James Gunn’s Superman has officially taken flight—and early reviews suggest the DC Universe may have finally found its new foundation.
The 2025 reboot, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, delivers what many are calling a confident, heartfelt, and heroic reintroduction of the iconic character.
With early screenings igniting praise across media outlets and Reddit threads alike, here’s what critics and fans are saying about Superman—the first film in the new DCU.
Superman 2025: A Triumphant Return to Classic Heroism
Gunn’s Superman has been lauded for restoring the character’s moral clarity and heart. According to Variety, early reactions emphasize the film’s “brisk pacing,” “warm tone,” and “embrace of sincerity.” Critics highlight the way Gunn successfully balances reverence for the past with a modern sensibility, creating what some call a “reset” for the DC Universe that doesn’t feel forced or overly grim.
“It feels like a Superman movie that actually likes Superman again,” wrote one Redditor in the popular r/DCU_ megathread.
David Corenswet Wins Over Doubters
One of the biggest early questions surrounding the film was whether David Corenswet could fill the boots of Henry Cavill. Based on early feedback, the answer is a resounding yes.
Yahoo Entertainment notes that Corenswet “channels the idealism and humility” of Christopher Reeve’s Superman, while bringing “just enough grounded realism” to feel fresh. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is being hailed as a major highlight, offering “witty banter and emotional depth” reminiscent of classic screen pairings.
James Gunn’s Direction: Confident, Balanced, and Bright
Gunn’s signature blend of humor and heart shines through without overwhelming the source material. Axios Cleveland says the film “nails the tonal balance,” adding that it’s “neither too goofy nor too self-serious.”
Fans on Reddit echoed this, noting that Gunn “understands the character’s mythology without being enslaved by it.” Multiple users pointed out that the action is “punchy and clear,” and the film doesn’t rely on “CGI chaos” to keep audiences engaged.
A Strong Start for the DCU (Finally)
Perhaps the most consistent praise across reviews is the notion that Superman feels like a true launchpad for a revitalized DC cinematic universe. With appearances from other DCU characters teased—but not overstuffed—the film prioritizes Clark Kent’s personal journey.
Many reviewers called it “the best Superman film since 1978” and noted how it “corrects course” after years of mixed messaging from the DC brand.
What Didn’t Land?
While reviews are mostly glowing, a few critics noted minor pacing issues in the second act and a somewhat predictable third-act showdown. Some Redditors mentioned that the film “played it safe” and avoided deeper philosophical questions in favor of broad crowd-pleasing appeal.
Still, even more critical voices admitted the film “works far more often than it doesn’t.”
Superman 2025 Final Verdict: Believe Again
The early consensus is clear: James Gunn’s Superman is a win—for DC fans, for superhero cinema, and for anyone who missed seeing hope in a red cape. It’s a bright, uplifting blockbuster that re-centers Superman as a symbol of optimism in a genre that’s lately leaned dark.
With the film set for wide release this weekend, it seems Superman is soaring again—and the world is ready to believe.
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