10 Reasons to Get Excited About James Gunn’s Superman in 2025

As a child of the 80s and 90s, Superman was always my favorite superhero. I remember watching “Superman: The Movie” for the first time, feeling the same sense of awe and wonder that millions of others must have felt when they saw him fly across the screen for the first time. But as I grew older and the world around me became more complex, Superman seemed to fade into the background.

In simple terms, the much-awaited film titled “Superman” by James Gunn in 2025 is generating a lot of excitement. The previous year for superhero movies was challenging, and DC’s films in 2023 didn’t fare well at the box office. Consequently, this upcoming Superman movie carries significant expectations. Warner Bros. and DC view it as the foundation for the upcoming decade of films and TV shows, marking the start of a new DC Universe. As of now, director James Gunn has been cautious about revealing details about the film, but promotional activities are expected to ramp up as we get closer to the holiday season.

Superman has starred in a total of ten live-action feature films, excluding brief appearances or animated movies. With this many films under his belt, one might wonder if there’s not much new ground to cover with such a well-established character. After all, Quentin Tarantino expressed no interest in watching Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies because he had already seen the David Lynch version, and what’s the point of seeing the same story twice? Considering there have only been two attempts at adapting Dune, what does it suggest about making ANOTHER Superman movie?

Despite having over 86 years worth of material to work with, director and DC Studios co-president James Gunn still has a vast, untapped reservoir of potential stories for Superman, the last son of Krypton. Here’s why we should be thrilled about this upcoming movie: it could break new ground in the DC Universe by offering a unique take on Superman that sets it apart from any other DC film to date. Just like Black Adam couldn’t, this movie might shake up the power structure within the DC Universe forever.

10 The First “True” Superman Movie in 12 Years

In approximately 12 years, when Superman hits the cinemas, it will mark a decade since the premiere of Man of Steel. Although Superman has graced our screens in films like Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and a brief appearance in Black Adam, this upcoming movie will be the first to solely focus on him, without any need for sharing the limelight with another character.

In terms of comparison, the time span from when Man of Steel was released is more than seven years beyond when Superman Returns premiered, but it’s still shorter than the 19-year gap that existed between Superman Returns and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Spotlight on Superman

For over a decade since Superman last headlined his own film, we’ve seen three Venom movies, three Ant-Man films, the entire DC Extended Universe wrap up, and James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, which he both started and concluded. Given Superman’s iconic status in pop culture that spans generations, a new film featuring him is always significant, and this time is no different. After years of DC Comics putting Batman ahead of Superman, the hero who established their brand is finally regaining the limelight.

9 Prime Summer Release Date

Warner Bros. has assigned a prominent summer release date to the film titled Superman. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, and Warner Bros. is optimistic that it will perform well alongside Jurassic World: Rebirth and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, both of which are also slated for release in July. However, due to Jurassic World: Rebirth already securing the Fourth of July weekend spot, Superman will instead be placed in Warner Bros.’ major July release slot, previously reserved for titles like The Dark Knight, Barbie, and four Harry Potter films.

Warner Bros. Rolling Out All the Stops

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve heard whispers that Warner Bros. is gearing up to give Superman a grand promotional push akin to what they did for Barbie and are currently doing for Wicked. If Marvel Studios kicks off the summer movie rush with Thunderbolts*, there’s a strong possibility that Superman will steal the spotlight. What makes it even more intriguing is the fact that Superman is slated to hit the screens before San Diego Comic-Con 2025. This could mean that Warner Bros. and DC Studios have some exciting post-release plans up their sleeves, making me eagerly anticipate the film’s release.

8 Rehabilitating Superman’s Image

The 2010s posed challenges for both Superman and his followers. To begin with, Batman held the spotlight as DC’s primary hero, and the brooding atmosphere of “The Dark Knight” and the “Arkham” video game series significantly influenced the entire DC Universe, particularly affecting Superman. Writers grappled to make Superman resonate with contemporary readers, and they frequently portrayed him in a more somber light.

The “evil” Superman troupe exploded in popularity during the 2010s thanks to the Injustice video game series and Zack Snyder’s take on Superman in Man of Steel, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and his plans for the Justice League sequels. It appeared the only way to make Superman “cool” was to imagine him as evil. James Gunn’s Superman not only needs to relaunch Superman as a film franchise but also re-establish the character’s status as a hopeful figure for both a new generation and those who have prior knowledge of the character.

The Superman You Know and Love

It’s no surprise that Superman won’t be the first media portrayal to depict the big blue hero as his usual optimistic character. Recently, shows like Superman & Lois and My Adventures with Superman have brought back the classic traits that fans admire in him – a symbol of goodness grappling with real-world issues. The vibrant, cheerful vibe James Gunn is hinting at for his upcoming film seems to shift away from the gloomy, gritty style that has dominated for so long, instead signaling a return to the values that viewers connect with Superman. A new crop of kids will once again have a Superman to aspire to.

