If it wasn’t already clear from when he took an obscure ragtag group of Marvel characters that most had never heard of and created a trilogy of films so memorable that they touched the hearts of millions in ways many A-list superheroes have yet to do, James Gunn is one to be trusted when it comes to an intellectual property being left in his hands. So, when Gunn took over as co-chair (alongside Peter Safran) of DC Studios to forge ahead with a new DC cinematic universe, I was excited.
I’m not afraid to say that I enjoyed the Snyder-verse, for the most part. It was flawed, but it also had some great moments and movies within it. There’s also a toxic side of the fanbase that, much like Star Wars and other popular franchises have, like to speak out illogically towards change, so when the Snyder-verse became an Elseworld as far as DC film continuity goes, they spewed hatred and disgust for Gunn and anything he’d eventually bring to the table. It’s only fitting then that the first film in the new DCU, written and directed by Gunn, is Superman: someone who stands for good and looks to make the world a better place overall.
Gunn’s Superman is…well, Superman. Superman is a character that’s hard to relate with if you look at him solely from the perspective of his powers. Growing up I was never a big Superman fan, mainly because it was rare that anything could hurt him without kryptonite being involved and he just seemed so perfect. Anyone or anything that went up against him seemed meaningless on a surface level because he’s Superman! He’s perfection and in such, he’s boring and unrelatable.
What Gunn has done here is touched on something that fans of Superman always knew was there and I was just too dismissive to allow myself to see, and that is that Superman is hope. Yes, that’s been said before, “On my planet, this stands for…” but maybe it took the world crumbling around me to really see Superman for what he is and what he stands for, because in a time when so much seems dire, Superman is that light that harkens for good to prevail and watching a version of him that isn’t immune to criticism (#Supershit) but goes out and does what he truly believes is right is something that I’m sure a lot of us wish we could do.
When Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) is interviewing Superman (David Corenswet) in her apartment – oh, they’re already dating! Before I go on it’s such a great choice on Gunn’s part to not do another Superman origin story, as it’s not needed. Not only that, but Metahumans exist all over the world already and the world knows about them. The Justice Gang – which consists of Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) – just show up periodically and are known to all. I’m sure there’ll be origin stories where they’re needed, but skipping past it here and diving right into the established world was the right call and it feels right. I love superhero origin films and I’m truly thrilled that this DCU is already up and running in a world that isn’t surprised to see someone flying overhead and fighting a giant kaiju.
Back to the apartment! So Clark agrees to let Lois interview him as Superman and she pulls no punches, with her pointing out that he intervened in a war overseas without consulting with the president and seemingly acting as a representative of the United States, to which Clark cuts her off and says “I wasn’t representing anybody except for me and and and…doing good!” And just like that he clicked with me. It’s surprising that it took so long, really. I completely related with Superman’s perspective on everything here (though Gunn does a great job of balancing him with counterpoints made by Lois, even though she agrees with most of what he’s done as well) and can’t deny I’m jealous of his ability to take action in the way only Superman can.
This interview is such a wonderfully crafted scene, and Gunn points out that it’s the scene they screen-tested that got both Corenswet and Brosnahan their parts. It’s handled so well, it’s such a beautifully shot conversation/argument/debate that showcases these characters, their relationship and the mindset of what Superman believes he’s here to do on earth, which is to be a sincere, kind person who does good. Superman has an idealistic view of the world, which is something we need more of, as futile as it can feel at times.
Gunn’s Superman shows that Superman is not without flaws, he’s not perfect, and while he may be bulletproof that doesn’t mean he’s impervious to pain, both physically and emotionally. Corenswet is superb in the role, which again, shouldn’t be shocking, as Gunn has proven time and time again that when it comes to casting he’s up there with the best of them. And while Corenswet has the acting chops to pull off the role, he also has a genuineness to him that while you’re watching the movie makes you feel like you’re not watching some guy dressed up like Superman, but instead you’re watching Superman himself. It’s like that feeling a kid has when they go to see Santa at the mall, believing it’s really him when he goes to sit on his lap. Watching Corenswet in the classic blue and red stand up for what’s right and what’s good just feels completely natural.
Superman is a film that isn’t afraid to touch on harder topics that plague the world of today. There are laughs to be had throughout, but it’s a finely weaved web that’s full of action-packed sequences, dramatic and emotional moments, comedic beats and spectacular characters. There’s a lot to unpack in this film and it’s one I’m eager to watch again while doing so, as this film showcases the Man of Steel in a way that we haven’t seen in a long time. He’s someone who wants to fit in and be more like us, and at the same time we should all be striving to be the good that he looks to bring into this world in whatever ways we can muster.
