The premiere of James Gunn’s Superman on July 11, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of excitement, with audiences and critics alike hailing it as a landmark in the superhero genre. Social media platforms like X have been abuzz with fans proclaiming, “This is the best Superman movie ever! It even beats Christopher Reeve,” a bold statement given Reeve’s iconic portrayal in the 1978 Superman: The Movie. Starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Gunn’s reboot has struck a chord with its blend of heart, humor, and hope. With an 85% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, matching the original 1978 film, the movie has sparked debates about its place in the pantheon of Superman adaptations, delivering a vibrant new vision for the DC Universe (DCU).

Gunn’s Superman dives into the action without retreading the well-known origin story, assuming audiences are familiar with Clark Kent’s Kryptonian roots and his life as a Daily Planet reporter. The film opens with a battered Superman retreating to the Fortress of Solitude after his first-ever defeat, setting a tone of vulnerability that distinguishes Corenswet’s portrayal. Unlike Reeve’s confident, godlike hero or Henry Cavill’s brooding figure in Zack Snyder’s darker takes, Corenswet’s Superman is earnest and relatable, radiating a Midwestern warmth that echoes Jimmy Stewart’s idealism. Critics, including The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney, have praised this approach for capturing the spirit of the comics while avoiding the self-seriousness that plagued earlier DC films. Fans on X echoed this sentiment, with one user, @StarringShane, posting, “He’s not just a god in a cape. He’s got heart, conflict, depth… This dude bleeds, wrestles with purpose, feels real.”

The film’s narrative centers on Superman’s intervention in a fictional war between Boravia and Jarhanpur, a decision that draws global suspicion and pits him against Lex Luthor, reimagined as a tech billionaire with shades of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Hoult’s Luthor is a standout, blending menace with wit, as noted by Showbiz 411’s Roger Friedman, who likened his performance to a mix of Gene Hackman’s charm and Mike Myers’ Dr. Evil. The supporting cast, including Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, adds comic book flair, though some reviews, like Empire’s, noted the crowded ensemble can overshadow Superman at times. Krypto the Superdog, a CGI marvel, steals scenes with his playful disobedience, earning praise from Solzy at the Movies as “absurd, adorable, and very on-brand for Gunn.”

What sets this Superman apart is its unapologetic optimism, a stark contrast to the gritty realism of Snyder’s Man of Steel or Batman v Superman. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman called it “a comic book come to life,” highlighting its colorful action and emotional stakes. A pivotal scene where Lois Lane interviews Superman, grilling him on the ethics of his actions, showcases the chemistry between Corenswet and Brosnahan, with Black Girl Nerds praising Brosnahan’s “sharp, confident” Lois. This moment, blending screwball comedy with moral weight, has been cited as a highlight, resonating with audiences who see Superman as a beacon of hope in divisive times. Newsweek reported fans claiming Corenswet is “the best Superman since Reeve,” a sentiment echoed by ScreenCrush, which dubbed the film “the best Superman movie in my lifetime.”

Not all reactions are universally glowing. Some critics, like Hotchka, described the film as “overstuffed” with characters and references, potentially alienating casual viewers. Empire noted clunky dialogue and a convoluted war subplot, while Tachyon Pulse Podcast suggested Snyder fans might find the goofy tone jarring. Yet, even detractors acknowledge the film’s charm, with The Mary Sue noting that its busy narrative never leaves audiences lost. The box office reflects this enthusiasm, with Deadline reporting a projected $200 million global opening, driven by strong presales and positive word-of-mouth.

Gunn’s Superman succeeds by embracing the character’s core as an immigrant hero who champions the marginalized, a narrative that feels timely in 2025. The inclusion of Will Reeve, Christopher’s son, as a TV reporter, adds a poignant nod to the past, as noted by The Plain Dealer. While some fans hold Reeve’s 1978 film as untouchable for its groundbreaking grandeur and John Williams’ score, Gunn’s reboot has carved its own path, blending nostalgia with innovation. As the DCU’s first chapter, it sets a hopeful tone for future projects like Lanterns and Supergirl, proving that Superman remains a timeless symbol of goodness, even if his cape gets a little singed.