In January 2023, James Gunn announced that he had been given the responsibility to revamp the DC Extended Universe and produce stories that would connect with people on a more personal level, just like Kevin Feige did with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Feige not only made the MCU a blockbuster success, but he also made sure that people related to the stories and the characters. So, when Gunn announced that DC Universe would be like a complete reboot for the franchise, a lot of people were skeptical about this step. Gunn, who has been an integral part of the MCU, wanted to lead by example. As a result, he decided to direct the next Superman film himself and made it clear that it would be similar to an origin story.
But did this iconic character need another origin story? After watching the new Superman, I can surely say that “YES,” it definitely needed one.
What is ‘Superman’ about?
Image Courtesy: Warner Bros.
‘Superman’ is one character that has been portrayed on screen for a very long time. From Christopher Reeve donning the legendary costume in 1978 to Henry Cavill taking the epic flight in 2013’s ‘Man of Steel,’ viewers have seen a lot of different depictions of the comic book character. This is why it’s a very difficult character to portray on the screen. However, Gunn, from the very first frame, makes it clear this isn’t the Superman of your grandparents’ era. But it also isn’t another moody, brooding, revisionist take that’s become all too familiar in the superhero space over the past two decades. Instead, what the filmmaker did was that he tore the pages from the comic book and brought them to life by making the characters more vivid and earnest. Interestingly, it all works out for the best, and what viewers see on the screen is something spectacular.
The movie begins with a sequence we have seen frequently whenever a Superman story is told. Joe-El and Lara Lor-Van sent their son Kal-El to Earth to escape their planet Krypton’s destruction. Baby Kal-El crashes into planet Earth and is raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent in Smallville, Kansas. As time passed, Jonathan and Martha got to know about Kal-El’s powers. Kal-El grows older without knowing the powers he possesses, and when he finally gets to know who he really is, he becomes the mighty Superman (played by David Corenswet). As Clark Kent, he works at The Daily Planet newspaper and forges a friendship with Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan). However, a man named Lex Luthor (played by Nicholas Hoult) believes that Superman can’t be trusted, and with that kind of power, he could wipe out humanity. What happens next is the story of how the Man of Steel tries to deal with threats while maintaining his secret identity.
Gunn Leaves His Comfort Zone — And Excels
David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in ‘Superman’. (Image Courtesy: Warner Bros)
Those familiar with Gunn’s style of filmmaking know that the filmmaker has a distinct voice. But with Superman, he steps into a new direction, one that’s bigger in theme and more classical in tone. It’s quite evident that he is working out of his comfort zone here, but his discomfort pushes him to grow as a director. The result? Some of his most assured directing yet. The best aspect of the movie is how Gunn balances spectacle with substance. There’s no shortage of mind-blowing set pieces, including a standout long-take sequence where Superman single-handedly takes on the villain and his army. But these massive set pieces never feel like they are not a part of the narrative. They serve character and story. We all know how Superman’s powers are so unique and breathtaking, but the film doesn’t shy away from showcasing that his heart is his biggest strength.
What makes Superman such a riveting watch is its multi-layered script, which includes timely political undercurrents. The themes of immigration, powers, alienation, and how the media manipulates everything are beautifully implanted into the storyline, but never overpower the main theme. The filmmaker never preaches; he simply asks the audience to see what’s happening in the world around us, and how someone as powerful as Superman would navigate it. Consequently, the movie plays it smart. Yes, there is world-building, but that is not done by a cliffhanger ending or the promise of a spin-off. Instead, it is done organically through supporting characters.
A Hero Reimagined… Without Losing the Heart
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in ‘Superman’ (Image Courtesy: Warner Bros)
David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman/Clark Kent is magnificent. There’s a level of sincerity to his performance that is very rare these days. He is funny, charming, and at times, he is painfully human. Although I never say such stuff, it seems he was born to play this role. Meanwhile, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane is miraculous. Smart, skeptical, and relentlessly determined, her version of Lois reclaims the energy of the character from the comics. Her dynamic with Clark is electric, and mutual respect, which makes the film a worthy experience. Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor is the kind of villain audiences needed to see in a superhero movie. Whenever he arrives on screen, it’s just about him, and Hoult never loses his grip. But, we have a scene stealer here and it’s not human, but a dog. Yes, I am talking about Krypto, and that’s one character who would make you fall in love with this movie instantly.
The supporting cast – Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced – is equally brilliant. It would be interesting to see how Gunn tackles these characters and takes their stories forward.
Perhaps Superman’s greatest triumph is that it reclaims something long missing from modern superhero cinema: wonder. There’s a childlike awe to how the film embraces its world. All in all, the film brings new life to the iconic superhero by grounding him in gritty realism but in heartfelt sincerity. This is not the Superman viewers have seen in previous films, but it captures the character’s true essence with sincerity. It doesn’t just remind us why Superman matters; it shows us how he can still feel fresh, exciting, and emotionally resonant in an age of cynicism. A brilliant beginning to the DC Universe.
