Why Superman (2025) is a Good Start for DC Studios’ New DCU, but How it Can Also Create Problems Going Deeper into the Universe

Why Superman (2025) is a Good Start for DC Studios’ New DCU, but How it Can Also Create Problems Going Deeper into the Universe

When James Gunn announced that Superman (2025) would be the official starting point of the new DC Universe, expectations shot through the roof. Released on July 11, 2025, the film reintroduces Clark Kent with David Corenswet donning the cape, positioning the Man of Steel as both a symbol of hope and the face of a revitalized franchise. The result is a movie that succeeds in refreshing Superman’s identity for modern audiences while also raising some tough questions about the long-term health of the DCU.

A Fresh and Hopeful Superman

The greatest strength of Superman (2025) lies in its tone. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for leaning into the essence of Superman as an inspiring figure, one who embodies warmth, kindness, and resilience rather than cold, god-like detachment. Corenswet delivers a charismatic, grounded performance, capturing both Clark Kent’s awkward charm and Superman’s heroic vulnerability. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s fiery Lois Lane feels natural and elevates their dynamic beyond the usual reporter-hero trope. Krypto the dog was cute, charming and fun.

Equally impressive is Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, who brings a slick, modern menace that feels right at home in today’s world of tech billionaires. He’s not cartoonishly evil, but a calculating manipulator—making his presence a strong anchor for the film. The Justice Gang appearances—Nathan Fillion’s cocky Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced’s fierce Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi’s scene-stealing Mister Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho, blending charm and tragedy. However, whenever Metamorpho’s baby shows up on screen, the CGI wobbles, feeling awkward and unfinished compared to other effects.

Technical Flourishes: Music, Action, and Visuals

On the technical front, the film feels vibrant and energetic. The cinematography mimics comic book panels, lending a splashy, colorful look that sets it apart from previous iterations. While the CGI sometimes stumbles, especially in over-ambitious sequences like Metamorpho’s transformations, most of the set-pieces deliver the sense of scale expected from Superman.

The score by John Murphy and David Fleming deserves special recognition. Their modernized take on John Williams’ iconic theme pulses with energy and emotion, creating the kind of goosebump-inducing moments that linger after the credits roll. For many fans, it’s this score—particularly Superman’s bass-heavy motif—that stays etched in memory.

Bold Screenplay Choices

One area that deserves praise, even with its imperfections, is the screenplay’s ambition. James Gunn clearly wanted to kick off the DCU with a bang, packing the film with multiple characters, political allegories, and global stakes. Some critics argue that this approach left the narrative feeling rushed and episodic, but others admire the effort to weave in threads that connect to future stories.

The inclusion of elements like the Engineer (setting up The Authority), references to Peacemaker, and Rick Flag Sr. show how deliberately the DCU is being built. Even Supergirl’s appearance at the end plants seeds for upcoming films. As a launchpad, Superman (2025) is undeniably successful in laying out the blueprint.

The Problems Beneath the Shine

But here’s where the conversation gets complicated. The movie’s comic-book vibrancy—its willingness to embrace wild concepts like pocket universes, reality-tearing tech, and omnipotent gadgets—creates a tonal challenge. While this works in the context of a bright Superman adventure, it risks making the DCU feel ungrounded when expanded.

Take for example the “too comic booky” logic: Mr. Terrific’s spheres can do almost anything, Metamorpho can literally conjure Kryptonite and even a miniature sun, yet somehow Lex Luthor—a mere human—still manages to outsmart, kidnap, and corner Superman. These contradictions undermine the stakes. If characters can bend reality at will, but villains can still trap them through convenience, it weakens believability.

And that’s the crucial point: there is a difference between comic books and live-action films. In comics, the “anything is possible” logic is accepted because panels move fast and imagination drives the page. But cinema requires a touch of reality to ground the fantasy. Without that grounding, the DCU risks feeling like spectacle without consequence—more like a cartoon than a lived-in world.

Superman can fly into black holes or survive cosmic-scale battles, but how will this aesthetic mesh with a grounded, noir-inspired Batman when he inevitably enters the picture? That contrast could either become the DCU’s strength—or its undoing.

Another issue is emotional depth. While the film hits the right beats of optimism and warmth, the emotional resonance isn’t as strong as it could be. Some character moments pass too quickly, with scenes rushing toward spectacle rather than allowing audiences to fully sit with the humanity behind the capes. If the DCU continues at this pace, it risks creating a cinematic world that feels more like a live-action comic than a believable reality.

Final Verdict: A Promising but Precarious Start

At its core, Superman (2025) is a joyful, action-packed relaunch that gets the fundamentals right: a hopeful Superman, a strong supporting cast, and a cinematic style that feels unmistakably comic book. David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, and the ensemble—including Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, and Anthony Carrigan—shine in their roles. The music, the energy, and the sheer ambition of James Gunn’s vision give fans reason to be excited.

Yet, the very same choices that make the film so comic-accurate could create hurdles for the wider DCU. If every corner of this universe operates on “anything goes” comic logic, the tension and realism needed for characters like Batman—or for emotionally weighty stories—may get lost. Gunn and his team will need to strike a careful balance between fantastical spectacle and grounded storytelling to ensure the DCU grows sustainably.

For now, Superman (2025) stands as a good start—not flawless, but hopeful. It reclaims Superman’s heart and sets the stage for a sprawling universe. Whether this universe soars or stumbles will depend on how well it can reconcile its comic book roots with cinematic realism in the years to come.

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