7 Exciting Cast

I can’t wait to be part of the extraordinary ensemble cast for the upcoming blockbuster! Before landing the role of Clark Kent/Superman, David Corenswet was already a beloved choice among fans, but now, with his standout performance in 2024’s Twisters, he seems poised to become the next major star Hollywood has to offer. Rachel Brosnahan, who has garnered significant critical acclaim for her work on The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, is an ideal fit for portraying a Lois Lane that we’ve never seen before – sharp-witted and quick-talking. Nicholas Hoult stepping into the iconic role of Lex Luthor has fans buzzing with anticipation, as his acting skills are undoubtedly up to the challenge.

All-Star Superman Gets An All-Star Cast

It’s intriguing how James Gunn has chosen to prioritize the best talent over star power when casting for Superman. Notably, the original Superman: The Movie made a mark by selecting an unknown for the lead hero role, while surrounding him with well-known stars like Marlon Brando as Jor-El and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor in supporting roles.

Marvel Studios employed a similar approach when they signed Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman to their cast while Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston were relatively unknown as Thor and Loki respectively. The Superman series features skilled character actors such as Anthony Carrigan and Wendell Pierce, popular figures like Nathan Fillion portraying Mikaela Hoover, and emerging talents like Isabella Merced and Skyler Gisondo.

Although they may not be immediately recognized by many, these actors carry a great deal of respect within their industry. With rising talents such as María Gabriela de Faría and Sara Sampaio, it’s evident that Gunn has carefully chosen his cast members, understanding that true star power lies in the characters themselves.

6 James Gunn’s Track Record

Under James Gunn’s direction, it seems nearly certain that the upcoming Superman movie will be top-notch. Gunn has a knack for turning B-list characters into household names, as seen in Guardians of the Galaxy. He excels at creating films that are both humorously irreverent and filled with heart, depth, and emotion. His work on The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker for DC further demonstrated his ability to increase the violence and gore while still bringing complexity to lesser-known characters. It’s no surprise, then, that Warner Bros. appointed Gunn as co-president of DC Studios.

Superman Will Be Different From Anything Gunn Has Done Before

For Gunn, Superman stands out as an intriguing figure due to being a character that lies beyond his usual areas of interest. Gunn’s creative endeavors in the superhero realm often revolve around antiheroes or morally ambiguous, flawed characters. However, Superman is devoid of such complexities.

In this scenario, a writer named Gunn is taking on the challenge of portraying Superman, a character known for his unmatched moral integrity. However, Superman in Gunn’s hands is expected to be distinct due to the unique style he brings to superhero writing. The intrigue lies in how Gunn will adapt Superman, given his impressive track record and the anticipation surrounding how this new take on a familiar character will unfold. It’s a blend of the predictable (the movie should be good) and the unpredictable (how Superman will be portrayed), which makes it an exciting prospect.

5 We Don’t Know Much, and That’s Exciting

Despite the fact that Superman‘s movie is just nine months away, fans are still clueless about its storyline. This ambiguity stems from a few factors: firstly, no teaser trailer was unveiled at Comic-Con a year prior to the film’s release, and secondly, even with set photos available, it remains challenging to predict the movie’s plot.

During the production phase of Superman Returns, viewers were aware that it served as a sequel to both Superman: The Movie and Superman II, whereas Man of Steel was intended to revisit the origin story, with General Zod as the antagonist. The plot of Superman remains unknown at this point. Is Lex Luthor the primary adversary in this new film? If he is, what was the purpose of that massive orb seen assaulting Metropolis in the initial preview image? Additionally, why are other members of the Justice League being featured? These questions still remain unanswered, and that adds to the intrigue.

Don’t Spoil It

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I often find myself grappling with the predictability that shrouds modern Hollywood blockbusters. The plot twists are sometimes as obvious as the nose on your face, thanks to overzealous marketing and spoiler-filled trailers. However, when it comes to Jurassic World: Rebirth, I’m intrigued because unlike most superhero movies, the cat is not already out of the bag. The synopsis for this film has been released well in advance, but even though it’s a week before the release of yet another Superman flick, I can’t predict the outcome here. Unlike other origin stories or villain reveals, this one holds an air of mystery that leaves me on the edge of my seat!

4 The Kick-Off of the DCU

In James Gunn’s DC Universe, the initial soft launch will be with the series “Creature Commandos,” but it is “Superman” that marks the true commencement of his new shared universe. With the announcement that “Peacemaker” Season 2 will premiere a month after “Superman” hits theaters in 2025, this signifies the birth of a fresh cinematic universe. This places significant pressure on “Superman,” yet this is fitting for the character given his history as a trendsetter. Just like how “Superman: The Movie” from 1978 was the first big-budget superhero film, paving the way for the genre much like Superman’s comic debut ushered in the era of superheroes, “Man of Steel,” which launched in 2013, started the DCEU, albeit one that did not fully meet its potential.

