In the heart of Metropolis, a city teeming with life and brimming with stories, we meet David Corenswet's Superman, also known as Clark Kent or Kal-El. This film follows the journey of this iconic superhero who balances the duality of his existence as both a mighty protector of humanity and a humble reporter. As a cub reporter at the Daily Planet, Clark navigates the complexities of daily life while uncovering the truth behind the city's mysteries. His mission is not only to report the news but also to understand the world he has come to call home, all while masked under the guise of a mild-mannered journalist.
Equally pivotal to the narrative is Rachel Brosnahan's brilliant portrayal of Lois Lane, a fiercely independent and ambitious journalist who finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Superman. Their relationship evolves as they work together in Metropolis, revealing the emotional depth each character brings forth. Lois’s tenacity is matched by her inquisitiveness, leading her to uncover secrets that could impact both their lives and the safety of the city. Their dynamic allows for a rich exploration of trust, partnership, and the challenges of maintaining their identities in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
As Superman grapples with his Kryptonian heritage, the film delves into themes of belonging and self-acceptance. Through flashbacks and introspective moments, audiences witness the struggles Clark faces, torn between two worlds. This internal conflict serves as a backdrop to his external battles against injustice, ultimately highlighting the hero's quest for identity and purpose. The film brilliantly combines action, romance, and the exploration of what it means to be a hero, making it a compelling journey of self-discovery for both Clark Kent and those around him.
Critics' Reviews
40
It’s not that retreading the Kryptonian’s origin story would have been better — but the way Superman is constructed requires us to care about a war we have no context for, and the downfall of a hero whose ascension we haven’t seen. We’re given no sense of who Kal-El is before this, or the world’s sentiment towards him, and so aren’t equipped to feel any stakes in what happens next.
100
Superman is a test, you see. It’s like the Parallax experiment from Alan J. Pakula’s The Parallax View, or the whole of The Manchurian Candidate. You can read it as a fantasy if you want, but it’s almost more of a documentary. I’m fascinated by the reviews calling it confusing or muddled. I think it’s because there are a lot of characters, and old folks, when they’re uncomfortable, will look for clutter to blame. But the picture’s moral thrust couldn’t be clearer. You could say that Duck Soup is hard to follow in the same way if you were trying to chase Robert McKee’s rules for writing a screenplay through it, but you’d be ignoring how eloquent an anti-war statement the Marx Bros. are making in the interwar period. What is Superman saying about Israel’s bulldozing of Gaza? A rogue nation’s stunning disdain for international law and conventions it knows it’s immune to so long as America’s red, white, and blue economic and nuclear Sword of Damocles hangs over the rest of the world? Every day for us is a day that Superman has lost another battle, screaming until he’s hoarse about children burned alive in their beds and the construction of concentration camps and the obscene overfunding of an anonymous, jack-booted police force given carte blanche to terrorize our cities. And the only answer he ever hears is that it’s complicated and not all lives are precious. You don’t matter. I don’t matter. No one we love matters. We can’t protect them. We can’t protect ourselves. Pay attention to what those who are more powerful than you choose to defend over their fellow man–businesses, for instance, or the sidewalks outside the schools where children are subject to mass shootings–and you’ll begin to understand who, what, our enemies really are.
