The last nearly two decades have been a boom for the comic book genre, both on film and television, while also reinvigorating the sales of comic books. While Marvel has been dominating film, DC Comics has struggled on the theatrical front - but before Marvel and Disney+ they were dominating on TV with their CW shows dubbed the 'Arrowverse'. Historically, DC Comics was one of the first publishers in the superhero genre, with Superman first appearing in 1938. They were also one of the first to adapt their stories for the screen, with 'Adventures of Superman' debuting on television screens in 1952. By comparison, Marvel's TV debut wasn't until 1974. The same went for film, with 'Superman and the Mole-Men' releasing in theatres in 1951; again to compare with Marvel, their first film was in 1986 (and it for some reason was 'Howard the Duck'). I explain all of this because in this modern landscape, it's hard to think of anyone but Marvel being the king of the superheroes.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe just continued to dominate the box office and turned the less popular comic book studio into a titan, whereas the DC Extended Universe panned out very differently. It was a mix of things that lead to the failure of the most recent wave of films from DC Comics; it was trying to use the Marvel approach of a shared universe but wanted to rush the groundwork, it took a darker approach to the often-campy characters from the comics, and regardless if you loved them or hated them, they just didn't work to form a coherent universe. You then add in things like 'Joker' and 'The Batman' releasing alongside the main universe films that exist outside of it, and it all got too complicated and convoluted. Warner Bros. and DC saw the box office returns get lower and lower, and reviews get worse and worse - so for this to work, they had to pull the plug and start again. They brought in the director of Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' trilogy, and a new, more focused DC Universe was reborn.
SWITCH: 'SUPERMAN' (2025) TRAILER
Superman (David Corenswet, 'Twisters', 'Pearl') has been helping the citizens of Metropolis for a few years now. He's from Krypton, and when his planet blew up as a child, he was sent to Earth with a message from his parents - to help the people of the planet. He dons an alter ego, Clark Kent, who works as a journalist at the Daily Planet. Here, he meets and falls in love with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan, 'The Amateur', 'Spies in Disguise'). The CEO of LuthorCorp, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, 2025's 'Nosferatu', 'The Garfield Movie'), is planning a war and needs do-gooder Superman out of his way - so he pulls out all the stops to make sure he isn't a hindrance.
I don't have a strong connection to 'Superman'. I didn't grow up with the Christopher Reeve films, 'Superman Returns' came out when I was deep in the Disney Channel trenches, and I don't care for 'Man of Steel' outside of liking Henry Cavill as a person. To me, 'Superman' has always been a mascot, not just for DC Comics but superheroes in general. He is the blueprint for every hero, and while he was interesting to me as a child, if I was watching superhero content like the animated 'Justice League' series, he was never the one I wanted to be. However, this newest version made me understand the appeal. There were moments that made me feel like a die-hard fan of this character. There is so much love built into the foundation of this film; it's a beautiful love letter to the almost 100-year-old character while also feeling incredibly modern.
There is so much love built into the foundation of this film; it's a beautiful love letter to the almost 100-year-old character while also feeling incredibly modern.
David Corenswet was born to play 'Superman'. He isn't just playing a character - he is 'Superman'. He oozes so much charm and charisma while being so lovable. Corenswet embodies every ounce of the Man of Steel, and it's electrifying to see on the big screen. I also really appreciated the supporting cast, particularly those at the Daily Planet. They really grounded the film and gave it that extra layer needed to make it feel lived-in and real. There are large chunks dedicated to the supporting cast here, both the Daily Planet team and the Justice Gang, and there was never a second when I was waiting for Superman to return; they are a delight to watch.
Rachel Brosnahan is also electric as Lois Lane, and the chemistry between her and Corenswet is so delicious to watch unfold. Nicholas Hoult is also excellent as Lex Luthor. He perfectly eats up every scene he's in, and is the classic evil comic book villain. The best for last, the superhero's best friend himself, Krypto! The real scene-stealer, every time that dog was on screen, I was elated. The first best supporting actor nomination for a dog, I think so!
The film is incredibly earnest in its pulpiness. This is not just a superhero movie but a comic movie; this isn't the DC we have been living with through Nolan's Batman films or the Snyderverse. It's meant to be fun, colourful, and a little bit silly. It takes a second for the audience to catch up to this world, partly because this foregoes an origin story and instead takes place a few years after Kent dons the suit. There are already other superheroes, the world understands who Superman is, and we are being thrown into a story already in motion.
I know 'Man of Steel' and the entire Snyderverse have their fans, but they were trying to take a typically light-hearted character and fit him into the Nolan 'Batman' brooding box. While dark and brooding has its place, to make that the tone of a mass shared cinematic universe wasn't going to work - and it didn't. To see James Gunn take 'Superman' and return him to his colourful warmth is such a joy. This film has a massive weight on its shoulders, and for DC to continue, it had to return to its core roots. 'Superman' couldn't have come at a better time, with superhero fatigue and the titans of the genre, Marvel, at a low point. The film not only made me care about superheroes again, but also made me hopeful for the new cinematic life DC could have.
James Gunn has brought the colour and fun back to DC. 'Superman' is an energetic and pulpy return for the Man of Steel that reminds us why he is the world's finest.