On Jul. 11 2025, Superman (2025) opened to eager audiences in the United States and worldwide. As of Aug. 24, 2025, this movie grossed $600 million internationally, with domestic sales reaching $347 million.
This iteration of the Man of Steel’s story is the tenth in a long, rich history of the classic hero. Superman’s character was first introduced in 1938, amid increased global tensions and the rise of fascism around the world.
As Superman’s popularity skyrocketed, he quickly became a symbol of justice, hope, and selflessness. Adaptations soon followed with short serials beginning in 1948 and culminating in Christopher Reeve’s culture-defining series of movies, beginning with Superman (1978). Personally, Reeves’ Superman set the standard for what Superman should be: a being with god-like power who’s really an awkward guy with a heart of gold.
Unfortunately, Zack Snyder had different plans. Man of Steel (2013), starring Henry Cavill as Superman, was traumatizing to say the least. When I first watched Snyder’s abomination in 2015, it was dreary, edgy, and broody; In essence, I had watched a superpowered Batman.
The success of Man of Steel (2013) prompted more movies in the Snyderverse, and, to my horror, more emo Superman. I thought the nightmare would never end…and then they made Justice League movies.
The dark ages are behind us; a new dawn is upon us. After he assumed a leadership role at DC Studios on Nov. 1, 2022, James Gunn went to work on Superman (2025). Gunn is widely considered to be the savior of DC because, so far, he has not done wrong by any reasonable DC fan. He perfectly cast David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult as Superman and Alexander (Lex) Luthor, respectively. This providential casting decision is proof of his skill and respect for moviemaking.
In the sweltering heat of Jul.19, 2025, I went to see Superman (2025) with my friend, senior Nina Hipsher. She isn’t much of a superhero fan, but she enjoyed the movie.
“He’s the people’s Superman,” said Hipsher.
Superman (2025) opens with Superman’s main theme, which creates a triumphant, jovial atmosphere. Then we are immediately thrown into the expository action. Superman writhes in pain from a battle, Lex Luthor hates every single thing to do with Superman, and everything is bright. There’s actual color in this movie, and the sun is shining, unlike some other movies I could name.
Furthermore, true to the comics, Luthor despises Superman for the sole reason that Superman is more loved and admired than he is. Lex also hates Superman because of his alien status and the fact that Superman appeared from nowhere and achieved what Lex had always sought: admiration. Hoult conveys Lex’s malice towards Superman masterfully, especially in scenes where Lex dehumanizes Superman by referring to him as “The alien.”
Throughout the movie, Lex peddles the idea that because Superman is an alien, he is different and therefore dangerous, and must be eliminated. He spends countless hours and billions of dollars on a carefully crafted plan that involves the invasion of an entire country, just to kill Superman.
“I’m not killing you so the Boravian military conflict can proceed. I created the Boravian military conflict so I’d have an excuse to kill you!” Luthor shrieked. Superman, true to his morals, maintained that he would continue to help people (and animals alike), be kind, and be the hero he’s always been.
“You trust everyone and think everyone you’ve ever met is, like, beautiful,” said Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan, about Superman.
“Maybe that’s the real punk rock,” Superman replied.
When hostility, division, and fear reign supreme, look to Superman who relies on compassion, community, and kindness to find a way forward. Life is beautiful, and there’s beauty to be found in every individual; we just have to look for it. Superman (2025) is a reminder that we, too, can be punk rockers (without the music) in the ways we interact with each other, with kindness.
