James Gunn’s ‘Superman’: What the Critics Are Saying

DC Studios’ rebooted Superman, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, earns early praise for its heart, charm, and nostalgic wonder—setting a promising tone for the new DC Universe.

[Los Angeles, US], July 10:
Superman, the first official chapter in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe, doesn’t land in theaters until Friday, but reviews are already flying in—and they’re largely glowing. Directed by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, the film introduces David Corenswet as the iconic Man of Steel, leading what critics are calling a “hopeful, heartfelt, and human” reinvention of the beloved superhero.

The movie also stars Rachel Brosnahan as a sharp, unflinching Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as a sinister, though polarizing, Lex Luthor. The ensemble cast includes Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.

---

🦸 A Reimagined Superman for a New DCU

Speaking at the film’s L.A. premiere, Gunn explained that he sought to bring both spectacle and sincerity to the reboot:

“I wanted to show [Superman] in this gigantic DC universe… but at the same time, really get to know him — who he is, what his relationship with Lois is like, what his beliefs are, what his strengths are, what his flaws are.”

On Rotten Tomatoes, Superman currently boasts an 85% critic score as of Wednesday, pointing to a strong critical consensus that this new take is a major course correction for the franchise.

---

🔍 What Critics Are Saying

The Hollywood Reporter – “A Relentlessly Entertaining, Poignant Take”

Critic David Rooney praised the film’s balance of charm and emotional weight:

“David Corenswet makes an outstanding Superman/Clark Kent… His rapport with Rachel Brosnahan’s whip-smart Lois Lane makes every scene a delight. Gunn’s Superman is overloaded at times, but it avoids the dark tone of recent superhero films and returns to an enchanting state of child-like wonder.”

---

The New York Times – “A Goofy, Sincere Win”

Alissa Wilkinson highlighted the film’s charm and Lois Lane:

“It’s a sincere but also goofy movie, with a few well-timed twists on the mythology… Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane doesn’t need saving — she’s calm in crisis and knows how to grill a source. Maybe this Superman really is set in the real world.”

---

Collider – “One of the Best DC Films in Years”

Ross Bonaime celebrated Gunn’s creative leadership:

“Superman is a magnificent feat. Gunn brings back optimism, hope, and care — it’s one of the best DC films in years and a glowing example of how beautiful superhero stories can be when done right.”

---

USA Today – “Empathy Is His Superpower”

Brian Truitt emphasized the film’s emotional tone:

“Yes, there’s kaiju battles and high-flying action, but Superman wins you over through sincerity and empathy. Gunn reminds us that kindness is the real superpower.”

---

Empire – “A Few Misfires in an Otherwise Strong Start”

Reviewer Sophie Butcher offered a more tempered take:

“Nicholas Hoult is fun as Luthor, but the character lacks depth. Corenswet’s Superman is close to the pure-hearted hero we want, but clunky dialogue and a cocky edge hold him back.”

---

Associated Press – “Gunn Makes It Human”

Jake Coyle praised Gunn’s offbeat tone:

“This pleasantly imperfect Superman is full of idiosyncrasies — donuts in serious scenes, Alka-Seltzer visual cuts — but it’s a rare human take in today’s superhero assembly line.”

---

IGN – “A Wonderfully Entertaining Reset”

Tom Jorgensen praised the film’s fresh tone and pace:

“Superman is a cinematic reset — heartfelt, action-packed, and refreshingly fun. Corenswet is a natural. Hoult is a perfect foil. Krypto steals scenes. This is the right movie for the moment.”

---

🎥 What This Means for the DCU

James Gunn’s Superman not only sets a new narrative tone for the DCU but also emphasizes character depth, optimism, and emotional sincerity—a marked departure from the darker tone of the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

With this strong opening, DC Studios now looks ahead to future projects including a Supergirl film, the HBO Max Green Lantern series Lanterns, and the broader universe being developed under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership.