Initial buzz for James Gunn’s highly anticipated film “superman” is taking flight following the lifting of the social media embargo. Film press and critics are sharing their first impressions, positioning the movie as a crucial and promising launch for a revitalized DC universe on the big screen. Directed by Gunn, known for his work on “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad,” this production arrives as he, alongside Peter Safran, oversees DC Studios, charting a long-term course for the iconic comic book characters after what has been described as a period where the franchise “lost its creative footing.” early reactions suggest the film successfully sets a fresh, thrilling tone for this new era.
Early Reactions Signal a “Thrilling Start”
The consensus from many early viewers is overwhelmingly positive. Critics are describing “Superman” as a “thrilling start” to James Gunn’s ambitious DC Studios slate. This film represents the official kickoff for their planned universe, emphasizing quality over quantity, a strategic approach noted as somewhat unexpected in typical Hollywood executive leadership. Reviewers praised the film’s balanced approach, calling it both “bold yet faithful” to the source material. This blend of fresh perspective while honoring the character’s established legacy appears to be a key strength.
One critic, Bryan Sudfield, lauded “Superman” for reportedly soaring “with heart, humor, and style.” He noted that Gunn’s vision establishes a new tone while respectfully acknowledging the hero’s long history. This sentiment was echoed by others who saw the film as bringing a much-needed lightness and happiness to the beloved character, feeling like a “comic book brought to life.” Another reaction highlighted the movie as potentially the “BEST #Superman movie to date,” suggesting strong conviction among some early viewers about its quality and potential to make believers in Gunn’s vision for DC.
Praise for David Corenswet as the Man of Steel
A major highlight consistently mentioned in the first wave of reactions is David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman. Critics are calling his performance “exceptional,” shining “with sincerity and strength.” Entertainment journalist Brandon Davis specifically praised Corenswet for embodying an “excellent iteration” of the hero, citing his sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational qualities.
Corenswet himself has shared insights into his approach, revealing he deliberately aimed for a “bright and optimistic” Superman, seeking to differentiate his portrayal from previous iterations. He admitted he initially looked for reasons not to take on the iconic role, but ultimately accepted it as a dream opportunity he would have pursued even if it were his only film part. This personal conviction seems to resonate on screen, with multiple reviewers describing his take as “bright and optimistic” and Corenswet as the “Perfect Man of Steel” who was seemingly “Born To Play Superman.” His embodiment of the strength and honor of the character is being widely recognized.
“Off The Charts” Chemistry Between Leads
Beyond Corenswet’s solo performance, the dynamic between Superman and Lois Lane is reportedly a significant draw. The chemistry between Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan is frequently cited as a major strength of the film. Brandon Davis called their connection “off the charts,” describing it as an “excellent driver” for the movie’s narrative.
Other reactions mirrored this praise, highlighting their pairing as “electric.” Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane has also received specific mentions, with one critic describing her as a “spiky” take on the investigative reporter. The relationship between Clark and Lois is central to the Superman mythology, and these early reactions suggest Gunn’s film successfully captures this vital connection, making it a compelling core element of the story.
A Mixed Review Offers a Counterpoint
While the initial social media response leans heavily positive, not all reactions are glowing. Film critic Peter Howell offered a contrasting perspective, stating that “Superman” was “not the super start to the DC Universe everybody had been hoping for.” Howell suggested the film prioritized style over substance, finding Gunn brilliant at spectacle but less so at storytelling in this instance.
This less favorable review described Corenswet’s Superman as “boyishly sweet,” but also “constantly getting his ass kicked,” even suggesting he’d be better suited for a character like Dudley Do-Right. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor was called more “obnoxious than villainous,” and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois was deemed “spiky.” Interestingly, this review singled out Superman’s superdog, Krypto, as the “real star of the show,” stealing every scene and prompting the critic to muse they’d rather see a movie centered on the canine character. While this represents a minority view in the initial reactions, it provides a necessary counterpoint to the widespread acclaim.
James Gunn’s Vision and Supporting Cast
James Gunn has previously spoken about the themes central to his “Superman” film. He views Superman’s story as inherently tied to “the story of America,” emphasizing the narrative of an immigrant who came from elsewhere and populated the country. More broadly, he frames the film around the idea that “basic human kindness is a value,” and explores moral debates, such as Superman’s absolute stance against killing compared to potentially different opinions held by Lois. Their relationship and differing views on fundamental moral beliefs are central to the story, reflecting Gunn’s interest in character-driven narratives despite the large-scale superhero context.
The film features a diverse supporting cast bringing various DC characters to the screen. Alongside Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult, the ensemble includes Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific (also receiving positive mentions in early buzz), Nathan Fillon as Guy Gardner, and Isabela Mercad as Hawkgirl, among others. This assembly of heroes and villains is part of Gunn and Safran’s strategy to build a connected, expansive universe from the ground up.
Context for the New DC Universe
The release of “Superman” is a pivotal moment for DC Studios. James Gunn and Peter Safran took control in 2022 with a mandate to revitalize the brand and establish a coherent, long-term plan. This film is positioned as the first true test of their leadership and creative direction for the core cinematic universe. While they inherited some projects from the previous regime, such as the “Joker” sequel and the successful “The Penguin” series (which spun off from “The Batman”), “Superman” is their foundational piece, designed to set the tone for future films and television shows.
The film’s debut is highly anticipated globally. For instance, it is noted as the leading title set to arrive in UK and Ireland cinemas in the week of its release, scheduled for a wide rollout in various formats including 2D, 3D, Imax, and Dolby Vision. This anticipation is amplified by the early social media buzz, building excitement for audiences worldwide eager to see the next chapter for the Man of Steel and the dawn of Gunn’s DC Universe. The film is set to open in theaters on July 11th from Warner Bros. and DC Studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main takeaways from the initial ‘Superman’ film reactions?
Early reactions to James Gunn’s “Superman” are predominantly positive. Reviewers are praising the film as a “thrilling start” to the new DC Universe, noting its blend of “heart, humor, and style” while remaining faithful to the character. A significant highlight is David Corenswet’s performance as Superman, described as “exceptional” and embodying hope and optimism, along with “off the charts” chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. While one mixed review criticized the storytelling, the overall buzz points to a well-received launch.
How does ‘Superman’ fit into James Gunn’s new DC Universe plans?
“Superman” is positioned as the official launch film for the rebooted DC Universe under the creative leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. They took charge of DC Studios with a vision for a connected, high-quality narrative across film, TV, and animation. This movie is the first major theatrical project fully representative of their era, aiming to establish the tone, characters, and foundational elements for the interconnected stories planned for the franchise over the next decade.
What do early reactions say about David Corenswet’s performance as Superman?
David Corenswet is receiving widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the Man of Steel. Initial reactions describe him as “exceptional,” shining with sincerity, strength, heroism, and purity. Many feel he embodies the iconic role perfectly and that his take is bright and optimistic, successfully differentiating itself while honoring the character. His performance is consistently highlighted as a standout element of the film, contributing significantly to the positive early buzz.
Conclusion
The initial wave of social media reactions for James Gunn’s “Superman” paints a picture of a successful and exciting launch for the new DC Universe. With praise directed towards its blend of heart and action, its faithful yet fresh approach, and particularly strong acclaim for lead David Corenswet and his chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan, the film appears to be resonating positively with early viewers. As the movie prepares for its worldwide debut on July 11th, this early buzz sets a hopeful tone for the future of the Man of Steel and the ambitious cinematic universe being built by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
References
- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/it/news/ni65368815/?ref=nmnwr_2″>www.imdb.com
- ca.news.yahoo.com
- variety.com
- www.imdb.com
