Superman (2025) by James Gunn

Superman (2025) is the highly anticipated cornerstone of James Gunn’s new DC Universe, marking a fresh start for the iconic hero on the big screen. Directed and written by Gunn, the film explores Clark Kent’s journey to reconcile his alien origins with his human upbringing, embodying truth, justice, and kindness in a world that may have become cynical towards such ideals.

A specific release date for “Superman (2025)” on streaming platforms has not been announced. As a major Warner Bros. Pictures release, it is expected to follow a theatrical window before becoming available for streaming, likely on Max, the streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The timing of its streaming release will depend on the film’s theatrical performance and Warner Bros.’s release strategy for its major films in 2025.

“Superman (2025)” is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release, beginning internationally on July 9, 2025, and in the United States and IMAX nationwide on July 11, 2025.

James Gunn’s “Superman” introduces a Kal-El who is already operating as the titular hero but is still relatively early in his journey, around the age of 25. The film is not a traditional origin story, but rather explores Superman’s efforts to balance his Kryptonian heritage with the human values instilled in him by his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, in Smallville. As Clark Kent, he is a budding journalist at the Daily Planet in Metropolis, navigating the complexities of his dual identity and developing relationships with colleagues like Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.

The narrative sees Superman grappling with a world that, in some ways, views the classic ideals of truth, justice, and the human way as outdated. He encounters other metahumans and heroes who have different approaches and perspectives, some viewing him as perhaps naive. A key element of the plot involves Superman becoming involved in a situation that draws scrutiny and challenges him to defend his actions and values. This includes facing off against formidable adversaries, notably Lex Luthor, presented here with inspirations from both classic and more modern comic interpretations, embodying a distrust and hatred for Superman’s power and ideals.

The film is described as a blend of action, heart, and humor, aiming for a more optimistic tone compared to some previous DC films. It delves into Clark’s personal life, including his burgeoning relationship with Lois Lane, who is portrayed as a sharp and independent journalist. The story explores how new elements and relationships in his life, such as falling “madly in love” with Lois and interacting with other heroes, challenge his established values and choices, putting him on a path of personal growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, the film is positioned as an embodiment of hope and kindness in a complex world, setting the stage for the interconnected narrative of the new DC Universe.

• Balancing Two Worlds: The film explores Clark Kent/Superman’s struggle to reconcile his alien Kryptonian origins with his human upbringing and values.

• Hero in a Cynical World: Superman embodies classic ideals of truth, justice, and kindness in a world that may view these as old-fashioned.

• Challenges and Adversaries: Superman faces threats, including the brilliant and antagonistic Lex Luthor, who opposes what Superman represents.

• New Relationships and Growth: The narrative delves into Clark’s life at the Daily Planet, particularly his developing relationship with Lois Lane and interactions with other heroes, which impact his values and choices.

• Establishing Hope: The film aims to re-establish Superman as a symbol of hope and set the tone for the new DC Universe.

James Gunn’s vision for “Superman” is to create a hopeful and earnest portrayal of the iconic hero, moving away from darker interpretations and embracing the character’s core values of truth, justice, and kindness. As the co-head of DC Studios and the writer and director of this foundational film, Gunn aims to establish the tone and direction for the entire new DC Universe. He is focused on exploring Superman’s humanity and his journey to integrate his dual heritage. Gunn has stated that the film is inspired by various comic book runs, including elements of “All-Star Superman,” and that it will balance action and spectacle with character development and emotional depth. He intends for the film to be a symbol of hope in what he perceives as a sometimes cynical world, reflecting a belief in fundamental human goodness.

• Identity and Belonging: The film explores Clark Kent’s journey to reconcile his alien heritage with his human identity and find his place in the world, a core theme of the Superman character.

• Truth, Justice, and Kindness: Gunn’s vision centers on re-emphasizing these classic Superman ideals and exploring what they mean in a contemporary context, particularly in a world that may question or devalue them.

• Hope in the Face of Cynicism: The film aims to position Superman as a symbol of hope and optimism, standing as a beacon of light in a world that can be cynical and challenging.

