Superman: The Most Successful and Controversial Superhero Movie of 2025
Published 6 hours ago
Nic Guastella is a writer, video producer, and on-camera talent focused on pop culture and entertainment. They conceptualize and direct unscripted content and editorial projects — connecting audiences to the people and stories that inspire them. In addition to CBR, they run their own video essay series The Dialogue.
Superman (https://www.cbr.com/tag/superman-2025/) took James Gunn's vision for the DCU to new heights, with a vibrant color palette and a bold, comic book-inspired tone. The stakes were high for this latest reboot of the iconic superhero, and to the delight of Gunn and Warner Bros. Discovery, the movie received largely positive reviews. Despite a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and Forbes reporting $150 million in profit for WBD, Superman remains a topic of intense online debate, and not just for one reason.
The DCU's Man of Steel faced an uphill battle from the start. It wasn't just a Superman movie; it was a significant shift in the DCU's direction, away from the darker, more brooding portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman under Zack Snyder's leadership. With competing fanbases and political landscapes, Superman became a highly contentious topic in superhero movie discourse, despite being the most successful superhero movie of 2025.
A Tale of Two Scorned Superhero Franchises
James Gunn and lead actor David Corenswet weren't just reinventing Superman; they were stepping into uncharted territory. Gunn, previously with Marvel, took on the role of Co-CEO of the new DC Studios, making Superman a pivotal project for his career. The movie's meta-narrative was clear: could they entice Marvel fans, or even those disillusioned with Gunn, to embrace the DCU? The challenge was not just to win over MCU fans but to shift the perception of the popular intellectual property, which had been dominated by the DCEU's darker take on Superman.
The Political Landscape and Misinterpretation
The politically charged environment Superman entered this summer was inevitable. The character's iconic slogan, "truth, justice, and the American way," invited political interpretation. During the press tour, Gunn openly discussed the film's political undertones, explaining that it was about morality and the story of America, an immigrant's journey, and the importance of basic human kindness. However, these comments sparked controversy, as they were seen as a political allegory in a time of heightened political tension.
The politicization of Superman, especially its depiction of fictional nations Jarhanpur and Boravia, further fueled the debate. The timing of Warner Bros. Discovery's potential merger discussions with Netflix, Comcast/NBCUniversal, and Paramount Skydance Corp. added to the uncertainty surrounding Gunn's future with the DCU, leaving fans speculating about the direction of the franchise.
Superman's Soft Approach to Masculinity
Beyond political commentary, Superman faced criticism for its soft take on masculinity. The film challenged traditional notions of male heroism, with Corenswet's Clark Kent displaying vulnerability and emotion. This approach, reminiscent of Greta Gerwig's Barbie, which deconstructed femininity, sparked debate. Some viewed it as a necessary evolution of the character, while others saw it as emasculation, reflecting Hollywood's trend of 'softening' male heroes.
The discussion around Superman's masculinity became particularly heated, especially given the departure from Snyder's tone and the movie's apparent disregard for traditional machismo. Gunn's emphasis on 'basic human kindness' and his critique of online toxicity positioned Superman as a counter to modern toxic masculinity, a perspective that divided audiences.
Release Date and Cast
- Release Date: July 11, 2025
Runtime: 130 minutes
David Corenswet as Superman
Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
