James Gunn’s Superman: A Fresh Spin on a Classic Hero
James Gunn isn’t holding back with his new Superman reboot. Right from the start, the film throws you into the thick of it—Superman (David Corenswet) has already tangled with a mysterious foe known as the Hammer of Boravia, a move that sets the tone for a story told at full speed. Instead of a familiar origin, we get a Man of Steel in crisis, licking his wounds after a major defeat. It’s a risky bet, skipping Clark Kent’s crash-landing and growing up in Kansas. Some audiences might love the change of pace, while others could be left scratching their heads, yearning for that classic backstory.
The villainy is as modern as it gets, too. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor steps out as a tech billionaire—a man with brains, power, and serious Superman envy. He’s plotting not just with gadgets, but by working every angle on social media and roping in government officials to help spoil Superman’s reputation. The smear campaign feels alarmingly close to real-world influencer manipulation, making Luthor more dangerous than ever. His masterstroke? Getting Superman sent to an off-world prison, a nasty twist that shows how far he’s willing to go and how little he trusts people’s faith in heroes.
But this movie isn’t just about beatdowns and bitter rivals. At its heart, Superman’s bond with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) anchors the chaos. Their relationship—warm, witty, and packed with unspoken trust—is probably the best thing this reboot has going. Brosnahan’s Lois isn’t just a love interest or a damsel in distress; she’s a relentless reporter whose investigations genuinely push the story forward. Scenes between Clark and Lois are electric, letting the emotional beats land even when the rest of the world is going bonkers.
New Heroes, Heavy Themes, and a Wild DC Universe
If you’re hunting for Easter eggs or new faces, Gunn doesn’t disappoint. The Justice Gang drops in, adding Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion as the brash Guy Gardner), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific stealing scenes with sharp one-liners and futuristic flair. These appearances jumpstart the next wave of DC movies, but not all the cameos pay off. Some heroes barely get enough screen time to make a dent, so they end up feeling more like setup than substance.
Storywise, it can get a bit bumpy. Without classic origin scenes and with metahumans popping up on cue, the plot races through huge swings—sometimes leaving viewers in the dust. Lex’s interdimensional prison plan, for instance, comes out of nowhere and disappears nearly as quickly, scrambling the pacing. There’s also a constant back-and-forth between light comedy, heartfelt moments, and high-octane action scenes. For some, that blend is what makes comic book movies sing; for others, it might make things feel uneven or even a bit whiplash-inducing.
What sets this Superman apart, though, is how Gunn tackles timely issues. The film digs into how media can warp public opinion and how fear of outsiders can twist everyday folks’ perceptions. Superman, the ultimate outsider, gets put through the ringer—not just by villains but by the very people he’s trying to save. It’s a gutsy move that adds much-needed depth, even if it pulls the tone in different directions.
Love it or hate it, Gunn’s Superman makes a statement. It’s packed with comic book flair, daring narrative choices, and a willingness to play with what we expect from our superheroes. Not every gamble pays off, but that sense of risk is exactly what DC is betting on to stand out in today’s crowded superhero scene.