Overall Movie Score: 4.5/5
4K Blu-ray Video and Audio Review:
This 4K offering looks super, man. Okay, that was terrible but it doesn’t change the fact that the 2160p/Dolby Vision/HDR10 transfer is anything but! This is an absolutely gorgeous looking film that may have truly soared on the big screen, it still definitely takes flight at home. The details are abundant with no need to hide anything as it all looks incredible. Crypto is completely CGI, yet he looks spectacular and as close to real as one could hope for, and when up against incredibly clear, detailed, physical backdrops he blends in perfectly instead of sticking out like CGI had (and can still have) a tendency to do.
The colours look great, Superman’s outfit pops beautifully, yet looks completely natural in the world. In fact, everything seems to naturally exist, which is perfect for the DCU going forward. In a world where Metahumans are known to pop up at any time, having them stand out more than they naturally do with their powers isn’t ideal. Gunn finds the perfect balance here and the lighting and details presented in this much brighter version of Superman is perfectly fitting for the themes and story being told.
On the audio side of things we’ve got a top tier Dolby Atmos offering that takes the score by David Fleming and John Murphy and fills the room with it. It, along with a fun soundtrack, really bring the movie to life and pull the viewer in. The action comes from all angles and the dialogue is as desired, clean and clear, front and center. This is a movie that deserves the red (cape) carpet rolled out for it in terms of bringing that summer blockbuster feel into your home and Warner Bros. has delivered.
Special Features:
Adventures in the Making of Superman – This is the feature to watch once you’ve finished the movie, as fans are treated to an hour long behind-the-scenes look at what went in to making some key scenes throughout the filming of the movie. We get a deeper look into what Gunn was thinking when creating the film, what his unlikely inspiration was for kickstarting the process, and loads of on-set moments that really give you a look behind the camera.
Honestly, they could’ve doubled or tripled the length and delved into so much more, but I’m thrilled we got a look at this much.
Breaking News: The Daily Planet Returns – Here we’ve got a five-and-a-half minute look at the Daily Planet set with various cast and crew members. It’s still a fun viewing, as are all of the featurettes ahead, regardless of them being much smaller than the above feature.
Lex Luthor: The Mind of a Master Villain – Here we get to dive into Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor, some of the behind-the-scenes moments that helped bring the character to life, and the excitement that Hoult had in doing so.
The Justice Gang – Love the name or hate it, The Justice Gang is here in featurette form, as we get to see some more behind-the-scenes pieces about bringing these characters to life in this 10-minute piece. We hear from those playing the parts, and get to see costume tests and discussions about hairstyles. It’s all fun and such a great peek behind the curtain for fans.
Paws to Pixels: Krypto is Born – Here we’ve got an almost 6-minute look into how the team brought Krypto to life in such spectacular fashion! Depending on when Supergirl takes place as opposed to the timeline of this Superman film, we may be seeing Krypto again sooner than later!
The Ultimate Villain – Here we get a 5-minute featurette on Ultraman, where we get to see why the suit was designed the way it was, to other various tidbits about the character and his design.
Icons Forever: Superman’s Enduring Legacy – This is a 6-minute featurette that touches on something you’d expect to find on the disc, which is Superman’s lasting appeal throughout the years and what makes him the icon that he is all these decades later.
A New Era: DC Takes Off – Here we get an almost 5-minute featurette that focuses on the launching pad film for the new DCU heading forward.
Kryptunes: The Music of Superman – This one could be longer, as could so many, but again, thrilled to have so many in-depth featurettes on the disc, even if they’re shorter in nature. Here we get composers Fleming and Murphy talking about their work on the film, as well as a viewing of various recording sessions.
Krypto Short: School Bus Scuffle – If you love Krypto (and who doesn’t?), here we’re treated to a 2D animated short that’s written and directed by Ryan Kramer. Krypto vs…a pigeon? Who will prevail?!
There’s also a commentary track with James Gunn, but it’s only found on the digital copy, so, if you want to listen to that you’ll have to go that route. Unfortunate they wouldn’t just add it to the disc itself, as it’s something I’d love to have listened to. Hopefully this will change in the future and commentary tracks will find their way onto the discs.
Disclaimer: A review copy of this Blu-ray was sent to me to cover in honest and truthful fashion.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents Superman. Written & Directed By: James Gunn. Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, María Gabriela de Faría, Skyler Gisondo, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Anthony Carrigan, Frank Grillo, Sara Sampaoi, Milly Alcock, Bradley Cooper, Wendell Pierce, Beck Bennett. Running time: 129 Minutes. Rating: PG. Released on 4K Blu-ray: Sept. 23, 2025.
