James Gunn’s Superman offers an unforgettable experience through its vivid characters, combining thrilling action with emotional depth in the 2024 blockbuster. While David Corenswet delivers a captivating portrayal of Superman himself, three supporting performances stand out as scene-stealers, enriching the film with unique charm and intensity. These roles not only deepen the story but also highlight the creative vision behind this superhero epic.
Krypto: The Superpowered Dog Adding Heart to the Story
Krypto, the super canine companion to Superman, immediately endears audiences with his energetic and loyal personality. Portrayed through seamless CGI that fades into the background, the dog’s connection with Kal-El brings a relatable warmth to the film. This bond springs from director James Gunn’s own experience with his rescue dog, Ozu, who endured neglect before becoming a tear-filled inspiration for Krypto’s characterization.
Gunn shared that Ozu’s destructive but lovable nature—chewing shoes, furniture, and even a laptop—influenced his idea of a superpowered dog. This authenticity comes through as Krypto fearlessly drags an injured Superman across the Arctic snow back to the Fortress of Solitude, showing unwavering dedication. In a particularly intense moment, Superman’s anguished cry,
“Where’s the DOG! The dog Luthor, you took the DOG!”
—reveals how much Krypto means to him, grounding the action in genuine emotion.
The canine’s charm continues as Krypto raids a dog treat store and later assists Superman by attacking Lex Luthor’s drones and army of Raptors during the final battle. His spirited presence lightens the film’s darker sequences of crisis and international threats, making Krypto not only a source of levity but a vital part of Superman’s chosen family. Audiences respond enthusiastically to this “man’s best superfriend,” eagerly awaiting more appearances of the fearless dog in future chapters.
Mister Terrific: The Brilliant Mind with a Deadpan Edge
Edi Gathegi brings distinctive charisma as Mister Terrific (Michael Holt), a genius inventor and billionaire featured prominently in Superman. Known previously for supernatural roles like vampire Laurent in Twilight and mutant Darwin in X-Men, Gathegi’s portrayal of this complex character marks a career highpoint, blending intellect with dry wit.
Mister Terrific’s background as a tech mogul and holder of 14 PhDs in diverse fields such as physics and psychology underscores his towering intellect. His emotional detachment and stoicism, carefully crafted by Gunn, empower Gathegi to deliver memorable deadpan humor that consistently steals scenes. For instance, while engaged in battle against Lex’s forces, Mister Terrific quips,
“You fly. I calculate. Let’s not switch jobs.”
This moment perfectly captures the character’s sharp mind and confident persona.
The Justice Gang, which includes Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho, debates their team name, revealing their flaws and quirks. Mister Terrific’s sharp retort,
“…We’re here to stop dimensional collapse. But sure, let’s workshop the logo.”
showcases his boredom with petty concerns amidst world-threatening chaos. His futuristic floating chair and T-Sphere AI devices add to the character’s cool factor, combining style and brains effortlessly.
Mister Terrific’s uniform, emblazoned with the slogan “Fair Play,” symbolizes his belief that intelligence and compassion coexist with strength. His presence elevates the film’s tone, hinting at potential spin-offs or future storylines centered on this standout hero.
Lex Luthor: A Complex Villain Fueled by Obsession and Genius
Nicholas Hoult delivers a powerhouse performance as Lex Luthor, transforming from his earlier roles like Beast in the X-Men series and Thomas Hutter in Nosferatu into a villainous mastermind driven by jealousy and rage. Luthor is presented as a billionaire tech titan struggling with his mental instability, making Hoult’s portrayal intense and multidimensional.
Hoult’s subtle expressions, such as a frustrated smirk revealing his incisor tooth, craft a menacing character hidden beneath a polished exterior. His interactions with Superman—especially over the disappearance of Krypto—reveal his cunning and cruelty. In one iconic scene, Lex feigns ignorance as Superman confronts him and mutters under his breath,
“Ugly dog in a cape…”
while sipping from his Luthorcorp mug. This chilling moment encapsulates a villain who is part genius, part unhinged nemesis.
The contrast between Hoult’s youthful features and his emotional outbursts creates a jarring, compelling villain. He dehumanizes Superman by calling him “It” and deliberately misnaming his Kryptonian origin. This characterization anchors the film’s conflict, illustrating how hatred and fear can be manipulated to create mass animosity.
When Lex’s ambitions collapse, and a single tear falls as he mourns his failure to conquer, Hoult transcends from villain to tragic figure. His layered performance not only adds depth but also assures audiences of his central role in the franchise’s future development.
Why These Performances Matter in James Gunn’s Superman
The success of James Gunn’s Superman lies not only in its spectacular visuals and storytelling but also in the exceptional portrayals that bring its characters to life. David Corenswet anchors the film with his earnest depiction of the hero, but it is Krypto’s heartwarming loyalty, Mister Terrific’s sharp intellect and humor, and Lex Luthor’s volatile menace that leave lasting impressions.
These performances offer a rich balance of levity, wit, and tension, enhancing the film’s emotional stakes and making it memorable for audiences. They highlight Gunn’s skill in blending personal inspiration, comic book lore, and nuanced acting to create a multifaceted superhero story.
As this new chapter in the Superman saga unfolds, viewers can anticipate further explorations of these standout characters. Whether through potential standalone stories about Mister Terrific or continued clashes with Lex Luthor, these vibrant portrayals promise to deepen the superhero mythos and captivate audiences for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu influenced the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman film. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household. He often talks about the significance of prayer in his life. However, he has also described himself as being somewhat against organized religion.
