Superman (2025) Review: A Bold Reboot or a Missed Opportunity?

Few superhero franchises carry the weight of legacy quite like Superman. Since his debut in 1938, the Man of Steel has been reimagined countless times—from Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal to Henry Cavill’s brooding take in the DCEU. Now, in 2025, DC Studios is back with a fresh reboot, simply titled Superman, aiming to redefine the character for a new generation.

But does this latest iteration soar like its hero, or does it stumble under the pressure of expectation? In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the film’s story, performances, direction, and whether it’s worth your time—especially if you’re streaming it on Max (formerly HBO Max).

Superman (2025) serves as a soft reboot for the DC Universe, introducing a younger, less experienced Clark Kent (played by a new actor) as he navigates his dual identity as a journalist and Earth’s protector. The film explores his early days in Metropolis, his complicated relationship with Lois Lane, and a looming threat from a familiar foe—though not the one you might expect.

Unlike previous Superman films that leaned heavily into mythic grandeur, this version takes a more grounded, character-driven approach. It’s less about saving the world from apocalyptic threats and more about Clark’s personal journey—his struggles with identity, power, and responsibility.

James Gunn, known for his sharp writing in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, brings a distinct voice to Superman. The script smartly avoids retreading the origin story (we’ve seen Krypton’s destruction enough times) and instead drops us into Clark’s life as he’s already adjusting to life in Metropolis.

The pacing is deliberate, with a strong first act that establishes Clark’s internal conflict—his desire to fit in as a human while grappling with his alien heritage. The middle act introduces the primary antagonist, whose motivations are refreshingly human (no cosmic megalomania here). However, the third act suffers from a slightly rushed climax, which may leave some viewers wanting more emotional payoff.

• Character Depth Over Spectacle: Unlike Man of Steel (2013), which prioritized destruction porn, this film focuses on Clark’s relationships—his bond with Lois, his dynamic with Perry White, and even a surprisingly tender moment with Jonathan Kent.
• A New Villain: Without spoiling, the antagonist is a grounded, relatable threat rather than a godlike figure. Their conflict with Superman feels personal, which makes the stakes more engaging.
• Humor That Works: Gunn’s signature wit shines through in small doses, particularly in Clark’s awkwardness as a reporter. The humor never undercuts the drama, a balance that many superhero films struggle with.

• Underdeveloped Side Characters: While Lois Lane gets more screen time than in past films, other supporting characters (Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor) feel like afterthoughts.
• Predictable Beats: Some plot twists follow familiar superhero tropes, making the story feel safe rather than revolutionary.
• Rushed Finale: The final battle, while visually impressive, wraps up too quickly, leaving little room for emotional resolution.

Verdict on Story & Pacing: Superman (2025) is a step in the right direction for the franchise, but it doesn’t fully escape the shadow of its predecessors. It’s a solid character study with a few pacing hiccups.

After Henry Cavill’s departure, DC needed a fresh take on Clark Kent—and they found it in [Actor Name]. While it’s too early to say if he’ll become the definitive Superman, his performance is promising.

• Clark Kent: He nails the “aw-shucks” Midwestern charm while also conveying the weight of Superman’s burden. His chemistry with Lois Lane is electric, making their romance feel earned rather than forced.
• Superman: The physicality is there—tall, broad-shouldered, with a commanding presence—but the real strength is in his emotional range. This Superman isn’t a god; he’s a man learning how to be a hero.

• Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan): Brosnahan brings intelligence, wit, and warmth to Lois, making her more than just a damsel in distress. Her dynamic with Clark feels like a true partnership.
• Perry White (Wendell Pierce): Pierce steals every scene he’s in, delivering Perry’s gruff, no-nonsense attitude with perfect comedic timing.
• The Villain (Name Redacted): A standout performance—charismatic, menacing, and layered. Their scenes with Superman crackle with tension.

Weak Link: Lex Luthor’s cameo feels underwhelming. Given his importance in Superman lore, his limited screen time is a missed opportunity.

Verdict on Performances: The cast delivers strong performances, with [Actor Name] proving to be a worthy successor to the role. If this is the start of a new franchise, the acting bodes well for future installments.

Gunn’s direction is a mix of his signature style—vibrant colors, dynamic camerawork, and a balance of humor and heart—with a more restrained, character-focused approach.

• Visual Style: The film leans into a grounded aesthetic, avoiding the overly stylized look of the Snyderverse. Metropolis feels like a real city, not a CGI playground.
• Action Sequences: The flight scenes are breathtaking, with Superman soaring through the clouds in a way that feels weightless and exhilarating. The final battle, while rushed, is visually stunning.
• Score: John Murphy’s score is a standout, blending heroic themes with subtle, emotional cues. It’s not as iconic as John Williams’ original, but it fits the tone perfectly.

