Movies SUPERMAN (Dragonlord's Review, post #1)

If you have seen SUPERMAN (2025), how would you rate it?


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For me, Warner Bros. is the more nervous with Superman than Marvel is with First Steps. The stakes are much higher on the DC side. Here's my take on it.

Gunn's Superman is the first movie in their brand new reboot cinematic universe (DCU). Their previous DCEU had a solid start but by the end, a lot of moviegoers were rejecting almost everything they churned out and did so poorly to flat out bombed at the box office (The Flash, Shazam 2, Blue Beetle, Aquaman 2, Black Adam, Birds of Prey). That's why WB decided to reboot everything and start fresh. If their first film for the DCU, Superman, fails to be received positively by moviegoers, their brand is tainted going forward and a lot of people are not going to see their future movies.

Gunn's Superman does not have to do extremely well at the box office. It just needs to be a hit with most of the audience to develop goodwill and to ensure a good start for their new DCU. Besides, if Superman is liked by the audience, it can make up for it with ancillary revenue from home video sales, TV sales and streaming.

If First Steps flop (which I don't think it will), Marvel still has their biggest, heavy hitters around the block with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Not to mention they still have the X-Men reboot in their back pocket.

<mma4>
 
People who watch this movie are obviously going to have some appreciation for the comic book. It's not a movie you would see for any other reason.

Just like nobody watches martial arts movies unless they dont like to watch martial arts.

When there’s a new remake or reboot starring a very popular fictional character, everybody has their own preference on what the character should look like, what their personality should be, what their backstory should be, and a multitude of other little details people expect out of that character. So just because it's a new Superman movie, not everybody will be on the same page.

Take for example, Spider-Man. There have been three live-action versions of Spider-Man in the movies played by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland. All three versions have their own personality, fighting style, backstory, different relationships, and different tones to their movies.

Tobey’s Peter Parker was more introverted, awkward and emotionally sensitive, stressing the weight of responsibility and inner conflict. His fighting style is more grounded. The tone of his films emphasized the drama of Peter's life, the struggle to balance his dual identities, and the personal consequences of his actions. Some fans are not pleased with Tobey’s portrayal because the character was less dynamic and less quippy like in the comics. The tone of Tobey’s movies have a more melodramatic and operatic feel, with a focus on classic superhero themes and a more fantastical visual style.

Andrew’s Peter Parker was more outgoing, confident and intelligent. He is more sarcastic and quippy. His fighting style is more acrobatic and dynamic. Andrew’s films delves deeper into Peter's backstory, exploring his parents' disappearance. Some fans find him too cocky and unrelatable. The tone of Andrew’s films have a grittier, more modern feel, with a greater emphasis on action.

Holland's Spidey is praised for his youthfulness, awkwardness, and strong connection to his high school life. Some fans criticized Hollands version on relying too heavily on Stark tech. Holland’s Spidey movies have a lighter, more humorous tone, often incorporating elements of teen drama and comedy while still dealing with serious stakes.

As you can see, it’s the same character but portrayed differently and with their own tone and story. You can apply the same thing to other popular character that have been told with different interpretations over the decades – James Bond, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Batman and many more.

So it’s not that shocking that different people have different standards and expectations for a Superman movie. Some want their Superman to be like in the comics, which also has a lot of variations over the years. Some want their Superman to be more like Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh or Henry Cavill's versions. Some want their Superman to be like in the cartoons. Some want their Superman to be like in the TV series (Smallville, Lois and Clark or Superman and Lois) And that’s why not everybody is going to like James Gunn’s Superman because it has a different tone, story, pacing, character portrayal, direction and whatever else to what they are expecting or what has been done before.
 
Update: July 13, 2025

SUPERMAN Saves the Day for DC Studios with $125 Million Opening Weekend for a $220 Million Global Start

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The Man of Steel is back. James Gunn's Superman, one of the summer’s most anticipated tentpoles, flew to a solid box office debut of $125 million in North America and $95 million overseas for an estimated global launch of $220 million.