• The Role of a Hero: The narrative examines what it means to be a hero, particularly one with immense power, and how a hero’s actions and values impact the world around them and interact with different perspectives.

• Humanity vs. Alien Heritage: A fundamental theme is the exploration of the human values instilled in Clark by the Kents and how they shape his understanding and use of his alien abilities.

• Love and Connection: The development of Clark’s relationships, particularly with Lois Lane and other heroes, plays a significant role in his personal journey and the exploration of his humanity.

• James Gunn’s Involvement: As a director with a strong track record of critical and commercial success in the superhero genre (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad”) and as the co-head of DC Studios, Gunn’s vision and execution are key to the film’s potential success and the launch of the new DCU.

• The Enduring Iconography of Superman: Superman is one of the most recognized and beloved fictional characters globally, providing a massive built-in audience and cultural significance.

• Casting of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan: The casting of relatively fresh faces in the lead roles has generated considerable positive buzz and anticipation for their interpretations of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane.

• Launch of the New DC Universe: As the first film in the new DCU chapter, “Gods and Monsters,” the film carries the excitement and potential for a fresh, interconnected cinematic universe, which can drive audience interest.

• Promising Early Reactions: Reports from test screenings and reactions to the trailer have generally been positive, suggesting that the film is resonating with early viewers and delivering on its intended tone and themes.

• All-Star Supporting Cast: The inclusion of a talented ensemble cast portraying other DC characters signals the broader universe and adds to the film’s appeal.

James Gunn’s “Superman (2025)” is the first film in the new DC Universe, following a younger Clark Kent/Superman as he balances his alien and human identities and embodies hope, truth, and justice in a world grappling with cynicism, featuring an all-star cast and directed by Gunn.

Expectations for James Gunn’s “Superman (2025)” are notably high and multifaceted, given its status as the foundational film for the new DC Universe and the involvement of a director with a strong track record in the superhero genre.   

• From Fans: Fans generally have high expectations for a more hopeful and optimistic take on Superman compared to recent iterations. There is considerable anticipation for David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayals of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane, with many hoping their chemistry and embodiment of the characters will be compelling. As the start of the new DCU, there’s also an expectation that the film will successfully establish the tone and introduce characters in a way that builds excitement for future interconnected stories. Early reactions to trailers and test screenings suggesting a return to Superman’s core ideals have fueled this optimism.

• From Critics: Critics are anticipating a film that reflects James Gunn’s distinctive style, blending action, humor, and heart. There’s interest in how he will interpret such an iconic character and differentiate this version from previous cinematic outings. While early test screening reports have been largely positive, suggesting a promising balance of elements, critics will be looking for substance beyond the spectacle and how well the film executes its thematic exploration of hope and idealism in a modern context. There’s also an expectation of critical scrutiny as the first major entry in a relaunched universe.

• From the Studio (Warner Bros. Discovery & DC Studios): Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios have significant expectations for “Superman.” As the first film under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership and the official start of their DC Universe, it is expected to be a critical and commercial success. The studio is banking on this film to re-energize the DC brand on the big screen and provide a strong foundation for the planned slate of interconnected films and series. Its performance will be seen as a key indicator of the audience’s appetite for this new iteration of the DC Universe.   

• From the General Audience: General audience expectations may vary. Awareness of this being a reboot might influence some, while others will be drawn by the iconic nature of Superman and the involvement of James Gunn, known for the popular “Guardians of the Galaxy” films. The success of recent superhero films will also play a role, with audiences generally seeking high-quality, entertaining blockbusters. The film’s ability to attract viewers beyond the dedicated superhero fanbase will be crucial for its overall commercial success.

• From Industry Analysts: Industry analysts are closely watching “Superman” for its box office potential and its impact on the superhero genre landscape. Predictions for its gross vary, but there’s a general consensus that a strong performance is needed to establish the DCU. Analysts will be evaluating how the film competes with other major summer releases and whether it can reignite significant audience interest in the Superman character after previous mixed results. There’s an expectation that a positive reception could lead to increased investment and confidence in the future DCU slate.

Overall, the predominant expectation is for “Superman (2025)” to deliver a hopeful, engaging, and well-executed superhero story that successfully reintroduces the Man of Steel and lays a strong foundation for the ambitious new DC Universe.

