The Superman character has been around since the 1930s. The character appeared in comic books, then a few short years later debuted in cinemas for a limited time. Many who are now referred to as “baby boomers,” grew up with “Adventures of Superman,” the TV series that ran from 1952 – 1958, starring George Reeves as the superhero and action character. It wasn’t until the 1970s when the feature film titled Superman: the Movie starring Christopher Reeve was released. By this time, “boomers” were in their late teens and early 20s, so yes, it was a big thing to view a feature film that brought back the Man of Steel to our entertainment menu. Viewing the new Superman film in 2025 and on the large IMAX theater at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin is absolutely the best experience with the excellent script and performances.
Written and directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Superman (David Corenswet, Twisters, Pearl) stole my heart in his performance of a kind and caring individual on many occasions of interacting with individuals – those he knew and others that are complete strangers who find themselves in peril. Corenswet immerses himself in Gunn’s script and delivers the kindness and positivity that feels authentic to me – a highlight that has been missing in things we see and hear in society today. And the scenes with his dog, Kypto, can make some hearts soften even if they are not pet owners. None of this is meant to say this is not one huge action filled story! Superman is a great guy that gets beaten up often by those who want to eliminate him, but he doesn’t back away from challenges, no matter what their size (or what they look like).
In trying to do good and save people, he has gone to a fictional country to help stop their invasion of another country and avoid people being killed. This leaves some of the U.S. leadership having issues with his independent acts. Fanning the flames is a billionaire, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who has it all and is still jealous of the popularity Superman has – more than his. Hoult is marvelous in this villainous role, especially when he has each meltdown about Superman. There is one dramatic scene that almost left my mouth ajar – you would not want to be in the same room with him. This villain surrounds himself with an influencer girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio), a henchwoman The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría, “The Moodys,” “Deadly Class,” “Yo Soy Franky” TV series) and a mysterious masked Ultraman to turn the public against the Man of Steel.
Superman still has his day job at the Daily Planet as a newspaper reporter, as well as his love for fellow journalist Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). No spoilers here and although this may feel a bit predictable for some viewers, they are each their own individual personalities that lead to real life relationship issues. The audience will see that Lois does not do her job by staying behind the desk all day. She gets in on the action too! Superman also has some help from the metahuman world including Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi, “For All Mankind” and “StartUp” TV series), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced, “The Last of Us” TV series, Madame Web), and the Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). There are some truly humorous scenes when these three step in with their set of skills. Edi Gathegi is one to watch and can be a scene stealer with his character and performance.
There is some spectacular cinematography too by Henry Braham (The Instigators, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3).
Superman is in theaters on July 11 and is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association “for violence, action and language.”
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures’
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