Superman returns to theaters this Friday in James Gunn’s latest film
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 09, 2025, 23:23 IST
( Image credit : Getty Images )
Highlight of the story: James Gunn's Superman, starring David Corenswet, arrives in theaters July 11, 2025, exploring the hero's dual identity and battles against Lex Luthor. Critics praise the film's character-driven narrative, balancing action with themes of identity and real-world relevance. With an 88% Rotten Tomatoes approval, this Warner Bros. release marks a fresh start for the Superman legacy.
The much-anticipated Superman film, directed by James Gunn, is set to hit U.S. theaters on Friday, July 11, 2025. Known for his work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and the 2021 DC movie The Suicide Squad, Gunn brings a fresh vision to the iconic superhero’s story.
The film follows Superman as he navigates international politics and faces off against his billionaire nemesis Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. Alongside battling monstrous and superpowered adversaries, the story explores Superman’s internal struggles with his dual identity as both a powerful hero and Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter at the Daily Planet.
David Corenswet, who portrays Superman, has expressed a strong connection to the character’s complexities, particularly the tension between his heroic and human sides. Early reviews highlight the film’s focus on character-driven storytelling rather than relying solely on action set pieces. Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post wrote that the movie is “laser-focused on relatable characters,” setting it apart from other superhero franchises.
Critics have also noted Gunn’s ability to balance big-hearted themes with humor and real-world relevance. The New York Times described his approach as mixing “big-hearted themes with a dash of real-world allusions and a good-natured understanding” of the genre’s inherent silliness.
In addition to action and drama, Superman tackles themes of identity and belonging. The hero, often referred to as “the Kryptonian” or “the alien,” faces suspicion and prejudice, making the film a timely immigrant story, according to the Associated Press.
The Warner Bros. release has received an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It runs for 129 minutes and is rated PG for violence, action, and language.
The film marks a new chapter for the Superman legacy, with Gunn now co-leading DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran.
The film follows Superman as he navigates international politics and faces off against his billionaire nemesis Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. Alongside battling monstrous and superpowered adversaries, the story explores Superman’s internal struggles with his dual identity as both a powerful hero and Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter at the Daily Planet.
David Corenswet, who portrays Superman, has expressed a strong connection to the character’s complexities, particularly the tension between his heroic and human sides. Early reviews highlight the film’s focus on character-driven storytelling rather than relying solely on action set pieces. Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post wrote that the movie is “laser-focused on relatable characters,” setting it apart from other superhero franchises.
Critics have also noted Gunn’s ability to balance big-hearted themes with humor and real-world relevance. The New York Times described his approach as mixing “big-hearted themes with a dash of real-world allusions and a good-natured understanding” of the genre’s inherent silliness.
In addition to action and drama, Superman tackles themes of identity and belonging. The hero, often referred to as “the Kryptonian” or “the alien,” faces suspicion and prejudice, making the film a timely immigrant story, according to the Associated Press.
The Warner Bros. release has received an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It runs for 129 minutes and is rated PG for violence, action, and language.
The film marks a new chapter for the Superman legacy, with Gunn now co-leading DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran.