The highly anticipated social media embargo for James Gunn’s “Superman” has officially lifted, unleashing a torrent of initial reactions from film critics and entertainment journalists. As the inaugural cinematic venture of the rebooted DC Universe under the stewardship of Gunn and Peter Safran, the film carries immense weight, and early sentiments suggest a largely positive, albeit mixed, reception.
Many critics have lauded “Superman” as a vibrant and hopeful reintroduction to the iconic hero. Bryan Sudfield, a film critic, praised the movie as a “bold yet faithful” adaptation, noting that James Gunn successfully established a fresh tone while honoring the character’s enduring legacy. Sudfield stated on X, “’Superman’ soars with heart, humor, and style—a bold yet faithful take on the iconic hero. James Gunn sets a fresh tone while honoring the character’s legacy, and David Corenswet shines with sincerity and strength. A promising, thrilling start to DC’s new era.” (Variety)
David Corenswet’s portrayal of the Man of Steel has garnered significant acclaim, with many highlighting his sincerity and heroic presence. Entertainment journalist Brandon Davis remarked on X that Corenswet delivers an “exceptional iteration” of Superman, emphasizing his “sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational traits.” The chemistry between Corenswet’s Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane has also been a standout, described by Davis as “off the charts.” (Variety) Other positive reactions include Rachel Leishman’s sentiment that the film “reminds us that Clark Kent has always been a beacon of hope” and Grace Randolph’s bold claim that it is the “BEST #Superman movie to date.” Nick Spake called it “the hero’s most vibrant, optimistic, and character-driven big screen outing since Richard Donner.” (Variety)
Perri Nemiroff of Collider noted the film is “loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity,” while Erik Davis of Fandango called it “A terrific start for the new DC Studios.” Ash Crossan of Screen Rant found it “beautiful, hopeful, and reminds you why these stories matter.” Joseph Deckelmeier, also from ScreenRant, felt it “bottled that classic #Superman magic” and was “for families, comic book nerds, & anyone who has ever loved a good dog story.” (Reddit (r/boxoffice))
However, not all reactions were entirely glowing. Movie critic Peter Howell expressed a more reserved view, suggesting “Superman” was “not the super start to the DC Universe everybody had been hoping for,” and that it prioritized style over substance. Howell critiqued Gunn’s storytelling, stating he is “brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling.” He also found Corenswet’s Superman “boyishly sweet” and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor “more obnoxious than villainous.” A recurring highlight, even in critical reviews, was Krypto the superdog, who Howell noted “steals every scene.” Nicola Austin also mentioned a “convoluted & often silly plot” despite praising the performances. (Variety)
The lead-up to the embargo lift was not without its drama, as some outlets prematurely published reviews, creating a fragmented initial narrative. Forbes reported instances of early embargo breaks, including a “hyper-negative” review from The Daily Beast and a “very positive” one from The Sunday Times, both of which were quickly taken down. These early leaks, even subtle hints from those who had seen previews, underscore the intense anticipation surrounding the film and the studio’s efforts to control the initial messaging. (Forbes)
James Gunn has previously articulated his vision for “Superman,” describing it as “the story of America” and an exploration of an immigrant’s journey. He emphasized themes of “basic human kindness” and morality, particularly the differing views of Superman’s no-kill rule versus Lois Lane’s more balanced perspective. This thematic depth, combined with Gunn’s impressive track record—including critically acclaimed and audience-loved projects like the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, “The Suicide Squad,” and “Peacemaker”—suggests a strong foundation for the new DCU. A recent GQ interview, while not breaking embargo, offered a largely positive judgment, calling the film “one of the most distinct superhero films in a long time” with a tone “honest and true to the spirit of Superman.”
“Superman,” starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, is set to open in theaters on July 11, 2025. With a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes and a PG-13 rating, the film aims to deliver a fresh, hopeful, and action-packed start to DC Studios’ ambitious new chapter. (Rotten Tomatoes)
