Early reactions applaud “Superman” as a vibrant reboot of the DC Universe

The first reactions to James Gunn's new Superman movie are out, and they paint a picture of hope and excitement for DC's future, as reported by Variety. Film critics are calling the movie a "thrilling start" to Gunn's new DC Universe, with many praising David Corenswet's performance as the Man of Steel.

Critics say Corenswet brings sincerity and strength to the role, while his chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane is being described as exceptional. The movie is being called both bold and faithful to the Superman character, with Gunn managing to create something fresh while honoring the hero's legacy. However, not all reactions are positive, with some critics feeling the movie focuses too much on style over storytelling. One critic mentioned that while the spectacle is impressive, the storytelling could be stronger.

The movie features a strong supporting cast including Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and introduces characters like Metamorpho and Mister Terrific. Interestingly, many reviewers are highlighting Krypto the superdog as a scene-stealer who brings joy to every moment he appears. Variety's coverage shows that Gunn has positioned this Superman story as fundamentally about America and immigration, exploring themes of human kindness and moral values.

The Hollywood Reporter confirms that initial audience reactions following the Los Angeles premiere have been largely positive, with industry insiders calling it a terrific start for the new DC Studios. The film is being praised for its exhilarating action sequences and well-placed humor, which creates a balance between entertainment and emotional depth. Critics note that the movie successfully captures the essence of what makes Superman special—his humanity and determination to make the world better.

Read more on Chicago Star:

• Meet the new baby-faced Superman star, David Corenswet

•  Marvel’s Sebastian Stan says $65k in residuals from comedy film saved his career

• Disney delays Avengers films and sets dates for Dog Stars and Devil Wears Prada 2

•  “Avengers: Doomsday”–a new era of heroes and surprises!

David Corenswet is being recognized for bringing a heroic quality to the character, while Rachel Brosnahan is praised for her energetic portrayal of Lois Lane. The movie marks James Gunn's first DC film since taking over Warner Bros' superhero division with producer Peter Safran in 2022. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn explained that people are looking for heroes with values of goodness and decency, which Superman represents perfectly. The film is seen as addressing the previous fragmentation of the DC brand, where different creative teams were pursuing separate visions. Early reactions suggest that Gunn has successfully created a unified vision that honors both cinema and comic book traditions while cutting its own unique path forward.

Forbes reveals that some critics have been breaking the review embargo early, creating mixed signals about the film's reception before the official reviews are released. The publication notes that while a few negative reviews have surfaced, they contrast sharply with the overwhelmingly positive social media reactions from the majority of viewers who attended early screenings. This early embargo breaking includes everything from extremely negative takes to very positive reviews, creating confusion about the film's true quality. The situation is particularly significant because this Superman movie represents a crucial moment for Warner Bros and DC, being the first major entry into James Gunn's new DC Universe.

Forbes emphasizes that Gunn's track record with comic book films has been consistently strong, making it unlikely that he would deliver a poor Superman movie. The publication suggests that despite some mixed early reactions, the film is still expected to be a major box office success. Industry insiders who have seen the film are pushing back against the negative reviews, indicating that the overall reception has been much more positive than the leaked reviews suggest. According to Forbes, the film's importance extends beyond just being another superhero movie, as it sets the tone for the entire future of the DC Universe under Gunn's leadership.