The Man of Steel flies back onto the big screen this week in a bold, reimagined take from James Gunn, the new co-head of DC Studios. Simply titled Superman, the film serves as the launchpad for a revitalized DC Universe—one filled with colorful metahumans, deep mythology, and the kind of heart that made the character iconic in the first place.
Stepping into the legendary role is David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”), who brings a grounded sincerity and classic charm as Clark Kent/Kal-El. He’s joined by Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as a sharp, capable Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (of X-Men fame) as a coolly calculating Lex Luthor. It’s a cast with chemistry, navigating a world where Superman’s values often clash with cynical modern sensibilities.
The film wrestles with a key question: Is Superman still relevant? Gunn leans directly into that debate, placing the so-called “Big Blue Boy Scout” at the center of a public relations storm fueled by fear, mistrust, and manipulated media narratives. But rather than compromise or retreat, this Superman remains resolute—an idealist who sees the value in every life, from coworkers trapped in buildings to endangered animals.
Gunn’s signature style is fully on display, delivering high-octane action that’s both epic and delightfully weird. The visuals are vibrant, almost comic book-like, with fight sequences and effects that echo the grandeur of Guardians of the Galaxy and the irreverence of The Suicide Squad. There’s humor, camp, and plenty of surprises—including deep cuts from the DC archives. Among the standout newcomers are Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi, truly living up to the name), and in a scene-stealing turn, Krypto the Superdog, who finally gets his moment in the cinematic yellow sun.
But beneath the spectacle lies the film’s emotional core: the question of identity. Gunn’s Superman isn’t just about battles and buildings crashing down—it’s about a young man raised in Kansas grappling with his otherworldly origins. Is he an alien orphan destined to be Earth’s protector, or a human with extraordinary gifts raised to serve and love others? The film doesn’t offer easy answers, but it emphasizes that Superman’s heroism isn’t driven by guilt or vengeance—it’s a reflection of his upbringing, his compassion, and his unwavering belief in doing what’s right.
This version of the character also embraces his long-standing symbolism. As has often been noted, Superman carries messianic overtones. His Kryptonian name “Kal-El” (which can be translated as “voice of God”), his escape from a dying world, and his resurrection stories all evoke parallels to religious figures like Moses and Jesus. Yet Gunn doesn’t lean too hard into allegory. Instead, he presents a Superman who’s more relatable than reverent—a powerful figure who sometimes questions his purpose but never stops acting on it. When in doubt, it’s the words of Jonathan Kent that ground him: it’s not what others think—it’s what you do that defines who you are.
And what he does is inspire.
With its dazzling visuals, fresh character introductions, and a sense of wonder often missing from modern superhero fare, Superman invites viewers of all ages to believe in heroes again. It’s a family-friendly epic, with PG-13 language and moderate action violence, but it’s the film’s heart that will keep audiences coming back.
This isn’t just a reboot—it’s a resurrection of hope.
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