Superman – A New Look and Fresh Start for DC

By Keith Richards

***THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW****

Before the movie was ever released, much was made about DC’s latest Superman reboot.  Needless to say, the projects from the now-defunct DC Films rarely lived up to expectations.  DC Films, in conjunction with the DC Extended Universe, sought to compete with Marvel and its Marvel Cinematic Universe.  However, DC Films never proved to be a significant competitor to the MCU.  Enter James Gunn, DC Studios, and the new Superman reboot.

DC Studios was launched in November 2022.  James Gunn and Peter Safran, who worked together on the 2021 edition of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, were tapped as the co-chairmen of DC Studios.  Shortly after DC Studios launched, Gunn and Safran created the DC Universe, which is a soft reboot of the DCEU.  James and Peter named the first slate of projects Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.  From Chapter One, the leading project is Superman.  They’re starting fresh with their leading character.

The initial reviews of James Gunn’s Superman have been promising.  Superman is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting an 85% rating based on 178 reviews.  With over a thousand ratings, Superman is also verified hot, boasting a 96% rating.  Although it was technically not a DC Films project, the best comparison for Gunn’s Superman is Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.

Snyder’s Man of Steel was not as well received as this latest Superman reboot.  While the audience ratings of Man of Steel were respectable (75%), the critics’ reviews were not.  Man of Steel received a rotten reception from critics with a 57% rating.  However, you take that with a grain of salt.  What’s rotten to critics may be certified fresh for you.  For me, Man of Steel was rotten.  For that matter, I haven’t been a fan of anything DC from the DCEU.  So, going into Superman, my expectations were low.

Although my expectations were low, being a massive fan of the MCU, I had a smidge of excitement due to James Gunn’s involvement.  Gunn made his name in the MCU with the Guardians of the Galaxy.  He has a signature style that he built with that franchise.  Gunn brings that style to Superman, which is not a bad thing.  While there were elements of the DCEU that resonated with many, there were also aspects that did not resonate with audiences.

In my opinion, what worked best for James Gunn was his choice of Superman.  The most significant change for the DC Universe was that Henry Cavill would not return to play Kal-El.  Immediately, the project gained detractors because Cavill would not be returning.  I can understand that reaction from fans, but I also think it was a bit unfair.  David Corenswet was not given a fair chance before the film was even seen.  That was a mistake.

Corenswet is a fantastic Superman!  If you’re looking for a portrayal of Superman like that of Henry Cavill, go ahead and stay home.  However, if you go into the movie with an open mind, David Corenswet does not disappoint.  Those familiar with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise may notice similarities between Clark Kent and Peter Quill.  I don’t mean that as disrespect. 

There is a significant overlap between characters and their personality traits in Marvel and DC.  On paper, you wouldn’t think that Superman and Star Lord are similar, because they’re not.  However, it works well and feels right.  It’s a lighthearted take on a character who can often be perceived as too serious.  That said, the film still addresses serious subject matter.  However, James Gunn excels at blending serious subject matter with comedic elements.  In Superman, Gunn and Corenswet do this perfectly. 

Not to be forgotten, Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) shine in a plot based heavily on Clark Kent.  Every movie needs a great antagonist.  Hoult delivers a phenomenal performance as Lex Luthor.  Brosnahan as Lois Lane is just as fresh and different as David Corenswet is as Superman.  No one overshadows her in any of her scenes.

All in all, I think Superman was a fun film.  I know that there are many others out there like me—people who are serious MCU fans who are in love with DC projects.  In a minuscule sample size of one film, James Gunn’s Superman has piqued my interest.   Overall, I’m still Team Marvel, but I’m ending my DC theater embargo for future DC Universe films.  Superman was an excellent jumping-off point for the new direction of DC projects. 

What do you think of the new Superman?  Let us know!  While you’re at it, be sure to check out the rest of Team NBS’ movie content, including Rick O’Donnell’s thoughts on the new film!