James Gunn’s Superman reignites a crucial element long absent from superhero movies: compelling romance. Released in 2025, this DC Universe film blends hope, multidimensional characters, and intricate world-building, with the rekindling of romance as a central focus marking an important development. The film restores the emotional core often overlooked in superhero stories over the past nine years.
Superhero films have undergone major transformations over the past twenty years, evolving from gritty, standalone tales to interconnected blockbusters like those seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this quest for scale and spectacle, many recent productions have sacrificed personal emotional stakes, leaving audiences with stories that often lack genuine vulnerability and heartfelt relationships.
How Romance Disappeared from Superhero Movies Over the Last Decade
In earlier eras of superhero cinema, romantic relationships were integral, offering depth and relatability beyond powers and battles. The love triangle involving Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Wolverine in the X-Men series added dramatic tension that enriched the action. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy famously intertwined Peter Parker’s romance with Mary Jane Watson into the narrative fabric, making it a key emotional driver.
Similarly, The Amazing Spider-Man films emphasized the chemistry between Peter and Gwen Stacy, showcasing how love and longing humanize heroes. However, over the past decade, romance has quietly diminished in superhero storytelling. The MCU exemplifies this shift, with characters like Black Widow and Bruce Banner having only faintly sketched romantic lives, while prominent figures such as Carol Danvers and Sam Wilson lack romantic connections altogether. Even Peter Parker’s relationship with MJ in the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man movies is barely explored and concludes within two installments.
The DC Extended Universe once incorporated romance in its early films, as seen in Man of Steel’s focus on Clark Kent and Lois Lane, and Wonder Woman’s emotional arc between Diana and Steve Trevor. Yet, as the DCEU moved towards intricate plotlines and tonal consistency, romantic storylines were either minimized or removed.
Deadpool (2016) stands out as the last superhero blockbuster to place a romantic relationship at its core. The complicated, dark, yet tender bond between Wade Wilson and Vanessa drove the narrative and gave Wade’s motivations a deeply personal dimension. Since then, romantic arcs have largely receded, becoming background elements rather than focal points.
Superman’s 2025 film challenges this trend by re-centering romance as essential to character development and storytelling.
Clark Kent and Lois Lane: A Relationship at the Heart of the New Superman
James Gunn’s portrayal of Superman places the romance between Clark Kent and Lois Lane front and center. Commonly referred to as “Clois” by fans, their relationship goes beyond a mere subplot to become a foundational element of the film’s narrative. Lois is portrayed not as a passive love interest but as a strong-willed investigative journalist who challenges Superman’s decisions and ideals.
The opening interview between Clark and Lois serves as a pivotal moment in Clark’s journey, catalyzing his introspection about his role on Earth and his Kryptonian heritage. Lois approaches her role with intelligence and agency, her romantic feelings driving her to uncover Lex Luthor’s schemes and collaborate with Mister Terrific to aid Superman.
Lois’s commitment is fueled by both professional integrity and her enduring belief in Clark’s inherent goodness. The emotional climax of the film occurs not amid grandiose battles or explosions but during a quiet reunion between Clark and Lois, highlighting the power of love and connection amid chaos.
Why Romance Strengthens Superman’s Themes of Humanity and Identity
The reintegration of romance in this Superman installment goes beyond nostalgia; it is central to the film’s deeper themes. At its core, the story is about identity, empathy, and what it means to be human. Clark Kent grapples with the duality of his existence and the weight of his Kryptonian legacy, especially after uncovering truths about his father Jor-El’s intentions.
Rather than resolving through violence, the film’s emotional journey culminates in understanding and acceptance. During his final confrontation with Lex Luthor, Superman delivers a declaration that captures this sentiment:
I’m as human as anybody. They’ve always been wrong about me. I love. I get scared. But that is being human. And that’s my greatest strength.
— Clark Kent / Superman
This declaration depends on the authenticity of Superman’s relationship with Lois Lane. Her love validates his humanity, grounding him emotionally and morally. This relationship distinguishes him not merely as an all-powerful alien but as a hero connected to Earth’s people and values.
After years of superhero films pushing spectacle and subverting expectations, James Gunn’s Superman dares to bring back a vital idea: that the mightiest heroes also need love—not just for rescue, but to be complete individuals.
Key Cast Bringing Depth to Beloved Characters
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El, embodying the complexities of a hero navigating his dual identity and emotional world. Rachel Brosnahan portrays Lois Lane, capturing the spirit of a determined journalist whose courage and love shape the course of the story.
Their performances anchor the film, providing authenticity to the romance that is essential to the overall narrative and thematic resonance of the movie.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn lost his job at Marvel due to old, offensive tweets that caused public anger. These tweets included jokes about harmful topics such as pedophilia, rape, and abuse.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. In Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation, the CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog takes inspiration from Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic home and still values prayer. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still important to him. However, he also describes himself as “somewhat against religion.”
