The film premiered in Los Angeles on 8/7, receiving positive feedback from both critics and audiences. Hollywood Reporter and Variety both considered Superman a fresh start for DC Studios, under the leadership of director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran.
According to Variety, the film conveys a message about the power of faith and kindness in a cynical age. It tells the story of Clark Kent, an alien raised on Earth, struggling to fit in and find his role in a turbulent society. James Gunn portrays Superman as a symbol of morality, suggesting that not all heroes are perfect, but they always choose to do what's right.
David Corenswet's performance is praised for bringing warmth and composure to the character, reminiscent of Christopher Reeve's style. He creates a more relatable and approachable hero compared to previous versions. The relationship between Superman and Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan) is depicted with depth, going beyond the typical "hero saves damsel" trope.
Collider's Perri Nemiroff calls the film a thrilling, humorous, and quintessential superhero adventure. The film effectively explores the characters' personalities while staying true to the source material.
On X (formerly Twitter), many viewers expressed their appreciation for the film's focus on the main character's psychology. User Rachel Leishman commented, "James Gunn's vision comes to life on screen, offering a compelling perspective on everyone's favorite superhero." Grace Randolph wrote, "This is the best Superman movie ever; James Gunn lets the film speak for itself."
However, some critics found the plot convoluted, with a mix of elements that made it difficult for viewers to focus. A few plot points felt unresolved. While the film aims to revamp the DC Universe (DCU), its execution sometimes deviates from the core message. Critic Peter Howell felt that Superman isn't perfect, with the team prioritizing visuals over substance.
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David Corenswet as Superman. Photo: Warner Bros. |
James Gunn's film is set in a world rife with conflict. Superman (David Corenswet) is an alien striving to integrate into human society disguised as journalist Clark Kent. However, he faces disdain from many who see him as unable to protect them from danger. When Lex Luthor plots world domination, Superman defies the rules to prove his ability to help humanity. In the Sunday Times, the director described Superman as a story about American society, where immigrants fight for their rights, identity, and justice.
This film marks Gunn's first DC Studios project since he and producer Peter Safran took over the studio in 10/2022. Upcoming projects include the series Lanterns and a Supergirl film, slated for release next year.
Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1, published on 18/4/1938. The story revealed the origins of the alien boy sent to Earth and his love interest, Lois Lane. Superman became one of the most recognizable characters in American pop culture, spawning blockbuster films, books, toys, and even chewing gum.
The franchise has been adapted into television series, animated shorts, and feature films. The most recent film featuring Superman was The Flash (2023), with Nicolas Cage in the role. According to Numbers, the total box office revenue for Superman films exceeds $2.5 billion, with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) being the highest-grossing at $874 million globally.
Que Chi (via Variety, Hollywood Reporter)