The movie is a seminal moment in rebooting both DC Studios — which has struggled badly in recent years — and one of Hollywood’s most iconic comic book film franchises. Gunn is in a unique position, being both the film’s writer-director and the co-head of the Warner Bros.-owned DC, which he runs with Peter Safran.

Superman is the first superhero film to cross $100 million in its North American bow since Marvel Studios and Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine launched to $211 million in summer 2024 (“superhero fatigue” has become part of the Hollywood lexicon). And it’s the first DC title to cross $100 million in eight long years since Wonder Woman debuted to $103.3 million in 2017.

To boot, it beat Zack Snyder’s 2013 film Man of Steel ($116.7 million) to rank as the biggest domestic launch ever for a solo Superman pic, not adjusted for inflation.

Snyder’s mash-up Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice scored the biggest DC opening of all time when earning $166.6 million over Easter weekend in 2016. In 2006, Bryan Singer‘s Superman Returns unfurled midweek in North America for a six-day start of $84 million, including $52.5 million over the three-day weekend, which is considered the film’s official opening number.

Gunn’s movie is only the third Hollywood title of 2025 to launch north of $100 million after fellow Warners tentpole A Minecraft Movie, which opened to $162.8 million, and Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, which sewed up $146 million in its debut. Crossing the century mark is no small feat for any movie in the post-pandemic era, and particularly for the troubled superhero genre.

Until now, Gunn was best known for being the mastermind behind Marvel’s blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The second Guardians boasts his biggest domestic opening at $146.5 million. Superman isn’t likely to beat that record, but it could supplant 2013’s Guardians threequel ($118.2 million) to rank as his second best, not adjusted for inflation.

While tracking services predicted Superman would gross north of $130 million, Warners and DC were more conservative in forecasting $100 million-plus. And even rival studios cautioned that the marketplace is over-saturated with male-skewing fare, between Universal’s Fourth of July blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth and F1: The Movie, from Apple Original Films in partnership with Warners.

According to Friday exit polls, 68 percent of Superman ticket buyers were male, while nearly two-thirds of the audience were between the ages of 18 and 34. While fanboys are known for rushing out on opening weekend, older moviegoers are likely to bide their time and avoid the crowds. And gender-wise, the makeup of the audience could even out to some degree. Nearly 50 percent of the gross came from Imax, Dolby Cinema and other PLF screens.

The pic should enjoy a long run thanks to strong word-of-mouth. Critics and audiences alike are embracing the film. The pic earned an A- CinemaScore from moviegoers, the same grade given to Man of Steel and ahead of Superman Returns‘ B+. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is a stellar 94 percent, while the critics’ score is a pleasing 82 percent. The event title is also playing to an ethnically diverse audience, another key advantage.

The movie marks the first DC film entry for Gunn since he took over the reins of the superhero label with Safran in November 2022. Other upcoming DC Studios projects include HBO’s Green Lantern series, Lanterns, and a Supergirl movie due out in 2026.

 
Just got back from seeing it and man... there's A LOT going on and it just didn't have a chance to breathe.

I liked everybody in their roles except for Lex. He came off as petulant and just wouldn't shut the fuck up. I wish Krypto would've just killed him.

The Lois and Clark chemistry is a MAJOR strength for this movie. Just wish there was more of them.

David is off to a great start as Superman and Rachel crushed it as Lois.

I don't feel like typing out all of my thoughts, but I view it in a favorable manor and I wouldn't mind seeing these characters again.

Before I give my rating, I do see why people love it. Some of the things just didn't hit with me.

6/10... pretty servicable start to the DCU.

This was NOT worth canceling Superman and Lois for, though.
 
James Gunn thanks the fans:

"I'm incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days. We've had a lot of "Super" in Superman over the years, and I'm happy to have made a movie that focuses on the "man" part of the equation - a kind person always looking out for those in need. That that resonates so powerfully with so many people across the world is in itself a hopeful testament to the kindness and quality of human beings. Thank you."

 
Warner Bros. boss David Zaslav celebrates Superman's box office win and touts 10-year plan for the DCU:

"Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team, by breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world. James and Peter’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the DC Universe while forging something new and enthralling is inspired.