As “Superman (2025)” is scheduled for release in July 2025, widespread professional critical reviews are not yet available. Initial reception is based on reactions to trailers, promotional materials, and reports from early test screenings.

• Reports from Test Screenings (e.g., cited by Daily Planet, Bounding Into Comics): Leaked information and reports from early test screenings have generally indicated positive feedback. Viewers reportedly praised David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman, the film’s balance of humor and drama, its exploration of Superman’s identity, and the strength of the supporting cast, particularly Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Some alleged early scores were reported, suggesting a generally positive but perhaps not universally ecstatic response compared to Gunn’s previous highest-rated works.

• Reactions to Trailers (e.g., covered by Motion Picture Association, Screen Rant, BGR, ToyNewsI.com): The release of trailers has generated significant online discussion and anticipation. Reactions highlight the film’s seemingly more optimistic tone compared to recent DC films, the chemistry between Corenswet and Brosnahan, glimpses of other DC characters, and the action sequences. Discussions also arose regarding moments showing Superman being injured, which James Gunn addressed as a reflection of the film’s theme of kindness being “under siege.”

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: While official critical reviews are pending the film’s release, early reactions based on test screenings and trailers are largely positive. There is anticipation for David Corenswet’s portrayal, the film’s tone, and its role in launching the new DC Universe.

As “Superman (2025)” has not been widely released for professional reviews, there are no comprehensive reviews from various sites to summarize at this time. Review coverage will begin closer to the film’s theatrical release in July 2025.

• Early Impressions from Articles and Social Media: Based on reports and online discussions following trailer releases and test screening leaks (as covered by entertainment news sites and social media), early impressions suggest that viewers are responding positively to the casting, the visual style, and the perceived hopeful tone of the film. Specific moments from the trailers and character interactions have been points of positive discussion among fans.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Comprehensive reviews are not yet available. Early impressions and reactions from audiences and industry insiders who have seen early footage or test screenings appear to be predominantly positive, fueling anticipation for the film’s release.

“Superman (2025)” is a major studio production from DC Studios, a key entity in the restructured DC film and television output under James Gunn and Peter Safran. It is produced by DC Studios, Troll Court Entertainment, and The Safran Company. James Gunn is both the director and writer. Principal photography took place primarily at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional filming in Ohio and around Georgia. Filming wrapped in July 2024, allowing for a significant post-production period for visual effects and editing. The film is noted for utilizing IMAX cameras and virtual production services from companies like Lux Machina Consulting. Key crew members include cinematographer Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky, and composer John Murphy.

• DC Studios (United States)

• Troll Court Entertainment (United States)

• The Safran Company (United States)

• Warner Bros. (United States) – Also a production entity in some contexts.

Sales are primarily handled internally by Warner Bros. Discovery, as the film is a major studio production intended for global distribution.

• A Fresh Take on an Icon: It offers a new interpretation of Superman, focusing on his hopeful and humanistic aspects, which may appeal to both long-time fans and those looking for a different take on the character.

• James Gunn’s Vision for the DCU: As the first film in the new DC Universe under James Gunn’s creative direction, it’s essential viewing for anyone interested in the future of DC films and how this interconnected universe will be built.

• Promising Cast: David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan are highly regarded actors, and their portrayals of Superman and Lois Lane are generating excitement. The supporting cast is also filled with talented actors playing other intriguing DC characters.

• Expected Blend of Action, Heart, and Humor: Based on James Gunn’s previous work and promotional materials, the film is anticipated to offer an entertaining mix of superhero action, emotional depth, and humor.

• Foundation for a New Universe: Watching this film is key to understanding the beginning of the new DC Universe narrative and how future films and series will connect.

• Witness the Start of the New DCU: Be there from the beginning to see how James Gunn and Peter Safran are launching their ambitious new interconnected DC Universe.

• See a Hopeful Superhero Story: If you’re looking for a superhero film that emphasizes classic ideals of hope, kindness, and justice in a world that needs it.

• Experience James Gunn’s Directing on a Major Hero: See how the director of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films and “The Suicide Squad” tackles the most iconic superhero of all time.

