‘Superman’ early reactions praise “exceptional” blockbuster: “An awesome achievement”

The first reactions for Superman have come in, which praise being heaped upon both James Gunn’s vision and David Corenswet’s performance in the title role.

The film is the first entry in the DC Universe, a new timeline of DC superheroes led by DC CEOs Gunn and Peter Safran. Future films scheduled for release focus on the characters Supergirl and Clayface, while The Brave And The Bold, focusing on a new version of Batman (separate to Robert Pattinson’s portrayal) is in development.

Superman sees Corenswet’s hero doubted by the public after being drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, something seized upon by his nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). He must rely on reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and his dog Krypto to help him turn things around.

The social media embargo for the film has lifted, with critics who attended early screenings largely liking what they saw.

“#SUPERMAN soars with heart, humour, and style—a bold yet faithful take on the iconic hero” said writer Bryan Sudfield. “James Gunn sets a fresh tone while honouring the character’s legacy, and David Corenswet shines with sincerity and strength. A promising, thrilling start to DC’s new era”.

#SUPERMAN soars with heart, humor, and style—a bold yet faithful take on the iconic hero. James Gunn sets a fresh tone while honoring the character’s legacy, and David Corenswet shines with sincerity and strength. A promising, thrilling start to DC’s new era. pic.twitter.com/XefXbmwfhW

— Bryan Sudfield (@BryanSudfield) July 8, 2025

Podcaster Brandon David enthused: “David Corenswet portrays an exceptional iteration of #Superman with sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational traits. Corenswet & Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry for Clark and Lois is off the charts. Their relationship is an excellent driver, especially early”.

David Corenswet portrays an exceptional iteration of #Superman with sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational traits.

Corenswet & Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry for Clark and Lois is off the charts. Their relationship is an excellent driver, especially early. pic.twitter.com/2x2mbOfJDc

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) July 8, 2025

Podcast Epic Film Guys posted: “He did it. James Gunn’s #Superman flies high! Vibrant, lighthearted and action-packed, it’s a true to form comic book adaptation surging with hope. David Corenswet embodies the definitive Superman for a new generation. This IS the Superman movie we’ve been waiting for”.

He did it. James Gunn’s #Superman flies high! Vibrant, lighthearted and action-packed, it’s a true to form comic book adaptation surging with hope. David Corenswet embodies the definitive Superman for a new generation. This IS the Superman movie we’ve been waiting for. pic.twitter.com/FpWJocJLiE

— Epic Film Guys ® (@EpicFilmGuys) July 8, 2025

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff praised the central performance, writing: “David Corenswet brings such an infectious determination and warmth to the role that it makes that pursuit all-consuming and impossibly heartening.

“Making that an even more robust aspect of the movie, Gunn and co. don’t shy away from exploring the challenges one might encounter when trying to navigate our reality while holding tight to those core values”.

#Superman made me so damn happy. The movie is loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity, but the beating heart of the film is Superman’s humanity, and his insistence on doing good and making the world a better place. David Corenswet brings such… pic.twitter.com/cPAcPdxmQl

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) July 8, 2025

Variety’s Courtney Howard declared: “#Superman absolutely soars! An awesome achievement & hopeful balm, honouring past iterations (cinema & comics) while cutting its own path. Corenswet has that heroic shimmer. Hoult is delightfully diabolical. Brosnahan brims w/ vim & vigor. Krypto’s adorbs”.

#Superman absolutely soars! An awesome achievement & hopeful balm, honoring past iterations (cinema & comics) while cutting its own path. Corenswet has that heroic shimmer. Hoult is delightfully diabolical. Brosnahan brims w/ vim & vigor. Krypto’s adorbs. @Superman @warnerbros pic.twitter.com/8sS3FNFf8i

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) July 8, 2025

One dissenting opinion came from critic Peter Howell, who lamented: “James Gunn is brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling. David Corenswet plays a boyishly sweet Superman, constantly getting his ass kicked”.

He did, however, add that: “The real star of the show is superdog Krypto, who steals every scene he’s in — I’d rather see a movie about him”.

#SUPERMAN: Not the super start to the DC Universe everybody had been hoping for. James Gunn is brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling. David Corenswet plays a boyishly sweet Superman, constantly getting his ass kicked; he’d be… pic.twitter.com/osgb2fVmfs

— Peter Howell (@peterhowellfilm) July 8, 2025

Superman is released July 11. Recently, Gunn teased a “surprise cameo” in the film, as well as making an appearance on cartoon Rick & Morty arguing with former Superman director Zack Snyder.

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