'Superman' Shows What Happens When You Trust The Comics

Photo by Joanne Baranga

In recent years, being a DC fan meant not getting my hopes up for the comics being adapted into films. So when James Gunn announced he would be directing a new Superman movie, I approached it with skepticism. The last major cinematic portrayal of Superman was played by Henry Cavill in Zack Snyder's Justice League trilogy, a depiction which offered a darker and more solemn take on the character. While those films are praised by some, they felt at odds with what Superman fundamentally represents: hope and the belief that people are worth saving. 

James Gunn promised something different. “This movie is all about Clark Kent’s humanity,” he told Subculture Entertainment. “He wakes up and tries to make the best choices that he can, and sometimes he fails”. With Superman this was exactly what he delivered, renewing my faith in the future of the DC Universe.

Gunn's Superman makes a statement by skipping the origin story entirely, diving straight into a version of Clark Kent who is already out in the world. He's flying, bleeding, and helping people, but also struggling with public mistrust, inner conflict, and questions about his place on earth. It was a character choice that works, thanks in large part to David Corenswet, who stepped into the role with fresh energy.

Corenswet's portrayal of Superman is cheesy, a bit of a nerd, full of midwestern charm, and, most importantly, human. This Superman cares deeply about the people around him and throws himself into danger because he believes in doing good. He loves his parents. He loves his job. He even loves his dog, Krypto, who isn’t exactly the best-behaved but still gets rescued without hesitation. That kind of softness, and the instinct to care no matter what, is what defines this version of Superman. But even with that compassion comes a cost: Gunn explores the loneliness that comes with that kind of power. There's a quiet sense of isolation in how Clark moves through the world, especially in his relationship with Lois Lane. He tries very hard to explain his point of view and stay connected with her, but you can feel the weight of their differing views on him.

Playing Lois Lane, Rachel Brosnahan delivered a grounded performance showing her determination and relentless journalistic integrity. What I appreciated the most was that her dynamic with Clark is nuanced and more than just romantic, being built on mutual respect and challenge. Lois also brings out one of my favourite themes in the film: the question of what it really means to be punk. She and Clark debate whether being punk means questioning the status quo, or holding onto hope no matter what the world throws at you. Both, in their own way, represent punk ideals and I think James Gunn truly understands that.

On the other end of the spectrum is Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor. His motivations are made clear from the start: he wants to tear Superman down in every way, including emotionally. Their triangle (Superman, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor) forms the core of the film and it works because it challenges the eponymous hero as both human and alien. While Lois challenges Clark Kent, Luthor challenges Superman.

Gunn's choice of supporting heroes also sets Superman apart from past versions. The boldest of these was choosing Guy Gardener (played by Nathan Fillion) as the film's Green Lantern. Known for his crass and cocky personality, Gardner’s brashness is a sharp contrast to Superman that fits well into the characters’ dynamic. Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl are also standout additions. They expand the world and their plots help build Superman’s resolve, without taking away from the core dynamic between Superman, Lois, and Lex.

The same can be said for the supporting characters around Clark Kent at the Daily Planet. The casting and the acting made the group feel like real people facing real stresses as they work for Metropolis' most famous newspaper. But this is also where the film left me wanting something more.

From the trailers and promotional material, it felt like there was going to be more of a focus on Clark Kent as a part of the Daily Planet. I expected to see the impact of Clark constantly disappearing or being late, like we see at the start of All-Star Superman, but this wasn't really explored. I did enjoy the time we got to spend with the team, especially seeing the characters have stories outside their lives at the Daily Planet, but I wish I had seen Clark Kent, as a journalist and not Superman, more frequently.

Despite this, throughout the film, Gunn’s love for Superman and the source material is clear. And his respect for the character’s legacy goes beyond the script. He invited Jerry Siegel’s grandsons to read the script and gave Will Reeve, son of former Superman actor Christopher Reeve, a small but meaningful cameo. Visually, the film embraces that same spirit. The colour grading is vibrant and unmistakably Superman. In an era of washed-out superhero movies, Gunn brings colour back to the genre and with it, a renewed sense of hope for what comic book adaptations can be.

The dominant feeling you leave Superman with is simple: hope. This film reminds us why Superman matters, not because he’s the strongest or the smartest, but because he tries. He wakes up each day and chooses kindness, even when it’s hard. That’s the heart of the character, and it’s what the movie captures so well. For the first time in years, Superman has given both comic fans and casual viewers a reason to believe in the DC Universe again.

Knowing that this film created so many new Superman fans, I wanted to share a few of my own comic recommendations if you’re looking to explore the character further:

• All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely: A 12-issue series about Superman facing his own mortality and how he navigates his life after finding out he will die. Also one of the main references that James Gunn pulled from for the film.

• Superman for All Seasons by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale: Told across 4 issues, each a different season of the year, the series follows Clark Kent’s early years and his journey toward becoming Superman.

• Batman/Superman: World's Finest by Mark Waid & Dan Mora: An ongoing series that highlights the friendship and teamwork between Batman and Superman, while also allowing other DC heroes to shine.

Superman had its UK release on the 11th of July 2025.

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Edited by Hannah Tang, Co-Editor for Film & TV