“Superman” (2025), directed by James Gunn and released July 11, marks a bold new beginning for the DC Cinematic Universe that will be under Gunn’s supervision moving forward. The movie reintroduces us to a redefined Clark Kent, played by David Corenswet, with a new, less indestructible persona.
In Zack Snyder’s Superman movies, he makes extensive use of a dark color scheme and grade— a darkness that further extends to the overall tone of the films. Snyder’s version of Clark is brooding and mysterious. That dark atmosphere is a far cry from the bright and happy one used in both the traditional Superman comics and its latest film adaptation. The bright color grading helps the iconic blue and red suit stick out even more as we witness Superman’s adventures and energy.
Henry Cavill’s depiction of Superman, starting with “Man of Steel” (2013), has Clark grappling with his identity as a human with demi-god abilities, ultimately leading to him being disconnected from humankind. Cavill’s Superman is so burdened by his powers that his superhero persona almost entirely erases who he is as Clark. In contrast, Corenswet’s version of Superman is consistently shown to be in touch with his human life. Gunn’s emphasis on Clark’s connection to his job, friends and family all humanize what is a deeply empathetic character — empathy that is most clearly shown in Clark’s willingness to save the people of Jarhanpur from Boravian and Lex Luthor’s attacks.
But that’s not to say “Superman” (2025) doesn’t reckon with the hero’s complex identity. When Luthor reveals a video of his parents saying his objective is to rule over the Earth and to “take as many lives as he can,” xenophobia against him erupts across society. No longer is he the beloved hero of Metropolis, but an alien threat to the U.S.
Within the first 10 minutes, we’re introduced to a couple of devices that had previously been restricted to the comics and contribute to the movie’s characterization and charm. His Superman robots, which provide hints of comedy through their monotone voices and eccentric personalities as well as his super dog, Krypto, a loyal sidekick who gets the chance to fight by him. With robots and Krypto, Superman himself doesn’t feel like an isolated figure, but rather a superhero with a support system. He understands when he needs help rather than being left to his own devices and suffering and relies on those around him.
The film easily balances its action-packed scenes with more quiet character moments further emphasizing Superman’s humanity. During a tender scene with his love interest Lois Lane, she tells him, “You trust anyone and think everyone you’ve ever meet is beautiful.” And Pa Kent tells him during a touching moment where they sit together on the porch that his actions, not the reason he was sent to Earth, define who he is.
The movie doesn’t shy away from political matters. The audience sees Boravian troops, with the support of the fictional American arms manufacturer LuthorCorp, approach the Jarhanpurian border, a country relying on sticks for defense and at the risk of being massacred at the hands of Boravia. The scene is unashamedly reminiscent of both historical and present-day international conflicts and solidifies Superman as a hero who fights for the world’s downtrodden and oppressed.
The Boravia-Jarhanpur conflict has been a widely discussed plot point among audiences. While the conflict has been seen as an allegory for Israel’s ongoing genocide in Palestine, Gunn has said it’s not meant to be. Many audiences have still drawn upon the similarities the film has to real life, with many right-wing political pundits such as Ben Shapiro claiming the film is anti-Israel. The conflict between these two nations is the climax of the movie. It is not a major, action-filled scene between superpowered humans, but rather a confrontation between two groups with drastically different power levels. “Superman” explores the influence of corporations and the U.S. government on the lives of ordinary people, with Superman himself receiving criticism for involving himself in politics even when he thought he was doing the right thing by saving lives.
The final confrontation between Luthor and Superman isn’t a physical one, but an ideological one. Even when defeated, Lutheor has the audacity and courage to yell insults such as, “Get away from me, you alien!” Superman’s face shifts from one of victory over to one of anger and his passion-filled speech removes any differences between himself and humans. He laughs, loves and fears just like any other person, and despite all his superpowers; being human is his greatest strength.
Superman’s humanity is explicitly tied to Clark identity to being “punk rock.” Growing up as punk-loving, rule-breaking kids is something he and Lois share, and in the final scene of the movie showing footage from his childhood, we hear “Punkrocker” by Teddybears insist in its lyrics, “’Cause I’m a punk rocker, yes I am.” His outlook towards the world around him is kind, with him wanting to genuinely make the world a better place. The movie ending with the song “Punkrocker” leaves the parting message urging people to be punk themselves; being kind, caring for those around them and actively looking to make the world a better place.