Hope Reborn: How Superman Might Just Save the DC Universe

By Richard Graves, July 7, 2025

"If James Gunn and company can keep this up, the DC Universe might actually have a shot..."

When I first heard that James Gunn would not only be directing the next Superman film but also leading the reboot of the entire DC Universe, I’ll be honest—I was not thrilled. After waiting years for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Black Adam (which, by the way, featured one of my all-time favorite DC characters), one of the first things Gunn axed was any possibility of a sequel. That didn’t sit right with me.

Now, while I was never a huge fan of the Superman films starring Henry Cavill, I actually liked his portrayal of the character. Cavill brought a kind of strength and mythic nobility that felt right for a modern Superman. The DCEU had its fair share of hits and misses. Wonder Woman was arguably the best film of the bunch, even though its sequel squandered the momentum. Aquaman did okay, and The Flash was entertaining—mainly because it brought back Michael Keaton as Batman. Still, it was the kind of movie I’d only rewatch if there was nothing else on during a lazy Sunday. So, yes, I understood DC needed a reboot. I just didn’t think James Gunn was the guy to do it.

Let me explain why. While I genuinely enjoyed the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, I think it inadvertently led to the downfall of the MCU. That quirky, wisecracking, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants energy worked for Star-Lord, but when Marvel tried to apply that tone to every other hero—especially Thor—it just didn’t work. Gunn’s The Suicide Squad was a bright spot in DC’s chaotic lineup, but it still lacked a strong central theme or a compelling villain. So, no, I didn’t have much faith in Gunn steering the DC ship.

That said, I’m a lifelong comic book fan. Since I was three years old, anything Superman has always been an event for me. When I saw Krypto in the first trailer, I knew I’d be there on opening day. I saw the film yesterday with my old friend Brian—we used to sit under trees in the park as kids, reading comics, sipping sodas, and eating chips—and I have to say: I was pleasantly surprised. No—blown away. If James Gunn and company can keep this up, the DC Universe might actually have a shot.

Let’s talk about the Man of Steel himself—David Corenswet. This man is Superman. Now, I’m old enough to remember Christopher Reeve, who will always be the gold standard. But Corenswet captures that same hopeful innocence, that same “boy scout with a spine” energy, while also bringing the modern charm and presence Cavill gave us—minus the brooding. I had seen some mixed early reviews, including one from a favorite podcaster of mine, Snarky Jay, who said Superman spent most of the movie getting beat up. But here’s my take: if Superman doesn’t take a few hits, we’ve got a 30-second film. What made this version shine was that even when he was knocked down, he got back up. That’s Superman. That’s the heart of the character going back to the comics—and especially to Reeve’s portrayal. Even the updated "S" on his chest, which I was skeptical about at first, won me over by the end. David Corenswet is Superman for this generation.

Now, onto Lex Luthor. Nicholas Hoult delivered, hands down, the best Lex Luthor I’ve ever seen on screen. The only portrayal that comes close is Michael Rosenbaum’s from Smallville. Of course, I remember Gene Hackman’s Lex—he worked for that campy ‘70s Superman, even though I never liked how jokey they made the character. Hoult gives us a Luthor with depth, menace, and believable intellect. He blends Hackman’s charm, Rosenbaum’s intensity, and his own fresh menace, resulting in a Luthor driven not just by power, but by envy. His scenes were both unsettling and magnetic.

As for the supporting cast: Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner—look, we comic fans were salty we didn’t get Hal Jordan or John Stewart. Guy is the Green Lantern you get when you can’t get a real Green Lantern. But I’ll be damned—Fillion nailed it. He brought Guy’s brash, annoying, lovable energy to life and made us like him despite ourselves. Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl didn’t have a ton of screen time but did well with what she had. Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific? Brilliant. I never thought I needed a live-action Mr. Terrific, but now I do. As a Black comic book nerd who was way too into science and sci-fi growing up, his portrayal hit me personally. He wasn’t a stereotype, wasn’t comic relief—he was just... dope.

The Daily Planet team deserves some praise too. For the first time since the original Superman films—and maybe Supergirl on TV—the office crew felt believable and well-cast. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane? Outstanding. She channeled the fearless energy of Margot Kidder while modernizing the role. She wasn’t a damsel; she was a partner. Their chemistry is unfolding in an organic, unforced way—nothing like the tragedy-heavy vibe of the Cavill movies.

There’s some socio-political commentary I’ll save for another thread, but let me say this: the movie wasn’t preachy, wasn’t “woke,” and wasn’t trying to check boxes. It was heartfelt, grounded, and emotionally sincere. It didn’t feel like it had something to prove. It just told a good story—about hope, courage, and resilience.

To be honest, the last superhero movie I’ve felt this way about—one I can see myself rewatching over and over—was the original Iron Man.

I walked into this movie a skeptic. I walked out a believer. If Superman is the first chapter in James Gunn’s new DC Universe, then we may finally have something special on our hands.

Next up: Fantastic Four. Until then—be safe, enjoy the movie, and let Superman remind you that hope is never out of style.