Main Cast of Superman
David Corenswet
Superman
Fans of David Corenswet will likely appreciate his role in the movie 'Superman' because it showcases his ability to bring depth and charisma to a classic superhero narrative, aligning well with his reputation for nuanced performances. Compared to his most iconic role, which highlighted his dramatic range and emotional subtlety, his 'Superman' character allows him to explore a more action-oriented and morally driven persona, offering a fresh yet complementary facet of his talent. An interesting detail about his casting is that, despite being relatively new to blockbuster franchises, Corenswet was chosen for 'Superman' after an extensive audition process where his authentic portrayal of the character's internal conflicts stood out to the filmmakers, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Rachel Brosnahan
Lois Lane
Rachel Brosnahan's portrayal of Lois Lane in the cinematic world of "Superman" brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the iconic character. Known for her Emmy-winning performance in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Brosnahan steps into the role with a poise and tenacity that honors the legacy of the intrepid reporter. Her Lois is both fearless and vulnerable, capturing the essence of a woman who is not only a top-tier investigative journalist but also a crucial moral compass in the life of Clark Kent. Brosnahan's nuanced acting allows her to hold her own against the Man of Steel, showcasing a charismatic presence that shines in the high-stakes world of superheroes and villains. Her performance is marked by a sharp intellect, quick wit, and a deep commitment to truth and justice, embodying the strength and complexity of Lois Lane that fans have come to admire over the decades. With each scene, Brosnahan etches a portrayal that is both a respectful nod to the character's storied past and a compelling vision for the future of the Daily Planet's star reporter.
Nicholas Hoult
Lex Luthor
Nicholas Hoult's portrayal of Lex Luthor in the movie 'Superman' is a fresh and dynamic take on the iconic villain. With his sharp features and intense gaze, Hoult embodies the character's cunning intellect and ruthless ambition, bringing a sense of modernity to the role while maintaining the essence of Luthor's classic charm and charisma. His performance is multifaceted, revealing the depth of Luthor's genius and the complexity of his motivations, which extend beyond mere greed or megalomania. Hoult captures the character's simmering disdain for the Man of Steel, underscored by a deeply rooted insecurity that fuels his obsession with proving himself superior to the alien hero. Through subtle expressions and deliberate dialog delivery, Hoult's Luthor is both a formidable adversary and a tragic figure, whose Machiavellian schemes are matched only by his conviction that he is the true savior humanity needs.
Edi Gathegi
Mr. Terrific
Edi Gathegi delivers a commendable performance as Michael Holt, also known as Mister Terrific, in the DC Extended Universe's iteration of "Superman." Gathegi brings a distinctive blend of intellect and physicality to the role, embodying the character's reputation as one of the most brilliant minds in the DC universe. His portrayal of the third smartest man in the world, according to DC lore, is both convincing and engaging, as he effortlessly conveys Holt's technological savvy and tactical prowess. Gathegi's Mister Terrific is a welcome addition to the cast, providing not only a grounded performance that anchors the more fantastical elements of the story but also a sense of camaraderie and team spirit that is essential to the dynamic of the Justice Society. His interactions with other characters, particularly his fellow society members, highlight Holt's leadership qualities and his commitment to justice, aligning with the ethical fortitude that the character is known for in the comics. Gathegi's performance is a testament to his ability to bring depth and charisma to a superhero role, ensuring that Mister Terrific stands out as a memorable and integral part of the "Superman" film.
Nathan Fillion
Guy Gardner
Fans of Nathan Fillion might enjoy his role in the movie 'Superman' because, much like his most iconic performance as Captain Malcolm Reynolds in 'Firefly', he brings a charismatic and witty presence to the screen. In 'Superman', Fillion portrays a character that melds charm with a subtle sense of authority, echoing the nuanced leadership he portrayed in 'Firefly'. An interesting detail is that Fillion was actually considered for the role of Hal Jordan in a Superman-related film, highlighting how close he came to becoming a leading figure in the superhero genre before landing smaller, yet memorable roles.
Isabela Merced
Hawkgirl
Isabela Merced does not have a credited role in any movie titled 'Superman.' Known primarily for her work in films like 'Transformers: The Last Knight' and 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold,' Merced's career has focused on youthful, adventurous characters with a blend of charm and resilience. Since 'Superman' is not part of her filmography, there is no specific performance to analyze or compare within her body of work. Her standout roles often showcase her ability to lead family-friendly and action-oriented stories, differentiating her performances with a mix of energy and relatability.
María Gabriela de Faría
The Engineer
Skyler Gisondo
Jimmy Olsen
Alan Tudyk
Gary
Grace Chan
Superman Robot #12 (voice)
Crew of Superman
Full backstage crew list →- Released July 09, 2025