I remember my first meeting with James three years ago. He spoke about growing up in Missouri and how the characters of the DC Universe weren’t just stories to him, they were like his family. His personal bond with these DC heroes was powerful and I knew then that James was the right person to bring them to life. His love for the DC world runs deep, and it shines in every frame of his work.

This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step. Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films Supergirl and Clayface in theaters and the series Lanterns on HBO Max, all part of a bold ten-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead."

 
I loved it. Best movie adaptation I’ve seen of Superman. It legitimately makes me want to get more into the comics. I thought the cast was great, top to bottom. Mr. Terrific almost stole the show.

Seeing it in 4DX was wild. The sense of speed you got when he was flying translated incredibly well to the format and the fights were super visceral. We were legit getting tossed around lol.

It was a moviegoing experience I’ll remember for a very long time. Everything you want from that.
 
I find it interesting how many people actively want this to fail. I underestimated people love for Cavill in this role apparently. I like Cavill a lot, but I enjoyed much more as Geralt than I did his Superman.
 
I watched it on Friday. Gave it a 8/10. Came to the thread and as usual Dragonlord rating is same as mine, I guess the people that appreciate Dragonlord thread really have similar taste in films.

Even though I'm not a comic book fan, I always watch Superman films in movie theater. That's how much strong the "Superman" branding is I guess.

I thought the CGI was crap, as usual. I rarely liked movies with over 50% CGI, that's why I disliked most MCU films. I thought the comedic tone of the film is nicely handled, not one liners like I disliked in some MCU. Overall plot is pretty fresh for a non-comic book fan, I like how the Justice Gang was portrayed as well, especially Hawk Girl. Will this film be remembered and love by audiences 5 years down the road? Probably not, unless DCU gets big. But still an entertaining film, thus my 8/10 rating.
 
It has to do more with Gunn being a terrible choice to lead DC. His movies are trash and over rated. The over played 80s songs with the stupid jokes.
I find it interesting how many people actively want this to fail. I underestimated people love for Cavill in this role apparently. I like Cavill a lot, but I enjoyed much more as Geralt than I did his Superman.
 
It has to do more with Gunn being a terrible choice to lead DC. His movies are trash and over rated. The over played 80s songs with the stupid jokes.
I clearly disagree but I get you. If you hate his style this is gonna be rough for you. For me this is exactly the version of the DC I wanted to see on big screen. I feel like this take is gonna be loathed by some and absolutely adored by others. I hope that's enough to keep it viable.

Also many are comparing this to the DC animated universe. I think it most closely resembles Justice League Unlimited. That show was all about showcasing all of DCs roster with no apologies. No matter how corny they might sound they threw thim in and I loved it and it just worked. If they somehow can work in The Question, the character Rorschach is from Watchmen was based on, I will lose my shit. I'm all in.
 
If they somehow can work in The Question, the character Rorschach is from Watchmen was based on, I will lose my shit. I'm all in.
Gunn loves to use obscure or not so popular characters. So I wouldn't be surprised if the Question pops up in the DCU. I think he has a higher chance to show up in a TV show rather than in the movies though.

I would love for Gunn to bring the New Gods to the big screen.
 
Oh snap I think I just realized something.

I took #supershit at face value and it was funny. But holy hell Peacemaker went on a whole rant about how Google told him Superman has a poop fetish. Maybe that's why Superman hates it so much, it implies he has a shit fetish, fucking hell haha
 
Gunn loves to use obscure or not so popular characters. So I wouldn't be surprised if the Question pops up in the DCU. I think he has a higher chance to show up in a TV show rather than in the movies though.

I would love for Gunn to bring the New Gods to the big screen.
Bring em all, I remember just enjoying the hell out of all the characters they included in JLU and being shocked at how much I enjoyed them, especially the corny ones.
 
Oh snap I think I just realized something.

I took #supershit at face value and it was funny. But holy hell Peacemaker went on a whole rant about how Google told him Superman has a poop fetish. Maybe that's why Superman hates it so much, it implies he has a shit fetish, fucking hell haha
<lmao>

Glad they kept that joke going. Watching Superman's reaction to #supershit was hilarious. <lmao>
 
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