The first reviews of James Gunn’s Superman film have surfaced, revealing a largely positive response from audiences and critics alike. David Corenswet’s Superman performance in the movie has been widely praised as a standout, as the film premieres in theaters on July 11 as part of the DCU Chapter One.
A Strong Ensemble and a Fresh Take on Superman
David Corenswet embodies the iconic Man of Steel in this new chapter of the DC Universe, joining a talented cast that includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult playing the villain Lex Luthor. Supporting actors such as Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, and Nathan Fillion contribute to the film’s depth and vibrancy.
Fans who have seen early screenings have expressed excitement about James Gunn’s unique vision for the story and his distinct approach to the superhero genre. Warner Bros. executives who previewed an early cut reportedly believe Gunn “really understood the assignment,” setting high expectations for the film’s success.
Enthusiastic Reactions Highlight Emotional Depth and Comic Book Energy
Superman’s early viewers describe the movie as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. Phase Hero’s Jenna Anderson shared,
“Superman is everything I wanted it to be, & a million things more.”
She added,
“It is truly awe-inspiring, both as a DC fan who has longed to see this universe onscreen in such a loving & unique way, & just as a hopeful person. The superhero myth is not the same after this, for the better.”
Other fans echoed similar feelings of enthusiasm. One viewer said,
“Superman was my most anticipated film of the year & I left the theater with a smile on my face,”
describing it as
“possibly the most comic book-y live action comic book film ever,”
noting its embrace of “wacky sci-fi” elements that make the film feel like a comic book come to life.
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff praised Corenswet’s portrayal, saying,
“Superman made me so damn happy.”
She highlighted the film’s balance of thrilling action and humor but emphasized that at its core is
“Superman’s humanity, and his insistence on doing good and making the world a better place.”
Nemiroff continued,
“David Corenswet brings such an infectious determination and warmth to the role that it makes that pursuit all-consuming and impossibly heartening. Making that an even more robust aspect of the movie, Gunn and co. don’t shy away from exploring the challenges one might encounter when trying to navigate our reality while holding tight to those core values.”
Another fan credited the film with rekindling their passion for superhero movies:
“I looked up, and Superman completely reinvigorated my love of the superhero genre.”
They celebrated the movie’s
“irreverence, bright colors, kinetic camerawork, impeccable casting, bold choices and tons of heart,”
adding,
“I didn’t just believe he could fly; I felt like I was, too.”
Comparisons to Raimi’s Trilogy and Praise for Emotional Impact
Some reactions connected the film’s emotional tone to the work of Sam Raimi, particularly his Spider-Man trilogy. A viewer remarked,
“James Gunn’s Superman is the film I’ve been waiting for ever since I read my first comic book,”
continuing,
“The empathy this film extended takes me back to Raimi’s trilogy. The action scenes bristle with kinetic energy, track 7 of the score sent SHIVERS down my spine And man did I cry a lot.”
This suggests that Gunn’s movie manages to combine dynamic action with heartfelt storytelling in a way that resonates deeply with longtime fans.
Critiques and Varied Perspectives on the Film’s Execution
Not all responses were uniformly positive. AwardsWatch’s Erik Anderson complimented Corenswet’s performance, saying,
“David Corenswet is a great Superman not just because of his traditional appearance but understanding of his heart and altruism.”
However, he noted the film
“needed more time with Clark Kent”
and praised Edi Gathegi’s performance as Mr. Terrific. Anderson criticized some parts for devolving
“into too much no stakes destruction but good overall.”
A different viewer offered a more critical view, explaining that
“Superman felt like I was watching a sequel to a movie where I had not seen the first film.”
They acknowledged
“some cool visuals and set pieces and a delirious Nicholas Hoult,”
but concluded the film was
“messy and overstuffed with underdeveloped characters.”
They added,
“Happy for those who liked it tho.”
Anticipation Builds as Release Date Nears
With Superman set to arrive in theaters on July 11, anticipation continues to grow for this promising new installment in the DC Universe. The strong reactions to David Corenswet’s Superman performance and James Gunn’s direction suggest the film could become a defining moment for the franchise. Fans and newcomers alike are eager to experience how Gunn’s vision redefines the superhero narrative, blending vibrant action with emotional depth.