DCU Begins

Although some people might grow weary of the idea of a shared universe in films, there’s no denying the intrigue surrounding a fresh beginning. The upcoming Superman movie needs to break away from the DCEU that preceded it and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which remains the benchmark against which all other film universes are compared.

For almost two decades, Marvel Studios has outshone DC in filmmaking, but Superman’s arrival could potentially alter this trend. While audiences might find themselves overwhelmed by years of interconnected storylines within the MCU, Superman and the DC Universe present a fresh beginning for both new and long-time fans to join the adventure.

3 A Superman Movie That Embraces the DC Universe

One distinctive feature that sets Superman apart from previous films lies in its intricate connection to the DC Universe right from the start. Unlike earlier films featuring Superman like those starring Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh in Superman Returns, which centered solely around characters from the Superman comics, this film has a broader focus, although it still heavily emphasizes Batman, with only Batman, Alfred, and Wonder Woman being major characters, while the rest of the core cast primarily consists of Superman’s supporting characters.

Instead, let’s consider this: While Batman might be immersed in the dark, gritty world of Gotham City comics, Superman aspires to evoke the atmosphere of a DC Comic, with him still taking center stage. However, he will also pay homage to the broader DC Universe by featuring characters from the Hawk family and Green Lantern, while subtly hinting at the presence of the Justice League.

A World Unlike Any Other

As a supporter, I’m excitedly anticipating the new take on Superman, which promises to immerse audiences in a captivating sci-fi or fantasy realm from the get-go, contrasting starkly with the more grounded world of early Iron Man films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the MCU gradually evolved into a fantastical universe populated by sorcerers, sentient raccoons, and interdimensional travel, this transformation took time. However, it seems that Superman is diving headfirst into this realm right from the start, offering us a tantalizing glimpse of an expansive, vibrant world brimming with possibilities.

2 A Superman Movie That Is Not Afraid of Silver Age Inspiration

Although numerous live-action films about Superman have been made, they’ve barely touched upon the depth and complexity of his rich backstory. Many iconic aspects of Superman’s lore, which are some of the more fantastical and occasionally comical elements introduced during the Silver Age of Comics from the early 1950s to the late 1960s, have been bypassed in the movies to keep Superman relatable. Even a significant portion of Superman’s supporting cast at the Daily Planet has not been fully explored. By 2025, this trend may continue.

In the upcoming portrayal of Superman, we can expect characters such as Cat Grant, Ron Troupe, and Steve Lombard to make an appearance, along with classic elements like Krypto and potentially Supergirl.

Superman Will Be Fantastical

Looking at the movies such as “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad,” and “Peacemaker” clearly demonstrates that James Gunn has no qualms about incorporating the vibrant, whimsical styles typical of comic books, even elements some directors might dismiss as foolish. He wholeheartedly brings characters like Starro the Conqueror or Rocket Raccoon to life on screen, making them appealing to general audiences just as long-time comic book enthusiasts have appreciated for years.

In a nod to the classic comics, Gunn is creating a Superman movie that proudly references “All-Star Superman” as a significant influence. Noted as one of the finest Superman comics ever written, “All-Star Superman” draws heavily on the character’s Silver Age history to craft an enduring and definitive story about the Man of Steel. With his distinct corner of the DC Universe frequently overlooked in films or simplified for TV, it’s possible that audiences have struggled to truly relate to Superman.

1 The World Needs Superman Now More Than Ever

As a passionate moviegoer, it’s no understatement to say that the world could use a hero like Superman right now. When he first graced the pages of DC Comics back in April 1938, America was grappling with the Great Depression. Unlike today’s superheroes who typically battle supervillains, Superman’s early exploits were focused on standing up for the everyday person. He tackled issues such as corrupt landlords, domestic abusers, and employers who took advantage of their workers. In essence, he was the first modern-day crusader for social justice, striving to create a brighter tomorrow for all.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate that over the years, Superman has evolved into an icon of hope and unwavering morality for countless generations, a shining example of goodness who consistently chooses the right path. To rejuvenate this cherished character, perhaps we should retrace his steps back to his origins as a champion for all humanity.

Holding Out for a Hero

The appeal of Superman resurges amidst widespread social, political, and economic turmoil. It’s not hard to see why this iconic character found favor during the Great Depression, World War II, and even when Superman: The Movie was released—times when America grappled with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and Watergate Scandal. Interestingly, audiences favored an anti-hero like Batman during the 2000s and 2010s War on Terror. However, Superman’s return is particularly intriguing at this specific moment in time.

As global tensions escalate, living expenses increase, and concerns grow over potential changes in policies that may affect LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and other marginalized groups under the new presidency, there’s a sense of despair hanging heavy in the air. While Superman is merely a fictional character, it’s unlikely that these issues will simply vanish like scenes from a movie. However, the arrival of Superman on the big screen in 2025 could resonate with contemporary cultural sentiments much like Wonder Woman did in 2017 or Black Panther did in 2018. Although Superman may not exist, the hope and goodness he embodies can be a tangible reality that our world desperately needs more of.

2024-11-15 02:03