The 2025 Superman reboot directed by James Gunn is entering the award season with hopes of making a significant impact, aiming for a historic achievement at the Oscars. Despite concluding its theatrical run, the film, featuring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, is positioned by Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios to compete in multiple categories, signaling strong confidence in its awards potential.
Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios have submitted Superman for consideration in 16 Academy Award categories, including the prestigious Best Picture. If the film secures a nomination, it would mark the first time since 1979 that a Superman-related movie has been recognized by the Academy, underlining the significance of this release within the DC Universe.
Wide Range of Oscar Categories Highlight Film’s Strength
James Gunn’s role extends beyond directing; he is also submitted for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film’s ensemble cast has drawn attention in acting categories, with David Corenswet vying for Best Actor, Rachel Brosnahan and Isabela Merced considered for Best Supporting Actress, and Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, and Nathan Fillion listed for Best Supporting Actor.
The film’s technical and creative teams are also in the spotlight. Nominations have been sought for Best Casting with John Papsidera, Best Cinematography led by Henry Braham, and Best Film Editing by William Hoy and Craig Alpert. Production design credits include Beth Mickle as Production Designer and Rosemary Brandenberg as Set Decorator, with Judianna Makovsky up for Best Costume Design.
Make-up and hairstyling are represented by Alexei Dmitriew, Peter Swords King, and effects supervisor Shane Mahan. Sound categories include Lee Orloff (Production Sound Mixer), David Acord (Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer), Katy Wood (Supervising Sound Editor), and re-recording mixers Chris Boyes and Tim Leblanc. Visual effects supervisors Stéphane Ceretti, Enrico Damm, Stéphane Nazé, and Guy Williams are also contenders.
In music, John Murphy and David Fleming have been submitted in Best Original Score, while Best Original Song considerations include “The Mighty Crabjoys Theme,” written by James Gunn, Eric Nally, and Devin Williams and performed by The Mighty Crabjoys.
Superman’s Legacy and Competition at the Oscars
The 1978 Superman film starring Christopher Reeve previously received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Sound. This historical context emphasizes the renewed hope that James Gunn’s Superman can repeat or surpass that level of recognition.
Besides Superman, Warner Bros. has also put forward movies like Mickey-17, Sinners, Weapons, One Battle After Another, and A Minecraft Movie in the Oscar race, demonstrating the studio’s broad ambition at this awards season.
Box Office Success Fuels Future DC Universe Projects
Superman emerged as the highest-grossing superhero film of 2025, earning over $615 million worldwide, overtaking all Marvel Studios releases that year. This commercial success lays a strong foundation for the next chapter in the franchise.
James Gunn is confirmed to write and direct the sequel, Man of Tomorrow, expected to hit theaters on July 9, 2027. David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, and Rachel Brosnahan will return as Superman, Lex Luthor, and Lois Lane, respectively. Hoult also made a special cameo appearance in the sixth episode of Peacemaker’s second season, released shortly after the original film.
Expanding the DC Universe with New Titles in 2026 and Beyond
While 2025’s Superman marks the conclusion of the DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters slate, DC Studios plans to broaden its cinematic and television offerings in 2026. One highlight includes the Lanterns TV series on HBO, which will introduce John Stewart and Hal Jordan to audiences.
Milly Alcock will star as Kara Zor-El in the Supergirl film set for release on June 26, 2026, following a cameo appearance in the 2025 Superman film. Another anticipated project is the R-rated Clayface movie, starring Tom Rhys Harries as the iconic Batman villain, scheduled for September 11, 2026.
The upcoming phase of the DC Universe promises to build on the momentum created by James Gunn Superman Oscars campaign, underscoring Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ commitment to revitalizing their superhero properties and attracting critical recognition along with commercial success.
