Superman’s First Reviews: Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane Steals the Show?

Superman’s First Reviews are pouring in for James Gunn’s Superman 2025, and Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane is sparking major buzz. Premiering at the TCL Chinese Theatre on July 7, 2025, and hitting theaters worldwide on July 11, this DC Universe DCU reboot stars David Corenswet as Superman, with Brosnahan as the iconic Daily Planet reporter.

Known for her Emmy-winning role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Brosnahan brings a fresh take to Lois, a character beloved since her 1938 comic debut.

Critics and fans are divided, praising her fiery, intelligent performance while some question her fit for the role. Let’s compile every review and comment on Brosnahan’s Lois Lane to see if she’s redefining this legendary character.

What Critics and Fans Say About Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane?

A Fiery, Modern Lois

Critics are raving about Brosnahan’s dynamic portrayal. Brandon Davis of the Phase Hero podcast highlighted her off-the-charts chemistry with David Corenswet’s Superman, calling her Lois spiky, spirited, and a perfect foil to Clark’s sincerity.

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff praised her as whip-smart and tenacious, noting she captures Lois’s journalistic grit while adding emotional depth to her romance with Clark.

Fandango’s Erik Davis described her as a standout, embodying a bold, modern Lois who drives the story forward. These reviews, echoed across major outlets, position Brosnahan as a vibrant, contemporary take on the character, blending classic spunk with nuanced vulnerability.Comic-Book Authenticity

On X, fans like Rachel Leishman lauded Brosnahan for bringing a comic book brought to life energy, saying her Lois is both fiercely independent and deeply connected to Superman’s mission, @RachelLeishman, July 8, 2025.

A post from @bestever23 compared her to Margot Kidder’s iconic Lois from the 1978 film, praising her quick wit and fearless attitude.

The film draws from modern comics like All-Star Superman, and critics note Brosnahan nails Lois’s role as a Pulitzer-winning reporter who’s unafraid to challenge authority, per GQ Magazine’s review.

Her performance is seen as a nod to Lois’s roots while updating her for today’s audience.

Chemistry That Sparks

The Superman-Lois romance is central to the film, and Brosnahan’s chemistry with Corenswet is a highlight. Brandon Davis emphasized their electric dynamic, saying it grounds the film’s fantastical elements.

Nicola Austin, despite mixed feelings about the plot, called their scenes heartwarming, with Brosnahan shining in moments of tenderness and defiance. X user @neilvagg, after a 30-minute preview, raved about their palpable connection, noting Brosnahan’s Lois feels like a partner, not a damsel.

This chemistry, critics argue, elevates Lois beyond a supporting role, making her a co-lead in the narrative.

Mixed Reactions and Criticisms

Not every review is glowing. Some critics and fans question Brosnahan’s casting. The Daily Beast’s now-deleted review, while harsh on the film, noted her Lois feels overly polished, lacking the rough edges of past portrayals like Kate Bosworth’s in Superman Returns.

On X, @filmsbyJuan, who panned the film as a cheap TV show looking movie, admitted Brosnahan’s performance is solid but argued she doesn’t fully embody Lois’s scrappy charm.

A World of Reel source suggested her scenes, while strong, are overshadowed by Krypto’s prominence, diluting her impact. These critiques suggest Brosnahan’s polished style may not resonate with all fans of the traditionally feisty Lois.

A New Standard for Lois Lane?

Despite naysayers, many see Brosnahan setting a new benchmark. Courtney Howard,

@Lulamaybelle, July 8, 2025, called her a revelation, blending intelligence, humor, and heart in a way that honors Lois’s legacy.

Peter Howell of the Toronto Star, though critical of the film, admitted Brosnahan’s Lois is a bright spot, carrying scenes with sharp delivery. Her performance is praised for balancing Lois’s career-driven ambition with her emotional stakes in Superman’s journey, a dynamic Gunn emphasized in interviews with The Sunday Times, noting Lois as the story’s moral compass.

Highlights of Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane Reviews

• Fiery Performance: Critics praise Brosnahan’s spiky, tenacious Lois, blending grit and vulnerability.

• Electric Chemistry: Her dynamic with Corenswet’s Superman is a standout, grounding the film.

• Comic-Book Roots: Fans and critics laud her as a modern yet authentic take, inspired by All-Star Superman.

• Some Criticism: A few find her too polished or overshadowed by Krypto’s screentime.

• Release Date: Superman, featuring Brosnahan, hits theaters July 11, 2025.

Context of Brosnahan’s Casting

Brosnahan’s casting was announced in June 2023, generating excitement due to her proven range in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Gunn described her as one of the best actors he’s worked with, per a Variety interview, citing her ability to convey intelligence and warmth.

At 34, Brosnahan is younger than some past Lois Lanes, like Amy Adams, but her age aligns with the film’s focus on a younger Clark Kent. The film’s 2-hour-9-minute runtime and PG-13 rating give her ample screentime, with Lois integral to the plot’s exploration of hope and morality, per Gunn’s comments to io9.

Her role includes action-oriented scenes, a departure from traditional portrayals, which some X fans, like @htshowbiz, called thrillingly bold.The mixed reactions reflect broader debates about Lois’s evolution.

Fans of Teri Hatcher’s Lois & Clark or Adams’s DCEU Lois expect different tones, and Brosnahan’s polished, comic-inspired take may not satisfy all. Yet, her defenders argue she captures Lois’s essence, a fearless reporter who’s Clark’s equal, as seen in positive X posts like @bestever23’s. The review embargo’s full lift on July 8, 2025, at 3 PM EST, will bring more insights, with Rotten Tomatoes scores soon to gauge consensus.

Does Brosnahan Redefine Lois Lane?

Superman’s first reviews position Rachel Brosnahan as a standout, with her fiery, intelligent Lois Lane earning widespread praise for capturing the character’s comic-book spirit and modern edge.

Her chemistry with Corenswet and nuanced performance elevate the film, though some critics and fans find her too polished or underutilized amid the film’s chaotic elements.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As the DCU’s Lois, Brosnahan faces high expectations, but her portrayal is sparking excitement for the character’s future, potentially in projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow 2026.

Catch Superman in theaters on July 11, 2025, to see if Brosnahan’s Lois Lane steals your heart.