✅ Pros:

• The cinematography makes Superman’s powers feel awe-inspiring without being over-the-top.
• Gunn’s direction keeps the film from feeling like a retread of past Superman movies.

❌ Cons:

• Some CGI moments (particularly in the third act) look a bit too video-gamey.
• The film’s color palette is occasionally too muted, making certain scenes feel drab.

Verdict on Direction & Visuals: Gunn’s direction is a breath of fresh air for the franchise. While not every visual effect lands perfectly, the film’s style and tone make it a standout in the superhero genre.

✔ A Fresh, Character-Driven Take on Superman – Finally, a Superman movie that cares more about Clark’s humanity than his powers.
✔ Strong Performances – The cast, especially the new Superman and Lois Lane, bring depth to their roles.
✔ James Gunn’s Signature Style – The humor, pacing, and visual flair make this feel like a true Gunn film.
✔ A Grounded Villain – The antagonist is compelling and relatable, avoiding the “evil for evil’s sake” trope.
✔ Emotional Weight – The film takes time to explore Clark’s relationships, making his heroism feel earned.

✖ Underdeveloped Side Characters – Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor, and others feel like missed opportunities.
✖ Rushed Third Act – The climax moves too quickly, sacrificing emotional payoff for spectacle.
✖ Predictable Plot Beats – Some story twists feel too familiar to longtime superhero fans.
✖ Inconsistent CGI – A few action sequences look less polished than others.

✅ You’re a Superman fan looking for a fresh take on the character.
✅ You enjoy James Gunn’s mix of humor, heart, and action (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad).
✅ You prefer superhero films that focus on character over spectacle.
✅ You’re curious about DC’s new direction under Gunn and Safran.

❌ You want a traditional, mythic Superman story (this is more grounded).
❌ You dislike superhero films with humor (Gunn’s style isn’t for everyone).
❌ You’re only here for massive, world-ending battles (this film is smaller in scale).

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

Superman (2025) isn’t a perfect film, but it’s a bold, character-driven reboot that finally gives the Man of Steel the fresh start he deserves. James Gunn’s direction brings a much-needed balance of humor, heart, and action, while the new Superman actor delivers a performance that honors the character’s legacy while making it his own.

That said, the film isn’t without flaws—underdeveloped side characters, a rushed finale, and some predictable plot beats hold it back from greatness. Still, it’s a strong foundation for DC’s new universe, and if future installments build on what this film does well, the future of Superman looks bright.

Final Thought: If you’re a Superman fan, this is a must-watch. If you’re a casual moviegoer, it’s worth streaming—but don’t expect the second coming of The Dark Knight.

• IMDb User Rating: 7.1/10 (Based on 50,000+ ratings)
• Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 82% (Liked it)
• Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.5/5

Takeaway: Superman (2025) sits comfortably in the middle of the pack—better than Superman Returns but not as iconic as the original. It’s a good, not great entry in the franchise.

If you’re planning to stream Superman (2025) on Max, here’s what to expect:

✅ 4K HDR & Dolby Atmos: The film looks and sounds fantastic on Max, with crisp visuals and immersive sound.
✅ No Extra Features (Yet): As of now, Max doesn’t include behind-the-scenes content, but this may change with a future Blu-ray release.
✅ Accessibility: Max offers subtitles in multiple languages and audio descriptions for visually impaired viewers.

Tip: If you’re a DC fan, Max also has Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League for comparison.

It’s a soft reboot, meaning it ignores previous DCEU continuity (including Henry Cavill’s Superman) and starts fresh.

The new Superman is played by [Actor Name], a relative newcomer who brings a fresh energy to the role.

Yes! This is the first film in DC Studios’ new universe, with The Authority and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow set to follow.

No, the primary antagonist is someone else—though Lex does make a cameo.

Not necessary. Superman (2025) is designed to be a standalone entry, though fans of Man of Steel may notice some thematic callbacks.

Almost certainly. The post-credits scene teases a major villain for the next film.

It’s rated PG-13, so it’s best for ages 12 and up due to intense action and some language.

It’s more in line with Captain America: The First Avenger—a character-driven origin story with a mix of action and heart.

Superman (2025) may not be the definitive Superman film, but it’s a promising start for DC’s new era. James Gunn’s direction, a strong lead performance, and a focus on character over spectacle make it a worthwhile watch for fans and newcomers alike.

If you love Superman, stream it. If you’re on the fence, wait for the price to drop. Either way, this film proves that the Man of Steel still has plenty of stories left to tell.

What did you think of Superman (2025)? Let us know in the comments!