‘Superman (2025)’ REVIEW: A promising reboot finally understands the “man” in Man of Steel
‘Superman (2025)’ REVIEW: A promising reboot finally understands the “man” in Man of Steel
Superman (2025) is not an origin story. The film opens by throwing us right into the action, just like flipping through the pages of a Superman comic in the middle of a story arc, where you don’t fully know what’s happening yet. But the film quickly establishes that three decades ago, Superman crash-landed on Earth, and three years ago, he revealed himself to the world as Superman.
Adapting a Superman story on film can be tricky, and not many directors have truly gotten it right. Christopher Reeve’s Superman: The Movie laid the groundwork for all superhero films that followed, while on the animated side, the DC Animated Universe’s Superman: The Animated Series gave rise to a new generation of Superman and DC fans in the late 1990s to early 2000s.
Superman (David Corenswet) getting ready in Superman | Still courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Over 85 years since his creation by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Man of Steel has become a symbol of truth, justice, and the human way. Many of us have felt inspired or moved by Superman’s heroism at some point. I grew up obsessed with the Justice League animated series. I wore a Superman costume for Halloween, watched the Christopher Reeve Superman films on VCD and DVD, and experienced Superman Returns in a jam-packed theater so crowded that my dad had to let me sit on his lap the entire time.
As a shy kid who struggled with confidence, Superman became a figure I could look up to, someone who made it okay to believe in your own potential. That sense of inspiration stayed with me as I grew older and became a full-fledged comic book fan, eager to catch every new superhero film, follow major comic book crossover events in DC, and listen to comic creators share their stories on video podcasts.
The world of superheroes shaped my teenage life, and it continues to influence me as an adult who is still learning more about myself through film. Even if I can’t bend steel, fly at supersonic speed, or be bulletproof, I can still be a hero in my own ways, or at least strive to be.
During the time when my passion for comic books was at its peak, Henry Cavill was my Superman. It was a tough pill to swallow, finally having to embrace a hard reset as a new universe took over the DCEU. For what it’s worth, Zack Snyder’s Justice League served as a fitting conclusion to the Superman trilogy, showing him rise, fall, and be reborn.
It was time to finally move on from what’s already gone. The DCEU was a roller coaster of emotions. As a fan, the promise of exciting projects featuring characters I’d always wanted to see on the big screen was off the charts. But the sequels that never got made, the behind-the-scenes drama, a history of problematic actors, and a vision that was constantly derailed left a sour taste. It became hard to get excited for the films in recent years when you knew it was all leading nowhere.
Superman (David Corneswet), Krypto, and Superman Robot #4 in Superman | Still courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Enter James Gunn, appointed as co-head of the newly formed DC Studios brand, alongside Peter Safran. Together, they’ve established a clear plan that feels like the foundation. Gunn lives and breathes the world of comic books. Having directed the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and The Suicide Squad, anyone who doubted whether he could pull off directing Superman shouldn't have questioned him in the first place.
One thing’s for sure, he nailed the casting in this film. David Corenswet, interestingly sharing the initials “D.C.,” feels like the second coming of Christopher Reeve. He fully embodies what Superman stands for and believes in, even capturing the charm and quirks of Clark Kent and giving the character enough depth to clearly distinguish him from his other persona. The dialogue scene with Lois Lane, the “interview” moment, shows how seamlessly Corenswet shifts between identities, almost like flipping a switch. In that moment alone, it becomes clear why Gunn chose him to don the red cape and lead the charge in this new universe.
Meanwhile, Rachel Brosnahan brings to life the fierce reporter we all know and love in her portrayal of Lois Lane. The chemistry between her and Clark is undeniable, and it’s a vital part of what makes their dynamic so engaging. Their connection is so strong, I could honestly watch them talk for hours, especially in scenes like the interview. Looking good together is one thing, but the chemistry they share elevates a crucial element of getting a new take on Superman and the world around him right.
Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) at the Fortress of Solitude in Superman | Still courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Another important piece is finding a Lex who embodies both sheer hatred for Superman and a sense of pure villainy rooted in feeling superior to everyone else. In this film’s battle of brains versus brawn, Nicholas Hoult perfectly exemplifies that dynamic. His ability to fully transform into the role, without overdoing or underselling it, is impressive. It’s always fun to play a villain, and you can tell Hoult is enjoying himself.
Although they don’t spend much of the film standing toe-to-toe, just as Lex would need a super-powered, Kryptonite-fueled suit to even stand a chance, the real battle between them is ideological. It’s the stark contrast in their moral compasses and worldviews that defines their rivalry. They aren’t arch-nemeses for nothing; they challenge each other on a fundamental level that goes far beyond strength, which is pulled off by Corenswet and Hoult.
This brings us back to how the film feels like a comic book, a love letter to a medium that has often been pushed to the sidelines as film adaptations took center stage in recent years. The pacing and structure mimic that of a comic, highlighting action, characters, and key moments in a way that makes fans feel like they’re flipping through the pages, eager to see what happens next.
Much of the humor comes from the charm of comic books. While the comedy in Gunn’s films isn’t for everyone and can sometimes feel overdone, the lighthearted moments here serve a clear purpose: they help us get to know the characters in this universe we’re experiencing for the first time. Jimmy Olsen, perfectly played by Skylar Gisondo, feels like he was ripped straight from the comics. Meanwhile, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner may be obnoxious and an asshole, but the film’s goofier moments involving him were some of the most crowd-pleasing that drew the biggest laughs.
Lois Lane, Clark Kent, and Jimmy Olsen at the Daily Planet in Superman | Still courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Gunn’s direction and writing give even the minor supporting characters their time to shine. This film doesn’t leave any crumbs in that regard. Mister Terrific establishes why he’s one of the DC Universe’s smartest men. Metamorpho surprisingly has one of the heartwarming moments in the film. Hawkgirl doesn’t get as much screen time, but she still gets to be a badass and soar high. Even the Daily Planet crew are able to have their moments, enough to make us sit through and feel that they are real.
I’m genuinely excited for DC’s future, not just as a fan or a cinephile, but as someone in his quarter-life, feeling overwhelmed by everything around him, in need of a little reminder that reconnecting with the characters I grew up with still matters. Looking ahead, the future feels bright for DC. This film strikes an impressive balance between world-building and standing on its own. It lays the groundwork for future stories and characters, with subtle but effective nods that hint at what’s to come.
Most importantly, we now have a Superman that feels like Superman for everyone — not just the diehard comic book fans loyal to a specific iteration, but for anyone seeking a symbol of hope, kindness, and warmth, which is exactly what the world needs right now.
Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillon), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) a.k.a the Justice Gang in Superman | Still courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
As comic book-y as the film is, it still addresses real-world issues with care, touching on topics that remain relevant today, seemingly drawing parallels to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In the film, the fictional nation of Boravia attempts to invade its neighbor, Jarhanpur, with financial backing from Lex Luthor. Superman intervenes in the conflict, seamlessly sparking a conversation about an alien super-powered being taking matters into his own hands.This sparks conversation, not confrontation — and that’s the kind of storytelling the world needs, even in a universe filled with metahumans and super-powered beings.
Many might dismiss this new iteration as being too “woke,” but Superman has always been at the center of conversations about identity, especially as a metaphor for being an immigrant. From his origin as an alien sent to Earth for survival to balancing between an individual of two worlds, Superman represents the struggles and hopes of those who feel like outsiders. The film successfully balances its heavy themes to help us better understand what this new Superman stands for, not as a figure aligned with any one country or nation, but as someone who chooses to do good simply because it’s the right thing to do, regardless of what he may have been destined to become.
With that self-instilled kindness, the DCU Superman is off to the races, marching toward a brand new era, while also being punk rock (if you know, you know), and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Superman is now flying in Philippine cinemas.
