James Gunn’s latest film, Superman, arriving in 2025, reinvigorates the iconic superhero by blending sincere storytelling with contemporary themes. This fresh take not only reintroduces the Man of Tomorrow to audiences but also confronts cultural issues with a mix of optimism and realism, making it a notable entry in the DC Universe.
A New Depth of Sincerity in Superman’s Portrayal
At the core of Gunn’s Superman is a commitment to sincerity, rejecting the pervasive cynicism and irony that mark much of today’s popular culture. This film challenges the tendency toward cautious, centrist storytelling by delivering a hero who embodies clear values and moral conviction. James Gunn uses Superman as a symbol of hope and earnestness, which might unsettle viewers accustomed to more jaded interpretations of heroes.
Central to this emotional depth is David Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent, which departs from the traditionally stoic figures seen in past superhero films for nearly two decades. Instead, Corenswet brings a youthful optimism and relatability that resonates with long-time fans familiar with the character’s more hopeful representations in various media, including the animated series My Adventures with Superman.
Corenswet’s Clark Kent navigates a journey of self-discovery, grappling with his alien origins and the values instilled in him by his adoptive parents. His character faces complex moral questions and personal challenges, occasionally faltering but ultimately advancing through empathy and courage. This nuanced performance marks Corenswet as the strongest live-action Superman since Christopher Reeve, delivering a layered and heartfelt hero.
Getting Superman Right Through Purposeful Storytelling
What sets this film apart is its deliberate effort to “Get It Right” when presenting Superman. James Gunn prioritizes the core essence of the character over typical cinematic universe set-up, leaning into the broader DC Universe to reinforce deeper themes. The movie balances high-stakes monster battles and dimensional threats with moments of introspection and meaningful dialogue.
The title “The Man of Tomorrow” is more than a catchphrase here; it reflects the film’s thematic ambition. No previous Superman project has embraced this concept so fully, using it to frame the character’s role as a visionary figure who can inspire and address real-world concerns.
Navigating the Conflict Between Selfishness and Selflessness
James Gunn explores modern masculinity by juxtaposing selflessness with selfishness through the conflict between Superman and Lex Luthor. Nicholas Hoult delivers a defining performance as Luthor, whose desire to “help others” is driven by envy and personal vendettas rather than genuine concern. This dynamic highlights the film’s insistence that true humanity is measured by our willingness to serve and protect others.
Superhero cinema has grown into a dominant cultural force, yet many offerings lack substantive messages, focusing mainly on action or character archetypes. Gunn’s Superman, however, is unapologetically topical, addressing political and social themes head-on rather than playing it safe. This bold approach allows the film to speak with a clear, impassioned voice rather than feeling like a product of corporate oversight.
In a time when neutral stances are often celebrated, Superman chooses to take definitive positions. The film portrays an empathetic hero who cannot remain passive in the face of injustice, even if standing up entails complexity and conflict. While it includes challenging elements, these serve the goal of making the superhero genre more relevant and impactful.
This approach suggests a hopeful cultural shift, presenting Superman not just as a fictional figure but as a source of inspiration for real-world courage and empathy. As audiences look for heroes who embody genuine moral strength, James Gunn’s Superman offers a timely model for what it means to be a champion of the future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn lost his job at Marvel when old, inappropriate tweets reappeared. These tweets contained offensive jokes about sensitive topics, causing public anger.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. In Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation, Ozu inspired the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog. Raised in a Catholic family, Gunn still values prayer. However, he 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 remains significant for him. However, he also described himself as being “in some ways, against organized religion.”
