Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for ‘Superman’James Gunn’s Superman is just wholesome. David Corenswet’s turn as bright, hopeful, and empathetic Kal-El brings joy to millions of fans around the world. Furthermore, the movie introduces us to a diverse array of DC characters that fans have been waiting for. Overall, the movie is a resounding success in launching the new DCU and at the box office. However, that doesn’t mean audiences don’t have some gripes with the movie. Early in the movie, Superman finds solace in playing a half-recorded message by his parents (played by Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan), but later in the twisted turn of events, he finds out that in the second half of the message (recovered by Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor), his parents reveal his true mission is to rule the earth and take a harem. This completely shatters Superman to the core. It broke some fans, too, as this is a massive change to our favorite hero’s origin story. “I’m a huge Superman fan,” Gunn explained in a new interview with IGN. “So, first of all, I had to trust myself that I was going to honor the pieces of Superman that we needed to keep the same. And also allow myself to make changes where changes might work and wouldn’t go against the integrity of who the character is.” He continued,
“And so I think that was […] simply dealing with allowing ourselves to change part of the story in a way that was interesting for the DCU, but that wasn’t [something] that went against who Superman was. And has been something that’s been played with in the comics before.”
While the twist changes Superman’s origin story, it thematically underlines that Superman is a good man by choice. By the movie’s end, we see him finding happiness in watching home videos made by Ma and Pa Kent. And that’s what Gunn’s Superman stands for – Gods and Monsters making their choices.
‘Superman’ is a Box Office Success

The hopes for Superman were very high, and the movie has soared past all expected outcomes with its opening weekend success. By far, it has grossed over $220 million worldwide against a budget of $225 million. Fans’ love for the character and a good movie have combined in Superman. The film is getting appreciation for its visuals, cinematography, and the way it handles both the action and the emotional vulnerability of its titular hero. Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Hoult as Lex Luthor are the perfect catalysts for this new era of DC. Superman is in theaters now. Check out Gunn’s comments above and stay tuned to Collider for more such updates.

Superman

Release Date

July 11, 2025

Runtime

130 Minutes

Director

James Gunn

Producers

Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran

Source: IGN