• Meet the New Superman and Lois Lane: See David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan step into these legendary roles and put their stamp on the characters.

• Enjoy a Big Summer Superhero Blockbuster: Experience the spectacle of a major superhero film on the big screen during the competitive summer movie season.

• Shared Cinematic Universes and Reboots: “Superman (2025)” is a prime example of the ongoing trend of major studios building interconnected cinematic universes based on comic book properties and, when necessary, rebooting existing franchises to establish a new creative direction and continuity (in this case, the transition from the DCEU to the DCU).

• Director-Driven Superhero Films: The film highlights the trend of studios entrusting major superhero properties to directors with distinct creative voices and a strong understanding of the genre, allowing them significant input in shaping the cinematic universe.

• Embracing Core Comic Book Tone: Following a period of darker superhero adaptations, “Superman” appears to be part of a trend towards embracing the more optimistic and hopeful tones of the source material for certain characters.

• The Search for Hope and Positivity in Uncertain Times: The film’s emphasis on Superman as a symbol of hope, kindness, and truth resonates with a social trend of audiences seeking positive and uplifting narratives in a world often perceived as cynical, divided, and facing numerous challenges. Superman’s core message of doing good and inspiring others taps into a desire for idealism and a belief in the potential for positive change.

“Superman (2025)” is poised to be a pivotal film for the superhero genre and a defining moment for DC Studios. Under James Gunn’s clear vision, the film aims to re-ground the Man of Steel in his core values of hope and kindness while introducing him into a world that reflects contemporary complexities. With a promising lead in David Corenswet, a talented supporting cast, and the weight of launching a new cinematic universe, the film carries significant expectations. While critical reception and box office performance remain to be seen, the early buzz and the creative team’s approach suggest a film that is both a respectful homage to the iconic hero and a fresh, engaging start for the DC Universe. It is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of 2025 and a crucial test for the future of DC on film.

• Understand and Embrace the Core of Iconic Characters: James Gunn’s focus on Superman’s essential qualities of hope and kindness is key. Filmmakers working with beloved characters should delve into what makes them enduring and build their narratives from that core understanding.

• Balance Respect for Source Material with a Fresh Vision: The film draws inspiration from comics while forging its own path. Filmmakers adapting existing properties should find a balance between honoring the source material and bringing their unique creative vision to the project.

• Prioritize Casting the Right Leads: The positive early reaction to David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan highlights the importance of casting actors who can embody the iconic roles and have chemistry.

• Establish Tone and Thematic Resonance Early: As a foundational film for a universe, “Superman” needs to set the right tone and introduce key themes effectively. Filmmakers launching shared universes should be clear about their creative intent from the outset.

• Support Director-Driven Universe Building: Entrusting the creative direction of a shared universe to filmmakers with a clear vision and proven track record, as Warner Bros. Discovery has done with James Gunn and Peter Safran, can lead to a more cohesive and compelling cinematic narrative.

• Allow for New Interpretations of Iconic Characters: Audiences are open to fresh takes on beloved characters, especially when the creative team has a clear understanding of the character’s essence. Studios should be willing to support new casting and narrative approaches.

• Embrace Hopeful and Optimistic Storytelling: While darker tones have been prevalent, there is a clear audience appetite for superhero stories that embody hope and idealism. The industry should recognize the value of these themes.

• Build Interconnected Universes Thoughtfully: As “Superman” kicks off the DCU, the industry should focus on building shared universes with a clear plan and interconnectedness that feels organic to the stories being told.

“Superman (2025)” represents a pivotal moment for DC Studios and a highly anticipated fresh take on one of the world’s most enduring cultural icons. Under the guidance of James Gunn, the film appears poised to deliver a portrayal of Superman that is both reverent to his legacy and relevant to contemporary audiences, emphasizing hope, kindness, and the challenges of embodying these ideals. As the inaugural film of the new DC Universe, its success is crucial for the future of DC’s interconnected storytelling. With a promising cast and a creative vision focused on the heart of the character, “Superman” is set to be a major cinematic event in 2025 and a compelling new chapter for the Man of Steel.