Review of James Gunn’s Superman (2025): Hope, Humanity, and a Lighter “Man of Steel”

The anticipation for James Gunn’s Superman (2025) reached fever pitch long before its worldwide release. Tasked with rebooting an icon who embodies hope, resilience, and the struggle to do what is right, Gunn has created an invigorating new chapter for the “Man of Steel.” This film offers a deeply human take on the superhero, enriched by deft character development, a lighter tone, and modern relevance without devolving into divisive or dogmatic territory. This review delves into Gunn’s narrative, explores Clark Kent’s evolution, and considers the universality and accessibility that set this film apart in the DC cannon and the introduction and establishment of the new DCU.

Superman for a New Era

After years of Superman interpreted as stoic and burdened, Gunn’s vision presents a Kal-El who is familiar yet refreshingly approachable. Rather than brooding on his alienation, this Superman is allowed to smile, fumble, laugh, and—most importantly—learn. The film draws from both the rich tradition of the comics and the everyday challenges of simply striving to be good in a flawed world, resulting in a Superman whose journey resonates far beyond the confines of superhero cinema.

Character Development: The Making of a Man…and a Hero

Clark Kent: From Alien to Everyman

Gunn masterfully illustrates Clark Kent’s evolution, focusing as much on his internal struggles as his superhuman feats. This Superman confronts his doubts out in the open. Rather than hiding from his mistakes, he uses them as stepping stones toward learning and empathy.

• Early Scenes: We see Clark in Smallville, grappling with his dual identity. His relationships—especially with Martha Kent—highlight his vulnerable side, showing a young man trying to reconcile extraordinary abilities with everyday insecurities.
• Metropolis: Gunn infuses Clark’s early days at the Daily Planet with warmth and humor. Watching him navigate a newsroom brimming with ego, cynicism, and youthful idealism is a joy, revealing Superman not as an all-knowing force of justice, but a rookie determined to do good, sometimes awkwardly.
• Facing Failure: Perhaps most compelling is how Superman’s failures shape him. A botched rescue and public criticism force Clark to re-examine what “doing the right thing” means when outcomes are less than perfect. The movie does not shy away from showing him make mistakes—and learn, rather than simply triumphing regardless.

Supporting Cast: Mirrors for a Hero

• Lois Lane: This version of Lois is sharp, independent, and never overshadowed by Superman’s presence. Gunn’s dialogue sparkles, and their relationship grows organically— partners, each making the other better. She literally comes to save Superman.
• Lex Luthor: Avoiding hammy villainy, this Luthor is defined by intellect and ideological critique. Rather than cartoonish evil, Luthor is a challenger, forcing Superman to articulate and defend his ideals in a way that’s rarely been seen before. He appears to be a satire of the billionaires we have now.
• Krypto: Never appearing on any previous silver screen verisons of Superman, his creature companion delights audiences with a rambunctious side kick and endears those with pets someone they can relate to. We will later find out that Krypto is not even his but a special cameo of someone surprises us with the truth who will be introduced in the DCU with her own movie, Supergirl.
• Jonathan Kent: To me the most tear jerking part of the movie is the interaction between Clark and his father, the Father that Superman considers his true Father after learning the cold Truth.

A Lighter, Brighter Superman

One of Gunn’s hallmarks is his ability to mix heart, humor, and heroics. The film’s tone sets it apart from darker interpretations:

• Visual Palette: Color splashes across the screen—Kansas fields, bustling Metropolis, Superman’s bright suit—a visual metaphor for the hope he tries to offer.
• Dialogue and Scenes: There are genuine laughs throughout the film—Superman’s attempts at casual human banter, the awkwardness with his colleagues, and his evident joy in using his powers for play as well as duty.
• Optimism: Unlike some previous films that leaned into brooding isolation, this Superman believes people are worth saving, even when faced with cynicism. The movie never preaches, but continually affirms that hope and kindness are not naïve—they are choices.

Not “Woke”—Just Genuinely Human

Gunn’s Superman avoids overt ideological messaging. Instead, it focuses on deeply relatable struggles:

• Universality: Clark (and, by extension, Superman) makes mistakes—sometimes serious ones. He’s called out by friends, the media, and even strangers, yet what sets him apart is his willingness to own his errors and strive to do better.
• Accountability: Superman isn’t above reproach, nor is he rendered infallible by the script. When he makes poor decisions—whether in public or in relationships—he’s held accountable, and the character’s dignity emerges from his willingness to keep trying.
• Relatability: You don’t need superpowers to see yourself in Gunn’s Kal-El. The emotional core of the film is about not giving up, even when you fall short. It’s a story for anyone who’s tried and failed, been criticized for good intentions, and chosen to get back up anyway.

Key Themes and Takeaways

Theme	Expression in the Film
Redemption through Mistakes	Superman learns from failure, showing humility and perseverance
The Power of Optimism	Clark’s belief in good inspires others and undercuts cynicism
Balancing Dual Identities	Clark’s struggle to unite alien origins with human upbringing
The Value of Community	Support from friends/family is essential to heroism
Hope Is a Choice	Choosing hope over despair, again and again, is a heroic act

Addressing the Broader Audience: A Superman for Everyone

Far from being niche or exclusionary, Gunn’s Superman is for anyone who has ever doubted themselves. It explores:

• The challenge of living up to ideals
• Acknowledging personal and public failure
• Persisting in kindness, not because it’s easy but because it matters,

This broad accessibility is what makes the film not “woke,” as the term has sometimes been pejoratively used in cultural debates—it does not pander or alienate, but earnestly seeks shared human ground.

Final Thoughts: Why Gunn’s Superman (2025) Matters Today More Than Ever

James Gunn’s Superman is a triumphant reimagining that feels both classic and contemporary. It’s not just a superhero movie, but a meditation on the struggle to be good, the possibility of redemption, and the enduring power of hope in a world hungry for both.

Rather than preaching, polarizing, or diluting the character’s legacy, Gunn has given audiences a Superman who is inspiring precisely because he is imperfect—and made ever more compelling by his honest, unwavering quest to do good, even when that means learning, stumbling, and growing. Superman (2025) is a testament to the belief that, super or not, anyone can strive to make the world a little better. It’s what your actions and what you ultimately decide to do that defines you.