DC Studios launched its new cinematic universe with “Superman” soaring into theaters on July 11, 2025.
Audiences were eager for a new Superman to hit screens after a 12-year solo movie drought following “Man of Steel” (2013). The wait paid off, with “Superman” earning an impressive 90% audience score and 83% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film earned $615 million at the global box office, nearly tripling its $225 million budget.
Much of that success stemmed from the sharp contrast with its darker, more cynical predecessor, “Man of Steel.”
Where Henry Cavill’s Superman from “Man of Steel” is brooding and intimidating, David Corenswet’s Superman is empathetic and humble. Despite his Kryptonian origins, Clark Kent/Superman’s humanity shines throughout the film. Sensitivity is framed not as weakness, but as his greatest strength.
“Superman” begins with his first defeat in battle, highlighting his vulnerability as he lies brutally injured on the ground. Superdog Krypto drags the hero back to the Fortress of Solitude, where he is healed by the yellow sun. It is an excruciating process, showing his resilience despite his weakness in the moment.
In a later scene, Clark faces an identity crisis over a video from his biological parents saying that he was sent to Earth to rule over the human race. Clark has a heartfelt conversation with Pa Kent, played by Pruitt Taylor Vince, who encourages Clark. His choices and actions, Pa Kent says, are what determine who Clark is.
The video sparks criticism, which takes a comical edge as Clark complains to Lois about social media bullies. When Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan, brings up “#supersh*t” in an argument, Clark says, “Come on, Lois! You know that one specifically irritates me!”
When he confronts Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, Superman claims his greatest strength is his humanity. In his heartfelt monologue, he reveals the heart of the film. He says that he loves others and he gets scared, but he gets up every day to try to make the best choices he can. He makes mistakes, but that is what being human is, Superman says.
Along with his humility and humanity, Superman is almost comically moral and pure. In place of expletives, a distressed Superman opts to exclaim, “What the hey, dude?” and “Golly!”
The film highlights Superman’s compassion for all people and creatures, big or small. In a scene where he and a crew of other superheroes battle a scaly, gremlin-esque monster the size of a skyscraper, Green Lantern rushes to kill the creature. He is met, however, with pushback from Superman, who wants to preserve the life of even this destructive creature.
Then, as the creature’s giant scaly tail whips toward an oblivious squirrel, Superman swoops in, flying the tiny creature to safety. He also prevents its monstrous foot from crushing a scared dog while rushing civilians to safety.
The film was directed by James Gunn, who is known for “Guardians of the Galaxy” Vol. 1, 2 and 3 and 2021’s “The Suicide Squad.” It showcased his campy and flamboyant directing style, comedic touch and expert oversight of the soundtracking.
A comical bit present throughout the movie is Clark’s taste in music. Clark claims to be “punk rock” in an argument with Lois. Lois refutes his claim with a joke about Clark’s obsession with pop radio band The Mighty Crabjoys. In a scene at Clark’s childhood home in Kansas, a poster of the band on the wall of his bedroom is comically revealed.
The ending credits are humorously accompanied by “Punkrocker" by Teddybears featuring Iggy Pop and “The Mighty Crabjoys Theme” by the Mighty Crabjoys featuring Lou Lou Safran and Foxy Shazam.
Fans are hopeful that the success of “Superman” heralds a new era of DC films after the crash and burn of the DC Extended Universe. The DC Universe’s next cinematic installment will be “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” releasing June 26, 2026.
