When the world needs him most, Superman arrives

The James Gunn era of DC movies has officially kicked into gear with the release of Superman, and it inevitably draws comparisons with Zack Snyder's take on the iconic hero from the now-defunct DC Extended Universe. 

The previous iteration of the DC universe had also kicked off with a Superman movie, Snyder's " Man of Steel". While the previous take on the Big Blue Boy Scout featured a grimdark version of Sups, Gunn has traded in the darker hues of Snyderverse for some (much-needed) technicolour hope.

Superman, after his stint as a distant and brooding god-like figure, is back to being the symbol of hope we know and love, the guy who saves squirrels from black holes and makes the world feel a little less bleak. With Superman, James Gunn leans into that identity—and reminds audiences why the character still matters.

The film, released on July 11, stars David Corenswet in the titular role, offering a fresh, emotionally grounded take on the iconic hero. Rather than starting from scratch, the story picks up with Clark Kent having lived on Earth for 30 years, and having worked as Superman for the past three. By day, he's an investigative journalist at the Daily Planet. By night, he's Metropolis's saviour.

Superman, after his stint as a distant and brooding god-like figure, is back to being the symbol of hope we know and love, the guy who saves squirrels from black holes and makes the world feel a little less bleak. With Superman, James Gunn leans into that identity—and reminds audiences why the character still matters.

That balancing act is more complicated than ever. Between dodging questions at work, managing the antics of Krypto—his powerful but chaotic super-dog—and coming up with excuses for why he always lands interviews with Superman, Clark also has to stop Lex Luthor. The LutherCorp CEO is on the verge of ripping open a Metropolis-sized black hole that threatens to consume the city entirely.

While the setup leans into humour and levity, complete with jokes about the "Justice Gang"( a working title), Gunn doesn't shy away from weightier themes. The fictional nation of Jarhanpur is under violent occupation by the neighbouring Boravia, a thinly veiled allegory for current global conflicts. 

Superman's unwavering support for Jarhanpur is a bold statement about the world we live in today. The film also makes space for immigrants and people of colour, not as set dressing, but as meaningful parts of the story. It's a clear reflection of where Gunn and the film stand on the world's political and humanitarian crises.

Gunn's version reimagines the character for a modern audience, moving past the traditional ideals of "truth, justice, and the American way" to ask whether those values still hold—and how they need to evolve. The result is a Superman who's not only heroic but empathetic, flawed, and fully human in spirit.

Known for elevating Guardians of the Galaxy from unknowns to icons, Gunn applies that same formula here. He revives Superman's mythic charm while launching a new cinematic era for DC, with Corenswet leading the charge. His portrayal avoids the brooding of recent superhero reboots and instead embraces warmth, humility, and sincerity.

Rather than retelling Superman's origin in detail, the film trusts viewers to know the basics. That leaves room for the story to dive headfirst into vibrant, cosmic, pulpy comic book energy, making this one of the most visually rich superhero movies since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Corenswet is supported by a solid ensemble. Rachel Brosnahan plays a bold, clever, and no-nonsense Lois Lane, while Skyler Gisondo offers a charming turn as Jimmy Olsen. Nicholas Hoult transforms Lex Luthor into a terrifyingly calm, corporate sociopath. Meanwhile, the Justice Gang (again, a "working name") features Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, each bringing charisma and balance to the team.

The tone of the film is matched by its visual aesthetic. Gunn and his team lean heavily into bold primary colours, emphasising the red, blue, and yellow of Superman's suit. The result is a film that feels unmistakably comic book-inspired—light, colourful, and hopeful, without ever losing credibility. The action scenes, meanwhile, are crisp and dynamic. Camera movements glide through fight sequences with grace, shifting perspective mid-motion to keep the momentum high and the audience locked in.

Music plays a big part in that experience. John Murphy's score includes a new version of John Williams's iconic Superman March, nodding to the past while keeping things fresh. Murphy shares scoring credit with David Fleming, and the soundtrack also features an original song performed by Lou Lou Safran (daughter of producer Peter Safran) alongside American rock band Foxy Shazam. Written by Gunn and vocalist Eric Nally, the track adds a distinct tone to an already eclectic musical mix.

One of the most common critiques of Superman is that he's too powerful to be compelling. Gunn takes that issue head-on. While there are moments of physical vulnerability—including scenes where Superman can't even breathe, a direct nod to Gunn's horror roots—the film's real stakes are emotional. Clark is tested not by what he can lift or destroy, but by what he's willing to sacrifice. His compassion becomes a liability in a world that doesn't always want to be saved.

That inner conflict is echoed in smaller moments. Krypto, while chaotic, isn't just comedic relief. His raw power and lack of control mirror Clark's own struggle with responsibility. The quiet presence of Ma and Pa Kent keeps Superman emotionally anchored, reminding him (and us) that his core strength is human, not alien.

The film also finally gives Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen the depth they deserve. They're not just Superman's sidekicks or emotional support—they're vital, fully developed characters with their own voices and arcs. Their relationship with Clark is rooted in a real connection and mutual respect.

The Justice Gang adds another layer to the film, serving as a bridge to larger DC storylines without feeling like a rushed setup. The camaraderie between Superman, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific feels earned and organic, setting a strong foundation for future Justice League narratives.

One of the film's most powerful scenes is a confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor. We are approaching light spoiler territory here, so tread cautiously. 

In a rare display of rage, Clark declares that he is no less human than anyone else. It's a defining moment—one that shatters the image of Superman as a flawless icon and recasts him as a person trying, like the rest of us, to do the right thing in a world that often punishes those who care.

In the end, Superman isn't just about an alien who can fly and shoot lasers out of his eyes. It's about a man raised in a Kansas farmhouse by parents who taught him right from wrong. It's about someone who stumbles, second-guesses, and tries to be better, not because he's invincible, but because he cares. He's not here to save the world by force. He's here to remind us what's worth saving in the first place.

After watching the film, it's hard not to walk out feeling a little more hopeful. Gunn's Superman is full of warmth, sincerity, and perhaps most importantly, heart. It's a clear step forward for the character, for DC, and for superhero storytelling.

Superman is now playing in Star Cineplex theatres. Go and give it a watch, Gunn and co deserve it, you deserve it.