Superman’s First Reviews: Is DC’s Renaissance Dawning with James Gunn’s Reboot?

Superman’s First Reviews are here, and James Gunn’s Superman 2025 is stirring excitement and debate, raising a big question: is this the start of a DC brand renaissance? Premiering at the TCL Chinese Theatre on July 7, 2025, and releasing globally on July 11, this film kicks off the DC Universe’s DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

Starring David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the reboot aims to redefine DC’s cinematic legacy after the DC Extended Universe’s DCEU rocky run.

While many critics praise its vibrant, hopeful tone, others call it convoluted and CGI-heavy. Let’s analyze these reviews, DC’s past, and whether this marks a new golden era for the iconic brand.

Superman’s First Reviews: A Mixed but Promising StartA Beacon of Hope for DC

Critics are buzzing about Superman as a bold launch for the DCU. Bryan Sudfield of the Life Moves Pretty Fast Podcast praised its heart, humor, and style, calling it a bold yet faithful take, with Corenswet shining.

Fandango’s Erik Davis labeled it a terrific start for DC Studios, and Collider’s Perri Nemiroff lauded its exhilarating action and humor. GQ Magazine called it one of the most distinct superhero films in years, with vibrant colors and a fantastical tone.

On X, Rachel Leishman said it’s a comic book brought to life, evoking hope and happiness, @RachelLeishman, July 8, 2025. These reviews suggest DC is recapturing the optimism and color lost in the DCEU’s darker tone, hinting at a renaissance.

Standout Cast and Comic-Book Vibes

The cast is a major highlight. Brandon Davis of Phase Hero podcast raved about Corenswet’s sincerity and chemistry with Brosnahan’s spiky Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult’s delightfully diabolical Lex Luthor, per Courtney Howard, @Lulamaybelle, July 8, 2025, and Edi Gathegi’s scene-stealing Mister Terrific add depth.

Krypto the superdog charms many, with Peter Howell calling him the real star. The film’s comic-book-inspired visuals, drawing from All-Star Superman, and John Williams’ iconic theme signal DC’s return to its roots, a move critics see as a fresh, family-friendly direction that could revive the brand’s appeal.

The Critics’ Gripes

Not all reviews are rosy. The Daily Beast’s now-deleted review slammed Superman as superficial and silly, bemoaning its CGI overload and weak plot. Peter Howell criticized its focus on spectacle over storytelling, saying it’s not the super start DC needed.

On X, @filmsbyJuan called it a cheap TV show looking movie, despite liking Corenswet, and Nicola Austin noted a convoluted plot. Some, like a World of Reel source, found Krypto’s heavy screentime jarring, suggesting a lack of focus.

These critiques raise doubts about whether Superman can fully usher in a cohesive DC renaissance.

Krypto: Symbol of Risk or Distraction?

Krypto’s role splits opinions. Fans like Howell adore his scene-stealing antics, but others feel he overshadows the narrative, making it a Superman Krypto movie. This quirky choice reflects Gunn’s bold, humorous style, which may define the DCU’s new identity but risks alienating audiences expecting a grounded epic, potentially stalling DC’s revival.

Highlights of Superman’s First Reviews:

• Hopeful Tone: Critics praise the film’s vibrant, optimistic style as a thrilling DCU start, evoking classic Superman comics.

• Stellar Cast: Corenswet, Brosnahan, Hoult, and Gathegi shine, with Krypto stealing scenes.

• Mixed Feedback: Some slam the convoluted plot and excessive CGI, questioning its narrative focus.

• Krypto Divide: The superdog is beloved by some, but others find his prominence distracting.

• Release Date: Superman hits theaters July 11, 2025, after its July 7 premiere.

Does This Signal a DC Renaissance? DC’s Troubled Past

DC’s cinematic history has been a rollercoaster. Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie 1978 set a gold standard, blending spectacle and heart. However, later sequels faltered under mismanagement, and the DCEU, launched with Man of Steel 2013, struggled with inconsistent tone and poor reception, like Batman v Superman’s 28% Rotten Tomatoes score.

By 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery sought to revitalize DC, hiring Gunn and Peter Safran to helm DC Studios. Their DCU, starting with Superman, aims for a unified vision, unlike the DCEU’s fractured approach, making these reviews a critical test of their strategy.

Signs of Revival

Superman’s positive reviews suggest a renaissance is possible. Critics praise its return to Superman’s core values, truth, justice, and kindness, as Gunn described to The Sunday Times, framing it as a story of America and morality.

The inclusion of heroes like Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner sets up a connected DCU, addressing past criticisms of disunity. X users like @bestever23 compare it to Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man for its heartfelt energy, and @neilvagg, after a 30-minute preview, said it captures 30 years of comic lore.

These reactions indicate DC is reconnecting with fans and critics, a key step toward revival.

Challenges Ahead

The mixed reviews highlight hurdles. Critics like Howell argue Gunn’s spectacle-heavy style and convoluted plot echo DCEU flaws, risking audience fatigue. X posts, such as

@htshowbiz echoing The Daily Beast’s harsh take, and @ecranlarge.bsky.social noting moments of awkward humor, suggest not all embrace Gunn’s vision.

Some Snyder fans, vocal on X, mourn the darker tone, with @ecranlarge.bsky.social lamenting, I regret the superman of Zack Snyder. The film’s reported $250 million budget means it must perform financially, needing to earn roughly double to break even, per industry standards. If it stumbles, DC’s renaissance could falter.

A Broader DCU Vision

Superman is just the start. Upcoming projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow 2026, HBO’s Lanterns, and a Clayface horror film show DC’s ambition to diversify tones, from space fantasy to horror, per Gunn’s comments to io9.

This variety, inspired by DC’s graphic novels, could redefine the brand, but only if Superman builds trust. The film’s 2-hour-9-minute runtime, PG-13 rating, and IMAX release aim for broad appeal, but the review embargo’s full lift on July 8, 2025, at 3 PM EST will reveal more.

Rotten Tomatoes scores, expected soon, will clarify its trajectory.Final ThoughtsSuperman’s first reviews offer hope for a DC renaissance, with praise for its vibrant, comic-book heart and stellar cast signaling a return to the brand’s roots.

Yet, criticisms of its chaotic plot and CGI reliance echo past DC missteps, raising doubts about a full revival.

James Gunn’s bold vision, blending hope, humor, and spectacle, sets a new tone, but its success depends on winning over divided fans and delivering at the box office.

As Superman soars into theaters on July 11, 2025, it’s a pivotal moment for DC.

Will it herald a new golden age, or remain a promising but flawed first step? Watch and decide for yourself.