This era of superhero movies is pushing past the horizon of the dark and depressing and into the light. They’re becoming bright again; fun, expressive and full of feeling. Superheroes’ stories should make you feel. Particularly, they should make you feel seen.

  James Gunn’s Superman (2025) offers a vibrant new vision for the DC Universe, delivering the long-awaited rebirth of one of pop culture’s most enduring icons. Gone is the tried-and-true origin story we all know. Instead, we meet Clark three years into his journey, already established as Superman and beloved by the people of Metropolis.

  The familiar beats are skipped and the story is focused on a Superman already in motion. In doing so, Gunn invites us to see what the character means rather than simply how he came to be. This Superman radiates optimism in a world starved for it. He is bright, kind and despite the political turmoil swirling around him, unwaveringly moral. The film doesn’t just reintroduce the Man of Steel; it redefines him for a new era.

  I will be honest: when Superman was first announced, I was not excited. I have never been a big Superman fan. He always felt too perfect, too distant and too disconnected from real human struggle. However, something about Gunn’s version changed that. Somewhere between the soaring score, the color-saturated visuals and David Corenswet’s heartfelt performance, I felt something I did not expect: real hope for the future. If we overcome the political issues troubling   our world and advocate for those without a voice through these struggling times, together, we will grow.

  By moving past the expected, Gunn gives us something far more meaningful. He allows us to understand that Superman is more than a symbol. Superman is deeply compassionate; he yearns for human experience. Instead of focusing on where he came from, Gunn’s story puts more weight on the relationships Superman creates. We see this with his connections with his human parents and the emotional conversation he has with his father when going down to visit his childhood home.

  Now, I have a Superman folder that I carry in my bag because I felt such a deep connection to this story. 

  This film didn’t just make me care about Superman; it reminded me why stories like his matter as an advocate for those with no voice. At a time when the world feels dim, divided and uncertain, Gunn’s Superman feels like a beam of light breaking through the clouds. It is exciting, reflects our current political climate and is profoundly human.

  For the first time, Superman is not just a symbol of power; he is a reflection of possibility. He becomes a reflection of our possibilities. His resilience defines the film, as when he is met with backlash and adversity, he never gives up for what is right.

  I cried at the end of the movie. Watching Clark relive his memories felt all too real. I miss my dad every time a superhero movie comes out, but this one made me feel comforted and served as a quiet reminder that loss doesn’t erase love, and that even through grief, hope endures.