — a brutal reminder that even the strongest can fall.
But even amid the chaos, Corenswet keeps Superman grounded. He fights not just with strength, but with calm conviction. He isn’t loud or showy; his power is quiet and controlled. He’s the eye in the storm.
This version of Superman battles more than just physical enemies. He faces existential challenges: Who is he to the world? A savior or a threat? A beacon or a crutch? Luthor’s campaign to convince the government and public that Superman is a danger hits close to home in today’s world of paranoia and mistrust.
Despite these obstacles, Clark remains a steady presence. He works with his colleagues at the Daily Planet, protects civilians during large-scale attacks, and stands up for the truth — even when it’s inconvenient. His relationship with Lois provides an emotional core, but it never becomes overly sentimental. This Superman has heart, but not at the expense of focus.
A Mixed Bag, But a Step in the Right Direction
Let’s be clear: Superman (2025) isn’t a flawless film. The pacing occasionally falters, especially in the second act, where the narrative feels slightly overstuffed. Some of the supporting characters — especially villains beyond Luthor — lack development. And while the humor mostly hits, a few moments lean a bit too far into camp.
But despite these issues, the film succeeds where it matters most. It reclaims Superman’s essence — not as a godlike figure burdened with darkness, but as a man who chooses to be good in a world that often isn’t. In an era overloaded with morally ambiguous heroes and antiheroes, Gunn’s Superman is a welcome reminder that decency is not outdated — it’s revolutionary.
Corenswet carries the film with grace. His performance isn’t loud or overly dramatic. Instead, it’s sincere, steady, and quietly powerful. He’s not trying to reinvent Superman; he’s reminding us why he mattered in the first place.
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