By: Ella Coleman
Copy Editor
Now, especially more than ever, people need a hero to look up to. Superman has always been a beacon of hope for many generations, but Superman (2025), played by David Corenswet and directed by James Gunn, can inspire our generation to be kinder and more compassionate. Gunn’s Superman is the epitome of what this classic superhero is supposed to be and what he represents—he’s passionate, likeable, and kind; he values every life, no matter how small, and he sees all of humanity, the good and the bad, and still cherishes it.
David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman is wildly different than some other versions (like Snyder’s dark and stoic portrayal of Superman), but it might be one thing we need in these uncertain times: a reminder to be hopeful and kind. He makes mistakes, he loves, but above all, despite being an alien from another planet, he’s as human as any of us are. In the very beginning of the film, it shows Superman losing a fight for the first time. He’s not supposed to be perfect, but he represents what a good person should be. This movie isn’t to showcase him as a hero because of his super strength or his laser vision, but because he wants to make the world a better place.
In the movie, there’s a political conflict between the countries of Jarhanpur and Boravia, the Boravian government invading Jarhanpur on multiple occasions, and Superman takes it upon himself to end the war without approval from the US government. He’s questioned in an interview about the ethics and consequences of his decision by his girlfriend, journalist Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), but one thing is clear—he doesn’t want people to die. He’s selfless, willing to risk himself and his reputation for the justice of the Jarhanpurian citizens.
People on social media, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc., have been posting about the impact this new Superman movie has on them. They see Superman on screen do these amazing acts and want to be good like him.
In an interview with a student at Vol State, Samantha Palmer, she says, “Superman is a big symbol of strength… Seeing such a popular, widely loved character care about even the smallest things in life is truly inspiring.”
In Gunn’s Superman, many different small yet intimate moments between Superman and the citizens of Metropolis bring light to the fact that Superman is a man of the people. Whether it’s him protecting a little girl, or moving a squirrel out of the way from being crushed, or trying to save the street vendor he bought food from once, these interactions are just more proof that Superman values every life around him.
“Henry Cavill’s Superman is stoic, not showing any emotion, and I feel like that’s how his character is flawed—because he wasn’t really personable. Superman signifies everywhere that there is hope… James Gunn’s portrayal of Superman is more ‘don’t mistake kindness for weakness,’” Palmer says.
Superman’s rival, corrupt billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), is revealed to have created the foreign conflict solely to be able to kill Superman. He’s consumed with jealousy and anger that Superman is so loved by everyone. But Superman fundamentally protects people, he doesn’t kill them, and he believes there can be change and redemption, so he leaves Lex Luthor’s fate up to the authorities.
James Gunn says to the press, “People are looking for heroes right now. They are looking for values of goodness, looking for people who are good and decent human beings. And Superman is that.”
Superman’s furry (and not very well-behaved) sidekick, Krypto, hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. According to Krypto Saves the Day: James Gunn’s Superman Spikes Dog Adoption Interest by 500% written by Fatima Castillo, people searching “adopt a dog near me” spiked up 513% after opening weekend, and “rescue dog adoption near me” rose by 163%. Gunn is not only inspiring happiness through Superman himself, but Krypto, too.
Both James Gunn and David Corenswet bring a heartfelt and earnest take to Superman in this movie, creating a world so vibrant and full of possibility.
The supporting characters play an important role in the storyline, too—they all help Superman in their own way. The Justice Gang aids with the foreign conflict, Lois Lane sought to rescue him from Lex Luther’s pocket universe, and Clark Kent’s coworkers at the Daily Planet revealed the truth about Lex Luther’s ulterior motives, ultimately destroying his reputation in the public eye.
Lois Lane was right when she said Superman sees the beauty in everyone, and he was right when he said maybe that’s the real punk rock. To be “punk rock” is to be rebellious or socially defiant, and in a world that’s filled with cynicism, Superman’s empathy and kindness could definitely be considered punk rock.
James Gunn’s Superman is inspiring, hopeful, and optimistic, showing people that their choices matter and that empathy and compassion can go a long way.
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