James Gunn’s much-anticipated Superman was supposed to be the triumphant launch of a new DC Universe. Instead, it’s a polarizing entry that struggles to find its footing, with some fun moments buried under tonal confusion and mismatched storytelling. With high expectations riding on it—especially after the collapse of the DCEU—this Superman doesn’t exactly soar.
A New Universe Begins, but Not with a Bang
Superman marks the official beginning of the rebooted DC cinematic universe under James Gunn’s direction. After the dismal performance of The Flash, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Warner Bros. wiped the slate clean. Gone are Zack Snyder’s grim, apocalyptic visions. In steps Gunn—armed with experience from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and DC’s The Suicide Squad—ready to reshape the brand.
However, rather than taking a cautious, grounded approach to reset the tone, Gunn dives headfirst into eccentric sci-fi territory. The result is a film that feels less like a franchise launcher and more like a quirky side project.
Not an Origin Story—And That’s Not the Problem
One of Gunn’s boldest choices is to bypass Superman’s origin altogether. When we meet Clark Kent (David Corenswet), he’s already three years into being Metropolis’s guardian. He’s in a relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), regularly clashes with Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), and navigates a world already populated by other superhumans.
In theory, this should be a refreshing change. Most fans already know Superman’s backstory—Krypton, Kansas, etc.—so jumping into the middle should allow for faster-paced storytelling. And it does… for a while.
A Parade of Characters, But No Clear Focus
Gunn populates his film with a wide array of side characters, from Justice Gang members like Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), to Superman’s bizarre robotic assistants and even Krypto the Superdog.
This overload of personalities adds visual flair and a certain chaotic charm, but it also makes the film feel unfocused. Instead of anchoring the story in Superman’s internal journey or relationships, the plot veers off into a collage of comic-book oddities.
A Tonal Tug-of-War
One of the film’s most significant flaws is its inconsistent tone. While it attempts to blend humor, nostalgia, and superhero action, it frequently stumbles trying to balance them. On one hand, it delivers laugh-out-loud moments and fun visuals—Superman Robots and Krypto are clear crowd-pleasers. On the other, it lacks emotional depth and thematic clarity.
James Gunn clearly leans into his signature weirdness, but in doing so, he risks alienating general audiences who expected a heartfelt reintroduction to the Man of Steel. Instead, Superman feels more like a niche sci-fi comedy than the flagship title of a new cinematic era.
The Verdict from Fans and Critics
For comic book fans, there are plenty of Easter eggs and references to enjoy. The film is full of geeky delights and wacky set pieces. But for many others, the film simply doesn’t stick the landing.
One viewer admitted they had high hopes despite misgivings from the trailers, only to walk away confused and disappointed. The film failed the most basic test: they wouldn’t see it again, wouldn’t buy the Blu-ray, and wouldn’t even recommend it for streaming. That’s a damning review for a film meant to rekindle excitement in the DC brand.
Missed Opportunity for a Fresh Start
Superman was supposed to be DC’s shot at redemption—its Iron Man moment. Instead, it comes across as a half-hearted experiment, unsure whether it wants to be a blockbuster epic or an offbeat B-movie. While it features a strong cast and intriguing ideas, the execution falters.
David Corenswet delivers a charming, wholesome Superman. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane brings spunk and energy. And yet, none of it gels into a coherent whole. The world-building is rushed, the stakes feel nebulous, and the characters—though individually entertaining—never fully connect with the audience.
Final Thoughts: Superman Falls Short
James Gunn had the chance to set a bold new direction for the DC Universe. Instead, Superman is a film that feels like it was made more for the filmmaker’s amusement than the fans’. It has its moments of joy and fun, but they’re overshadowed by tonal confusion and an overstuffed cast.
If you’re a die-hard DC fan, there’s enough here to pique your interest. But for general viewers, this Superman doesn’t fly—it flutters awkwardly in place.
Recommendation: Skip the theater. Maybe catch it on streaming—if you’re curious. Otherwise, go rewatch the 1978 classic. That Superman still knows how to soar.
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