Anthony’s Watch: Superman (2025) Unequivocal Hope in The Face of Relentless Odds

In November 2022, James Gunn and Peter Safran were announced as the new heads of Warner Brothers’ latest division, DC Studios. Just two months later, in January 2023, Gunn revealed the studio’s first slate of movies and TV shows under the banner “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” This marked a complete reboot for DC Entertainment, aiming to unify television, film, video games, and other media into a cohesive, shared universe.

Although Gunn’s Creature Commandos—which he wrote prior to his new role—was technically the first project under this new regime, the film intended to truly launch this era was Superman: Legacy. At the time of its announcement, little was known about the film aside from Gunn citing key inspirations: Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s “All-Star Superman,” Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ “For the Man Who Has Everything,” Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s “Superman for All Seasons,” and Mark Waid and Alex Ross’s “Kingdom Come.” Because this story takes place in a freshly established universe, the cast would be entirely new. Eventually, Gunn retitled the film simply Superman (2025) to avoid confusion over the “Legacy” subtitle, which some interpreted as implying a sequel.

Following several major casting announcements—David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor—Gunn shared the first official photo from the film’s set. He would later unveil the full Superman costume and tease a trailer. The buildup was methodical. With trailers and marketing reusing select footage and scenery, a sense of mystery surrounded the film’s full plot and scale. As promotional efforts escalated and merchandise began appearing in stores, anticipation reached a fever pitch.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Superman Day celebration in April 2025 at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California, where I had the opportunity to meet James Gunn in person. I’ve followed every announcement and reveal since 2022, allowing me to approach this film not just as a film scholar and comic book enthusiast, but as someone immersed in the entire journey leading up to its release. Needless to say, my expectations were sky-high.

Superman is one of the most challenging heroes to portray effectively. Richard Donner’s classic interpretation drew deeply from the character’s roots to craft an all-American myth. Conversely, Zack Snyder presented Superman as a solemn alien figure, a Christ allegory burdened by his power and isolation. While each version has its fans, Gunn’s take will likely become the definitive portrayal for a new generation.

At its core, Superman (2025) is about a man trying to do the right thing while Lex Luthor works tirelessly to destroy him. That deceptively simple premise is what makes the film so universally accessible. With Gunn’s signature charm and a phenomenal ensemble cast, this story transforms into something unique, inspiring, and profoundly human—layered with complex themes but grounded in emotional truth.

The cast is the film’s crown jewel. Gunn has assembled a near-perfect ensemble. David Corenswet delivers a career-defining performance as Superman/Clark Kent. His portrayal effortlessly evokes the Kansas farm boy in both speech and mannerism—saying things like “golly” and “what the hay” with sincerity, while his actions constantly reflect the humility and decency of his upbringing. He is Superman.

Rachel Brosnahan is equally exceptional as Lois Lane, embodying the fearless, sharp-witted journalist comic fans have long hoped to see. Her performance radiates conviction and strength, commanding every scene she’s in. The chemistry between Brosnahan and Corenswet is electric, their dynamic so natural and well-developed that it practically becomes a character in its own right.

Nicholas Hoult, meanwhile, gives not only the film’s strongest performance but also arguably the greatest on-screen Lex Luthor to date. He imbues the character with subtlety and menace, portraying Luthor as a manipulative, brilliant, and deeply unsettling villain. His hatred of Superman feels palpable, driven not by cartoonish evil but by ideology and obsession.

While the central trio shines, the supporting cast adds tremendous depth. Standouts include Nathan Fillion as the brash, bowl-cut-sporting Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, and Skyler Gisondo as the lovable and underestimated Jimmy Olsen. Fillion plays Gardner with hilarious arrogance, perfectly capturing the essence of the comic character. Gisondo’s Jimmy, clearly inspired by “All-Star Superman,” becomes an unexpected highlight—funny, resourceful, and a perfect foil to the no-nonsense Lois.

In the age of CGI-heavy superhero blockbusters, Superman distinguishes itself with remarkably strong visual effects. Thanks to a well-structured production schedule, the film’s CGI rarely falters. While some suspension of disbelief is, of course, required in a sci-fi setting, the effects team deserves particular praise for their work on Krypto, who plays a significant and emotionally resonant role. His presence is executed so well that he feels both tangible and deeply integrated into the story.

Without delving into spoilers, audiences may be surprised by how deeply the film leans into science fiction. Unlike the more grounded versions of Superman seen in previous iterations, Gunn embraces the character’s cosmic roots. Drawing from deep DC lore and classic sci-fi tropes, the film portrays Superman as not just Earth’s protector but someone well-versed in defending against intergalactic threats. Remarkably, Gunn keeps this universe approachable—even for casual fans—while creating a world that feels fully realized and lived in.

Thematically, this is where Superman soars. Gunn crafts a film centered on ideas of identity, belonging, and purpose. Every scene contributes to this narrative tapestry, even when Superman himself isn’t on screen. Gunn’s ability to keep Superman at the emotional center of the film, even in his absence, is a remarkable storytelling achievement.

What’s most impressive is how the film manages to feel unmistakably like a James Gunn project—yet also signals a bold evolution in his work. His trademark humor is present, but restrained, allowing the emotional weight of the story to shine. Unlike previous projects that relied heavily on needle-drop soundtracks, Superman features a traditional score, adding gravitas and emotional resonance. It’s clear Gunn pushed himself creatively here, and it absolutely shows.