The film Superman, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, premiered on July 11, 2025, in Brazilian theaters, delivering a refreshed take on the iconic DC hero. Featuring two surprising post-credits scenes, the movie stands out for breaking the traditional superhero film formula, offering moments of humor and levity instead of teasers for future sequels. Filmed in locations like Cleveland and Atlanta, the movie presents a classic, virtuous, and approachable Superman, while introducing narrative elements that resonate with the character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The innovative end-credits scenes have sparked discussions among fans and critics, cementing Gunn’s vision as a milestone for the DC cinematic universe.
The film’s debut marks the start of a new era for DC, under the creative leadership of Gunn and producer Peter Safran. With a budget of approximately $200 million, the project aims to revive the franchise’s relevance after years of uneven box office performance. The post-credits scenes, in particular, have been praised for their originality, steering clear of clichés like promises of sequels or grandiose villains.
- Key innovations of the film:
- Focus on Superman’s classic essence, emphasizing his kindness and charisma.
- Post-credits scenes prioritizing humor and character interactions.
- Integration of fantastical elements, like Krypto the dog, with accessible storytelling.
- James Gunn’s direction, blending irreverent humor with genuine emotion.
A fresh approach to the Man of Steel
Superman introduces David Corenswet as the new lead, portraying a version of the hero that recaptures his optimistic and altruistic essence. Unlike earlier films like Man of Steel (2013) by Zack Snyder, which leaned into a darker tone, Gunn’s vision embraces levity and charisma. The story follows Clark Kent as he balances his life as a Daily Planet reporter with his duties as a superhero, facing challenges in Metropolis.
Corenswet, a relatively new face in major roles, has been praised for conveying both vulnerability and strength. The supporting cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, adds depth to the narrative with interactions that enhance the film’s human tone. The inclusion of Krypto, a character from the comics, brings humor and reinforces Superman’s roots.
Gunn, known for Guardians of the Galaxy, applies his knack for blending humor, action, and emotion. The director has stated he drew inspiration from Superman’s original creators, focusing on a hero who embodies hope without falling into stereotypes. This approach has resonated, with the film earning an 85% approval rating on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes as of July 15, 2025.
Post-credits scenes that break conventions
The post-credits scenes in Superman have been a major talking point among fans. The first, shown mid-credits, features Superman and Lois Lane in a lighthearted moment, highlighting their chemistry. The second, at the end of the credits, shows the hero alongside Mister Terrific, played by Edi Gathegi, observing Metropolis after a catastrophic event.
- Details of the post-credits scenes:
- The first scene focuses on the relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane with playful dialogue.
- The second scene depicts a tense interaction between Superman and Mister Terrific.
- The hero makes a self-deprecating remark, calling himself a “jerk” with humor.
- No explicit teasers for sequels, only character-driven moments.
This choice to avoid traditional sequel teases surprised audiences expecting direct connections to other DC films like Wonder Woman or Green Lantern. Instead, Gunn opted for scenes that emphasize character personality and the film’s tone, reflecting his Marvel experience where post-credits scenes often served as teasers.
James Gunn’s impact on DC
James Gunn took on DC’s creative leadership in 2022 alongside Peter Safran, tasked with revitalizing the franchise. After the critical success of The Suicide Squad (2021), Gunn brought his unique vision to Superman, blending comic fidelity with narrative innovation. His background, marked by films like Slither (2006) and Tromeo & Juliet (1996), showcases his ability to balance humor and fantasy, evident in this new release.
The director faced criticism from conservative U.S. groups who accused him of turning Superman into a “woke” symbol due to parallels with the immigrant experience. Gunn countered, stating the film reflects Superman’s universal kindness. The controversy did not dampen the film’s reception, which grossed $150 million globally in its opening weekend.
- Elements highlighting Gunn’s vision:
- Use of irreverent humor balanced with heartfelt emotion.
- Integration of secondary characters like Krypto to enrich the narrative.
- Focus on universal themes like hope and vulnerability.
Public and critical reception
Superman’s premiere generated positive buzz on social media and review platforms. Fans praised the score by John Murphy and the action sequences, which blend cutting-edge visual effects with dynamic choreography. The third act, in particular, was lauded for its scale and emotional impact, featuring sequences of Superman battling an interdimensional threat in Metropolis.
Critics noted the film’s accessibility to new viewers, requiring no prior DC universe knowledge, while offering subtle references for longtime fans. At 2 hours and 9 minutes, the runtime was deemed ideal, maintaining pace without dragging.
- Key praises for the film:
- Standout performances by David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan with notable chemistry.
- Well-choreographed action scenes, especially in the third act.
- Engaging score that amplifies emotional moments.
- Fresh approach avoiding superhero movie clichés.
DC’s cinematic universe context
The DC cinematic universe has faced challenges over the past decades, with films like Justice League (2017) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2022) receiving mixed reviews. While Marvel dominated box offices, DC struggled to establish a cohesive identity. Gunn and Safran’s arrival marked a reinvention, with Superman as the first major test of this new phase.
The film stands out for its narrative independence, functioning as a standalone story with potential for future connections. Projects like Fantastic Four (Marvel) and Harley Quinn (DC), slated for 2025, suggest the superhero genre remains robust but demands innovation to sustain audience interest.
A milestone for DC’s future
Superman’s early success suggests DC is on track to reclaim its cinematic prominence. Gunn’s choice of post-credits scenes that prioritize character development over sequel promises reflects confidence in the main story. The film also establishes Metropolis as a vibrant setting, blending real and digital elements to create a believable, lively city.
The production is seen as a turning point, with plans to expand the DC universe through films and series that balance comic fidelity with narrative innovation. The audience response, both at the box office and on social media, indicates Gunn’s Superman may herald a new era for cinematic heroes.
