James Gunn’s Superman’s Rotten Tomatoes Debut Sparks a Surprisingly Unanimous Reaction

When James Gunn got the Superman gig, the question would always be whether he would help the Man of Steel take flight, or crash-land. This is a guy who got his start writing gory, low-budget horror films for Troma and directing twisted superhero parodies like Super. His breakout hit for Marvel involved a talking raccoon and a sentient tree. His DC debut The Suicide Squad took Z-list villains and turned them into chaotic antiheroes, blood splatter and all. So naturally, when Gunn was announced as the architect of a new DC Universe — and the guy rebooting Superman — fans were skeptical. Would he respect the tone? Would it even work? Turns out, the answer is yes. And then some. Though the official Rotten Tomatoes score is still 89% from 72 reviews and counting, meaning it could always drop, the vibe from early screenings is electric. Against all odds, Superman is a triumphant start to the DCU — funny, sincere, messy, hopeful, and above all, bold. It’s not just a return to form for the Man of Steel. It’s a reminder of why we loved him in the first place.
How Good Is ‘Superman’?

Collider’s Ross Bonaime hailed it with an 8/10 rating, adding that it is a film with heart and a sense of humour. He also praised Gunn for reimagining Superman as a modern hero — one whose presence comes with geopolitical implications, one whose immigrant identity is front and center, and one whose every move is dissected in the court of public opinion. Bonaime added that the film had become one of the best DC films in years, and that Gunn has taken a huge leap in showing the DCU where to go, summarizing:
Superman is a magnificent feat, a film that makes the Man of Steel fascinating in a way we’ve rarely seen on film, with a take on the hero that is trenchant, clever, and delightful. Gunn is paying tribute to the past while also making a very clear mark on this world’s future, crafting an introduction to the DCU that inherently makes the viewer want to know where this world goes from here. At this point, it’s rare for superhero films to give a sense of wonder and a reminder of how beautiful these films can be when executed well. But Gunn has brought optimism, hope, and care back to Superman.
Superman is in theaters from July 11.

Superman