8/10 Movie

Superman

James Gunn gives Superman the reboot it actually needed

2025 130 min Science Fiction, Adventure, Action

Superman works because it treats the mythology seriously without drowning in self-importance. Gunn finds something real in Clark Kent's identity crisis, and the cast commits to it. If you've written off Superman films, this one earns a second look.

Harry Siegmund 2 min read

Director: James Gunn
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
Runtime: 130 min
Country: US
Min. Age: 12+
Year: 2025
Type: Movie

Main Cast

David Corenswet

(Superman)

Rachel Brosnahan

(Lois Lane)

Nicholas Hoult

(Lex Luthor)

Edi Gathegi

(Mr. Terrific)

Nathan Fillion

(Guy Gardner)

Isabela Merced

(Hawkgirl)

James Gunn's Superman tackles an old story in a fresh way, and it mostly sticks the landing. David Corenswet carries the film as a man caught between two worlds, and the film doesn't shy away from how genuinely difficult that tension is. This is a strong recommendation, though not because it reinvents the wheel.

Corenswet makes Clark Kent's internal conflict visible without relying on big dramatic moments to spell it out. Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult anchor their scenes with specificity. There's no wasted scenery-chewing here. The supporting cast, particularly Nathan Fillion and Edi Gathegi, knows exactly what register to play in, which matters more than you'd think in a film that could easily tip into camp.

Gunn's direction keeps things moving at a reasonable clip across 130 minutes. The action sequences serve the story rather than interrupt it. What surprised me most was how much the film trusts you to handle moral ambiguity. It doesn't lecture about heroism. It shows what happens when someone with godlike power has to choose what kind of person he actually wants to be.

I left thinking about the gap between who we're told we should be and who we actually are. That's not groundbreaking stuff, but the film earns the space to explore it. The film cares about its own ideas, and that matters.

Key Facts

Director: James Gunn
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
Year: 2025
Runtime: 130 min
Country: US
Content Rating: PG-13 (12+)
Harry's Rating: 8 / 10
Main Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced

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Trivia & Fun Facts

James Gunn directed this after his acclaimed work on the Guardians of the Galaxy films, bringing his character-focused approach to the DC universe
The film runs 130 minutes, giving it room to develop Clark Kent's internal conflict rather than rushing through the origin setup
David Corenswet was relatively unknown before landing the lead role, following the tradition of casting lesser-known actors in the Superman suit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Superman worth watching?

Yes. Gunn takes the material seriously without treating it as inevitable. Corenswet gives you a Clark Kent worth investing in, and the supporting performances hold up their end. It's a solid film that respects both Superman and the audience.

What is Superman about?

Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, grapples with reconciling his Kryptonian heritage with his human identity and upbringing. The film explores what it means to belong when you're caught between two worlds.

Who stars in Superman?

David Corenswet plays Superman/Clark Kent, with Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced rounding out the cast in key roles.

Harry's Rating 8 / 10

Harry's Closing Curtain

Superman is worth your time if you want a Superman film that actually has something to say about identity and choice. Gunn doesn't waste the runtime, and the cast proves the material deserves better than another paint-by-numbers blockbuster. It's an old story in new clothes, done well enough to remind you why these characters matter.