James Gunn’s 2025 Superman film redefines the iconic hero by introducing a more vulnerable and conflicted character, while setting up the DC Universe (DCU) with a broader cast. The film skips a detailed retelling of Clark Kent’s origin, instead focusing on his present struggles to highlight a fresh, intense emotional journey. This new approach challenges the familiar Superman lore and offers a darker, more nuanced vision of the character’s role on Earth.
Unlike previous Superman adaptations, Gunn’s narrative thrust reveals the hero’s flaws and defeats early on, such as his battle defeats against Lex Luthor, showcasing a Superman far from invincible. This portrayal allows audiences to connect with a hero who is not only powerful but also profoundly human in his vulnerabilities and moral conflicts. Additionally, the movie cleverly integrates characters not only from Superman’s known world—like Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Jimmy Olsen—but also introduces figures from the greater DCU, such as Rick Flagg Sr. and The Justice Gang, grounding the story firmly within a larger universe.
Building a Rich, Complex DCU: New Character Dynamics and Roles
Gunn’s Superman film establishes itself as a starting point for the DCU, with character introductions and world-building happening organically throughout the story. Jimmy Olsen, in particular, is portrayed as a charismatic ladies‘ man, diverging from previous portrayals like Zack Snyder’s CIA operative version, and injecting the film with a mischievous energy. This change adds fresh layers to the character dynamic and relationships within the story.
A notable addition is the live-action debut of Krypto, Superman’s loyal dog, whose presence brings light-hearted moments that have been widely praised by audiences. The film also explores the identity of Ultraman, adding complexity to the villain’s story arc. These elements together create a vibrant narrative environment where the stakes feel higher and the hero’s journey more poignant due to this diversity of relationships and roles.
Darker Motivations Behind Superman’s Arrival on Earth Revealed
A pivotal moment in the film is the discovery of a corrupted message from Superman’s Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara, originally meant to encourage and guide him. While the initial part of the message mirrors familiar lore—describing Kal-El’s escape from a dying Krypton, his parents’ love, and hope for his future on Earth—the true intent is darkly exposed later in the movie.
Lex Luthor decrypts the complete message, unveiling a sinister agenda: Kal-El was intended not as a savior but as a conqueror, meant to enslave humanity, establish Kryptonian dominance, and recreate his race through a harem of women. This revelation shocks both Superman and the public, dramatically altering the hero’s image and shaking the foundation of his sense of identity and purpose. The idea that Clark had unknowingly embodied a role based on deception brings a profound emotional and ethical crisis that powers the film’s second act.
Superman’s response is to turn himself in, seeking to atone and prove the dark prophecy false, adding layers of tension and vulnerability that amplify the narrative’s intensity and unrest.
The Emotional and Moral Complexity of Superman’s Evolving Legacy
James Gunn’s decision to alter the core motivation behind Superman’s arrival on Earth deepens the emotional impact of the film by exploring Clark Kent’s internal struggle with his identity and values. As Clark wrestles with the revelation that his Kryptonian parents had malevolent intentions, he ultimately finds reassurance in the moral guidance and love he received from his adoptive parents, Ma and Pa Kent. This shift emphasizes Superman’s humanity over his alien heritage, underscoring the importance of choice and nurture over destiny.
The film explores how Clark’s ethical development and compassion are rooted in his Earth upbringing, allowing audiences to see the character’s complexity as someone shaped by lived experience rather than inherited purpose. This nuanced portrayal invites viewers to reflect on what truly defines heroism and identity.
Krypton’s Ominous Culture Reflects a Ruthless Ideology
The hidden message from Jor-El and Lara paints Krypton as a culture consumed with self-preservation at any cost, resembling the ruthless Viltrumite empire from other sci-fi narratives more than the traditionally noble Krypton known to fans. Their plan to enslave humanity for recreating their kind speaks to a cold and imperialistic worldview, contrasting sharply with Clark’s compassionate nature.
Though the film does not delve deeply into Krypton’s society beyond this ominous glimpse, the revelation adds a darker backdrop to Superman’s legacy, suggesting that his home planet’s values are fraught with moral corruption and ambition rather than purity and progress.
Risky Changes Bolster the New DCU’s Emotional and Narrative Strength
James Gunn’s reworking of Superman’s mythos was a bold move that has paid off by injecting fresh energy and emotional depth into the character and the broader DCU. The film balances intense action sequences with serious moral questions and moments of levity, demonstrating that the franchise can thrive by embracing complex storytelling and character development.
This fresh direction holds promise for the DCU, signaling a future where heroes are more human and stories resonate on deeper emotional levels, contributing to a revitalized cinematic universe eager to push traditional superhero narratives into new territories.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, Marvel let go of James Gunn because old, offensive tweets about sensitive topics like pedophilia, rape, and abuse became widely known and angered the public.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The updated CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation was inspired by Ozu. Gunn, who grew up in a Catholic household, still finds prayer important. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and still considers prayer meaningful in his life. However, he has described himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
