Superman is the hero we all know and love, dressed in red and blue. He hits all the marks, the strongest and fastest superhero who can fly. As many know, the Superman movies are based on DC comics, but watching the film is easier than reading the comics. There are about nine, now ten, Superman movies, but upwards of 500 comics published relating to the superhero from another planet. Superman (2025) was released on July 11, 2025, and has made $125 million at the box office on its opening weekend.
Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!
The Adventures of Superman (1940)
However, despite how many Superman movies, shows, and comics there are, it raises the question of whether another one is needed. James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios and the director of the 2025 movie, definitely thinks so. Honestly, I agree with him. Here we will delve into the films and why this one is an important movie to add to the franchise.
Brief Summary of Superman
If you don’t know anything about Superman, don’t fret. Superman is different from the other superheroes we have come to know and love. He wasn’t bitten by any bug or caught in some tragic scientific accident. Superman is from an entirely different planet, known as Krypton. Krypton was on the brink of destruction, so his parents sent him to Earth alone to thrive. He has always had a message from them, telling him to do good for the humans on earth, and he became a protector.
On Earth, he grew up with a cute couple on a farm, and was told who he was and what he was. He never hid the fact that he was an alien from the world. But like every superhero, he craved normalcy too. His human persona was Clark Kent, a journalist for the Daily Planet, where he met Lois Lane, the love of his life. He wears these glasses that alter his true face, so no one knows that Superman and Clark Kent are similar. Superman’s most famous enemy is Lex Luthor, who hates Superman and sees him as a threat.
Initial Thoughts
I went and saw the new movie, and I am a skeptic. DC has always had a darker view on the superhero genre, and despite my love for dark fantasy and dark romance books, the dark superhero was never something that sat right with me. It felt like something that should always be lighter, but that is DC’s staple, and who am I to judge? This Superman took a completely different turn on that, though, and James Gunn seemed to want to switch it up.
The movie was perfect. It had flaws where the pacing seemed off, and there were times when I felt certain things weren’t needed, but Gunn did, and that’s all that matters. The tone was light and heartfelt, focusing heavily on everyone’s humanity, even Superman’s. The movie lightly touched on heavy themes we face today, but didn’t make it overwhelming. It had good humor, and David Corenswet was an excellent Superman, embodying everything that Superman is.
Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan were also amazing in the movie as Lex Luthor and Lois Lane. Hoult played Luthor well, delving into the jealousy and the intense emotions, and displaying them convincingly. Brosnahan was a fun Lois, helping to create on-screen chemistry with her nihilistic views. Overall, the movie was beautiful, emotional, and fun. It was different than other DC movies and was refreshing, plus there was a Krypto the dog, even if he was extremely CGI looking, he was adorable.
Changes in This Movie
There were some significant changes in this movie compared to the other ones, and one of them was mentioned already. The dark themes of DC disappeared and have been replaced with more political aspects, but it still has a happy tone. This is a very controversial take, as some diehard fans hated it, but more casual enjoyers, like me, liked it. Another thing is that it is one of the new Superman movies that doesn’t include the origin, assuming everyone knows it.
Not only that, but Krypto took a larger stage. We got to see the dog fighting more, even if he was poorly trained, he was the best hero out there. Many Superman movies show him as a god or a powerful alien, but this movie reflects his humanity. There are underlying themes with this that represent many issues in today’s world, but it was a change, and one that made Superman feel that much more authentic.
I’m as human as anyone. I love, I get scared. I wake up every morning, and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other and try to make the best choices I can. Superman (2025)
Superman (2025)
Why It Is Needed
Why was this Superman movie necessary? When you look back at many other Superman movies, they are sequels to past ones or remakes. This was neither a sequel nor a remake, but rather a day in the life of Superman type movie. Lois Lane and his relationship were already established when the movie started, and it begins mid-battle, as stated, skipping the origin story. This movie makes it easier for new fans to get introduced to the franchise and for old fans to enjoy.
The movie felt perfectly engaging as well. The action started immediately and continued, with something always going on. That type of action in movies, especially superhero movies, is desired. The movie is full of genuine connection that attracts everyone who loves the genre.
The movie also shows Superman in a happier light. Though he found devastating news about his parents’ message, he still chooses to be good. He makes mistakes, and we can see that in this movie too. The human representation of god-like is refreshing. It is something that we need to see as well, with the world’s political issues, it is a kind of interpretation. The themes are subtle, but vital to see in the media.
Superman (2025) is necessary, not only for the franchise but also for the audiences. It works for viewers of every age, touches on essential themes in the world, and offers fun changes to the movies that add to their charm. It is a must-watch movie, and I do find it ticket-worthy.
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