Superman returns to the big screen, this time with actor David Corenswet taking the lead as the iconic character. Photo: DC Studios.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the 10th, yes 10th, live-action adaptation of Superman.
When it comes to famous characters continuously recast for modern audiences, there is a clear top three: James Bond, Batman, and Superman.
Unlike the previous two, the world has been without a solo outing from Superman since 2013. The longest gap between solo films since Superman VI: Quest for Peace in 1987 and Superman Returns in 2006.
Since the days of Christopher Reeve and his campy films from the 70s and 80s, Superman has gone through a bit of an identity crisis.
The more modern outings have chosen a darker and more grounded approach to the character, with 2006’s Superman Returns showing a more human, less cartoony take. Meanwhile, 2013’s Man of Steel chose to take a realistic approach akin to what the Dark Knight trilogy did for Batman in the 2000s.
Whether it’s the darker subject matter in newer films or his TV outings scratching the itch for fans, the character hasn’t had the same impact on audiences since Christopher Reeve last donned the colourful undies, boots and cape combo.
Fortunately, with the release of Superman (2025), this trend looks to change.
Officially kicking off the newly rebooted DC Universe of films following the death of the Snyderverse in 2023, Superman follows the title character three years after first taking flight in Metropolis.
With the decision to start in the middle of Superman’s time as a hero, gone are the typical origin tropes.
There’s no destruction of Krypton (Superman’s home planet), no time spent in Smallville and very little ground setting. Instead, we, as viewers, are shot into the middle of the action as soon as the film starts. Fighting against the unknown Hammer of Boravia, Superman is defeated for the first time ever (as the film tells us).
Superman and his love interest Lois Lane, with the help of some other side characters like Green Lantern, Hawk Girl and my personal favourite Mr Terrific, must figure out the secrets behind the mysterious villain and his links to mastermind Lex Luthor.
Now, the lack of context may be an issue for those not highly invested in the Superman comics or previous films, but it does mean the fluff is removed.
Instead of retreading the same plot, director James Gunn assumes we have some understanding of how Superman came to Earth and runs with that assumption.
This was not an issue for me, but some other viewers felt a little lost.
Despite this nitpick, the movie is a fantastic mess.
Serving as the first film in a new franchise, it is clearly setting up a lot of different corners of the world in which this film’s characters live. While it means a lot of points feel rushed and characters underdeveloped, it’s not a hindrance to the overall experience of the film.
Superman is still the focal point. His arc is still the best in the film, his action scenes are the best in the film, and his casting is the best in the film.
Relative newcomer David Corenswet delivers a brilliantly wholesome performance as the Man of Steel. Gone is the snapping of enemies’ necks and completely destroying cities that Henry Cavill was notorious for. Instead, we are back to the saving of kittens, the almost annoying optimism, and the messages of truth and justice that the character was built upon.
Alongside Mr Corenswet’s excellent portrayal is Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachael Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
Aside from Gene Hackman and Margot Kidder’s performances in the 1978 original, these two give the definitive performances of these characters.
Lex Luthor is an out-and-out hater of Superman who will do anything and go anywhere to see his destruction, while Lois Lane is lifted straight from the pages of the comic books.
There are A+ performances all around.
Another standout is Krypto the Superdog. Unlike Superman, this is Krypto’s first-ever appearance on the big screen, and he is a scene-stealer.
The word to best describe Superman is fun. Is it perfect? No, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a smile on my face for the entire duration of the film.
Superman has flown its way into cinemas all across the country.
