James Gunn’s upcoming 2025 Superman reboot introduces a version of the iconic hero who is more vulnerable and whimsical than previous portrayals, marking a significant shift in tone and characterization. Unlike earlier films that emphasized Superman’s godlike powers and near invincibility, this new iteration explores his psychological struggles and a less traditionally heroic self-image while continuing to position him as the protector of Metropolis and beyond.
Superman’s Story Begins Well Past His Origin
Instead of retelling Superman’s origin story—long established in popular culture as the tale of an alien baby sent from a dying planet and raised by farmers in Kansas—Gunn’s film starts years into Clark Kent’s life on Earth. The movie assumes knowledge of these origins and focuses on Superman’s more recent efforts to engage in global affairs. This narrative choice allows for a fresher approach, where Superman is shown grappling with his place and responsibilities as a superpowered figure in a complex world.
Challenges on an International Scale
At the film’s outset, Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet, faces defeat in combat against a fellow superhero defending the fictional country Boravia after Superman intervened to stop an invasion. This incident introduces questions about his role in international conflicts, as he tests the limits of his influence and the consequences of his unilateral decisions. The story positions Superman amid geopolitical tensions reminiscent of real-world conflicts, adding layers of moral ambiguity to his mission as a protector.
Shared Responsibilities Among Superpowered Allies
James Gunn departs from the notion of Superman as the world’s sole savior by placing him among other metahumans with varying allegiances. Characters like Guy Gardner (played by Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) operate under corporate or governmental oversight, complicating the dynamics of power and accountability. This collective presence allows the film to distribute the burden of heroism, ensuring Superman is not expected to single-handedly resolve every global crisis, which humanizes him further as he focuses even on small, compassionate rescues.
Internal Struggles and Relationships Shape the Hero
The new Superman wrestles with his self-perception and the psychological toll of living as a symbolic figure for humanity, especially under the scrutiny of the public and press. His relationship with Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, introduces additional tension as she challenges his motives and ethics, particularly regarding his public persona and access to media. Lois’s ethical concerns underscore the complexity of Clark Kent’s identity as both a journalist and a superhero, revealing fissures in his idealized image.
Portraying a More Human Superman
David Corenswet faces a nuanced task in embodying Superman’s inherent goodness without slipping into caricature. He embraces a degree of charming awkwardness while depicting the hero’s moments of frustration, especially in the face of public criticism and the personal sacrifices his role demands. Despite the film’s heavy use of CGI for Superman’s feats, Corenswet balances these visible displays of power with subtle expressions of inner conflict, allowing audiences to connect with the hero on a more emotional level.
A Different Visual and Narrative Style Than Past Reboots
While earlier Superman films, especially Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman, relied on darker visuals and intense combat sequences, Gunn’s approach uses lighter, more playful elements, with a visual style that incorporates bright overexposures, video game-like camera movements, and distorted close-ups. This aesthetic underscores the film’s blend of humor and seriousness, setting it apart from its predecessors while maintaining engagement with the superhero genre’s spectacle.
Balancing Comic Quirkiness with Emotional Depth
Gunn’s direction highlights the comic-book absurdities inherent in superhero stories, treating them with a light touch without undercutting their emotional impact. The presence of various DC characters is motivated less by franchise-building and more by an interest in exploring quirky team dynamics reminiscent of Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy films. Cameos and character interactions tend toward humor, reflecting a deliberate choice to incorporate whimsy alongside the film’s more serious moments.
A Story Accessible to Both Newcomers and Longtime Fans
The new Superman film favors imaginative science fiction elements and slapstick humor, reminiscent of the tone found in the 1990s Superman: The Animated Series. The narrative even includes a significant Kryptonian plot twist that harkens back to classic Silver Age comics, lending the story both nostalgia and freshness. While primarily targeting a broad audience with kid-friendly storytelling, the movie also offers layered humor and sweetness for adult comic book enthusiasts who appreciate the genre’s nuances.
Reflecting Contemporary Themes Through Villainy and Politics
Though the movie touches on timely themes by portraying elements that evoke current global tensions—such as the conflict involving Boravia, which recalls Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—it sometimes feels as if these elements are only lightly integrated into the overall story. James Gunn merges characteristics of real-world figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump into his villainous characters, including Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, who commands a team of youthful, tech-obsessed followers from a high-tech control room. Despite this, the portrayal avoids direct impersonation, opting instead for thematic echoes of these personalities.
A Superhero Shaped by Resilience and Imperfection
Rather than simply reducing Superman’s powers to heighten stakes artificially, Gunn focuses on the hero’s physicality, showing him enduring real defeats and bouncing back with resilience. This grounded vulnerability enhances the character’s emotional depth and connects with the audience’s appreciation for a hero who faces adversity without succumbing to despair. Even supporting elements, like Superman’s enthusiastic super-dog Krypto, contribute to this portrayal of a hero whose resilience includes battling everyday chaos and playfulness.
Launching a New Chapter in Superman’s Legacy
James Gunn’s 2025 Superman reboot promises to redefine the character for a modern audience by blending vulnerability, humor, and a fresh visual style within a superhero narrative rooted in resilience and self-discovery. Opening in theaters on July 11, the film sets the stage for another phase in the DC Universe, with Gunn’s unique sensibility steering the approach away from grimness toward a more balanced and human portrayal of one of comics’ most enduring icons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. The director of the new Superman movie, James Gunn, says that believing in God helped him become successful. However, he also mentions that God doesn’t directly influence his achievements.
Q. Why did James Gunn leave the MCU?
A. Alan Horn, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, announced, “The troubling messages found on James’ Twitter account go against our values, so we ended our business partnership with him.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and has shared that prayer remains important to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving MCU?
A. When Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he committed fully to that brand, leaving Marvel Studios behind. He was well-known for building strong relationships with the Guardians of the Galaxy cast while writing and directing those films.
