The anticipation for James Gunn’s Superman, set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, continues to build as new details emerge about the DC Universe’s bold reboot. Unlike the many Superman stories fans have seen over the decades, this iteration promises a fresh perspective, and Rachel Brosnahan, who stars as Lois Lane, is thrilled to share what sets it apart. In a recent interview with Collider, Brosnahan emphasized a key distinction: “This is not an origin story.” For a character whose early years—crash-landing on Earth, growing up in Smallville, and discovering his powers—have been retold countless times, Gunn’s decision to skip Kal-El’s beginnings offers a novel entry point into the Man of Steel’s world.

Brosnahan, best known for her Emmy-winning role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, elaborated on why this approach excites her. “I love that we come into a world that already exists,” she said. “Lois and Clark are working at the Daily Planet, monsters exist in Metropolis, Lex Luthor has LuthorCorp. We drop in at this point in their relationship that I’ve never seen before.” This isn’t the wide-eyed Clark Kent stepping into Metropolis for the first time or Lois meeting the mysterious “super-man” from the sky. Instead, Gunn plunges audiences into a fully realized universe where Superman is already a known quantity, and his romance with Lois has a three-month history. “They’re asking some questions about the future of their relationship,” Brosnahan revealed. “They’re not sure if this is just a great fling or something that could be forever.”

This dynamic marks a significant departure from previous big-screen portrayals. While films like Richard Donner’s Superman (1978) and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013) focused heavily on Clark’s journey to becoming a hero, Gunn’s film picks up with the hero established and his personal life in flux. Brosnahan described the tension between Lois and Clark as rooted in their “opposite worldviews,” which often clash despite their chemistry. “It was a really fun way into a familiar story,” she noted, hinting at a relationship that’s both playful and complex. Fans of The CW’s Superman & Lois may recognize echoes of this established couple dynamic, but seeing it play out in a cinematic format feels like uncharted territory for the iconic pair.

The film’s cast adds further intrigue to this reimagined world. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, bringing a blend of classic heroism and modern depth, while Nicholas Hoult takes on Lex Luthor, promising a cerebral foil to the Man of Steel. Isabel Merced joins as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, suggesting a broader superhero landscape right from the start. Milly Alcock’s Supergirl will also debut, setting up her solo film, Woman of Tomorrow. Rounding out the ensemble are Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Lex’s assistant and lover, and Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Ma and Pa Kent, grounding Superman’s story in familial roots despite the lack of an origin focus.

Gunn, who wrapped filming in March 2025, has poured his signature style into the project, blending “epic action, humor, and heart,” according to an updated synopsis. His vision centers on a Superman driven by compassion and a belief in humanity’s goodness—a theme that resonated deeply during production. “I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much,” Gunn wrote on social media after the shoot ended. “The goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered on set have inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own.” He praised the cast and crew’s dedication, calling the experience an honor and a journey of “toil, laughter, emotions, ideas, and magic.”

This isn’t just another Superman movie—it’s a reinvention that trusts its audience to jump into the action without a lengthy preamble. By focusing on Clark and Lois’s evolving relationship and a world already populated with heroes and villains, Gunn sidesteps the familiar beats of Krypton’s destruction and Smallville’s cornfields. Early test screenings in April 2025 have been met with enthusiasm, with viewers praising the film’s balance of spectacle and intimacy. Brosnahan’s excitement mirrors this sentiment, as she promises a take on Lois and Clark that feels both new and timeless. As the DCU’s first major cinematic outing under Gunn’s stewardship, Superman aims to redefine the hero for a new era—red trunks and all, thanks to Corenswet’s influence. With its release just months away, fans are eager to see how this bold leap forward pays off.