On April 9, 2025, James Gunn, the visionary director behind the upcoming Superman film set for release on July 11, took to social media to share an exciting update that has sent waves of anticipation through the DC fandom. Gunn revealed that early viewers—comprising critics, industry insiders, and select fans—have hailed his take on the Man of Steel as the “closest” adaptation to the character’s comic book roots yet seen on the big screen. Even more striking, some have claimed it nearly rivals the iconic peak of Christopher Reeve’s portrayal from the 1978 classic Superman: The Movie. With the film poised to launch the rebooted DC Universe (DCU), these bold assessments have only heightened the already feverish excitement surrounding David Corenswet’s debut as Clark Kent.
Gunn’s comments come after a series of private screenings held in recent weeks, offering a first glimpse at what he’s crafted since taking the helm of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran in 2022. Known for blending heart, humor, and spectacle in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn has promised a Superman that honors the character’s rich history while forging a new path. “I’ve heard from people who’ve seen it—writers, artists, and fans—and they’re saying it’s the Superman they’ve always wanted from the comics,” Gunn wrote. “Some even say it’s so close to Reeve’s magic that it’s almost like he’s back with us.” The comparison to Reeve, whose earnest and heroic portrayal remains the gold standard for many, is no small praise, and it underscores the delicate balance Gunn has aimed to strike between legacy and innovation.
The film, simply titled Superman, stars David Corenswet as the titular hero, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor rounding out a stellar ensemble. Unlike Zack Snyder’s brooding, conflicted Superman embodied by Henry Cavill, Gunn’s version reportedly leans into Kal-El’s optimism and humanity—qualities that echo both the comics’ Golden and Silver Age depictions and Reeve’s timeless performance. Early footage unveiled at CinemaCon earlier this month showcased Corenswet’s Superman battered but resolute, aided by Krypto the Superdog in a snowy Fortress of Solitude, a scene that blends comic-accurate whimsy with emotional heft. The inclusion of classic elements like the red trunks, a nod to Jim Lee’s New 52 design, and a John Williams-inspired score further fuel the sentiment that Gunn has tapped into the character’s purest essence.
Reeve’s Superman, directed by Richard Donner, redefined superhero cinema with its blend of grandeur and sincerity. His Clark Kent was a bumbling everyman, his Superman a beacon of hope, and the film’s practical effects and sweeping narrative made audiences believe a man could fly. Gunn, a self-professed fan of that era, has openly cited influences ranging from Donner’s film to Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman and the DC Animated Universe. “We’re not copying anyone,” he clarified in a follow-up post, “but we’re taking the best of what’s come before—comics, Reeve, even Snyder’s strengths—and building something new.” This approach has resonated with those who’ve seen the film, with one insider describing it as “a love letter to Superman’s history that still feels fresh for 2025.”
The road to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. After Cavill’s exit following a brief return in Black Adam, fans were divided over the decision to recast rather than continue the DCEU storyline. Corenswet, standing at an imposing 6’4” like Reeve, faced scrutiny until set photos and trailers began to sway skeptics. Gunn’s meticulous process—inviting comic creators to the set, screening Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story for the cast, and ensuring practical effects where possible—has paid off in building trust. The film’s reported runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes promises a tight, focused story, exploring Clark’s dual identity as a Metropolis reporter and Kryptonian savior, a dynamic Reeve mastered decades ago.
What sets Gunn’s Superman apart, according to early reactions, is its heart. Scenes of Clark interacting with a vibrant Daily Planet crew—Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Perry White (Wendell Pierce)—and facing off against a cunning Luthor evoke the serialized charm of the comics. Meanwhile, the presence of other DC heroes like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) hints at a broader universe, yet Superman remains the emotional core. “It’s not just action,” one viewer noted. “It’s about why he fights—for kindness, for us.” That sentiment mirrors Reeve’s portrayal, where every rescue carried weight beyond spectacle.
As the July release nears, Gunn’s revelation has ignited debates over whether this Superman can truly rival Reeve’s. For some, Reeve’s peak is untouchable—a product of its time and pioneering spirit. For others, Gunn’s fusion of comic fidelity and modern storytelling might just soar higher. With a cast cameo from Will Reeve, Christopher’s son, as a reporter, the film bridges past and present, ensuring the Man of Steel’s legacy endures. Whether it reaches Reeve’s heights or charts its own course, Superman 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment for the hero—and for DC’s cinematic future.
