James Gunn’s new Superman reboot has finally landed on streaming, kicking off the first chapter of DC’s fresh cinematic universe. David Corenswet steps into the cape while Rachel Brosnahan joins him as Lois Lane. Together, they introduce a version of Superman that feels both brand-new and rooted in the character’s long history.
A Fresh Take on Superman
Here’s what makes this reboot different: it doesn’t waste time retelling the Krypton or Smallville origins you’ve already seen. Instead, the story takes place over one high-stakes week in Metropolis. Clark Kent is already Superman, juggling life at the Daily Planet while uncovering a plot masterminded by Lex Luthor, played with sharp precision by Nicholas Hoult.
That tighter timeline keeps the movie moving at a brisk pace. You’re not watching a slow build, you’re dropped right into a world where Superman exists and has to prove what kind of hero he wants to be. It’s a clever way to skip déjà vu and give audiences something that feels immediate.
Casting That Works
The film clicks because of its cast. Corenswet plays Superman with open-hearted conviction, a blend of hope and vulnerability that reminds you why the character endures. Pair that with Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, and you’ve got a partnership that sparks. She isn’t just the reporter in distress—her investigative drive makes her an equal force in the story.
Hoult’s Lex Luthor is another standout. Past versions leaned toward camp or sheer intimidation. Here, you get a modern Luthor whose menace comes from intellect and corporate power plays. It feels uncomfortably close to real-world figures who manipulate from boardrooms instead of battlefields, and that makes him an antagonist worth watching.
And yes, Krypto the Superdog shows up. It sounds like a gimmick, but Gunn threads him in lightly, using the character for moments of levity. It’s a reminder that this DC universe doesn’t have to strip away comic-book charm to be taken seriously.
Visual Style and Tone
You’ll notice right away that the movie looks brighter than what we’ve come to expect from recent DC outings. Metropolis is shot with sweeping cityscapes and bold colors, a deliberate shift from the gray filters of the past. Action sequences are sharp, energetic, and easy to follow—streaming audiences won’t miss the spectacle.
The tone hits a sweet spot between optimism and tension. Superman faces real challenges, but the film never drowns itself in gloom. That mix of scale and heart is clearly Gunn’s blueprint for where DC goes from here. It suggests a universe built on coherent storytelling and character connections rather than constant reboots and resets.
The Bigger Picture
So what does it all mean? With Superman streaming today, James Gunn has delivered a reboot that both honors the character’s history and points to a brighter, more unified DC future. Corenswet’s debut proves Superman can still inspire without feeling outdated. Brosnahan, Hoult, and even Krypto help flesh out a world that’s equal parts serious and playful.
For viewers, this is an easy jumping-in point—you don’t need to study a decade of backstory to enjoy it. For DC, it’s a chance to rebuild trust with audiences and show they’re ready to make the most of their iconic heroes.
Stay tuned for our upcoming FIAM review of Superman (2025), where we’ll dive into how this reboot lands on the big picture scale. In the meantime, check out our full breakdown of Superman’s box office comeback for more on how the film has already made waves theatrically.
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