From Skeptic to Superfan: My Surprising Transformation After Watching the New Superman Movie!

I guess I’m hoping on the upcoming DC movies bandwagon because Superman was not what I expected.

To begin with, I must confess that I’ve never been particularly fond of this character in general. When it comes to DC movies, there aren’t many that I’ve truly appreciated and look forward to rewatching in the future. In fact, very few have left a lasting impression on me.

Upon hearing that James Gunn was assuming control over the DCMU (DC Movie Universe) and planned to launch a fresh saga with brand-new movies, my curiosity piqued. I’ve long admired James Gunn’s cinematic works, as his approach infuses superhero films with an authentic emotional depth, a quality that shines in the Guardians of the Galaxy series.

After some consideration, I opted to try out the latest version of Superman, and I must admit, I was taken aback by my reaction. Now, a word of caution: there are potential spoilers coming up!

I Wasn’t Expecting Much Going Into Superman

To be clear, it hasn’t been only the impact of recent DC films that has affected my appreciation for Superman as time passes. Instead, it’s a mix of numerous factors drawn from both movies and comics over the last few decades.

Immersing myself more in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has definitely taken me on a deeper journey. I’m the type who eagerly anticipates every new Marvel film or TV series, and I don’t shy away from championing most of the heroes, come what may. My bond with these characters has grown stronger over time.

As a movie aficionado, Superman’s invincibility left me feeling detached. He’s the epitome of superheroes, but his omnipotence and immunity to almost everything except kryptonite fail to resonate with me. I yearn for characters with depth, not merely unbeatable extraterrestrial beings. Such a hero just doesn’t strike a chord within me.

Though we both have a fondness for superheroes like Batman and Spider-Man, Dad and I never seemed to connect on this particular one. Yet, I still found myself at the cinema to catch the latest flick, as I was captivated by the initial previews of Superman, despite my low expectations.

However, I Didn’t Think I’d Walk Away Truly Loving The Character

I really, really loved Superman in this movie.

Initially, let me extend my admiration towards David Corenswet for his exceptional portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman in the recent movie. Frankly speaking, he truly surpassed expectations. When the news broke about Corenswet landing the role, there was a buzz online about whether he could emulate the charm that Henry Cavill brought to the character. And I can see why such doubts were raised.

In this latest portrayal of Superman, Gunn didn’t intend to stick with the usual mature image we’re accustomed to. Instead, he presents Superman as a character who, despite being an adult, exhibits traits reminiscent of a child. This is evident in his relatively newfound role as a hero and his moments of vulnerability. He tends to stumble, make mistakes, and express emotions more freely than we’ve ever seen him do before.

Indeed, that moment right there truly elevated this film above any other Superman tale I’ve encountered. David Corenswet, in my view, nailed the essence of it all.

Gunn Somehow Made The Alien Humanized In A Way I Didn’t Know I Needed

In the opening, I pointed out that the initial portrayal of Superman leaves me somewhat disconnected due to his otherworldly origin as a space-traveling extraterrestrial. Instead, I prefer a more relatable superhero.

I find a strong connection with characters like Spider-Man, Black Widow, and Daredevil, as their narratives, abilities, and overall personas seem rooted in our everyday lives, making them easy to identify with. They aren’t perfect or invulnerable; instead, they are human.

James Gunn portrays Clark Kent/Superman in a way that makes him seem more human by introducing doubt and complexity into his character. He depicts Superman as someone who errs and gets frustrated, much like any other person. Interestingly, he also highlights Superman’s struggles with caring for a dog, Krypto, despite the fact that Krypto is exceptional in every way.

This character exhibits a level of humanity we haven’t seen before in Superman. His interactions with Lois Lane, which I’ll discuss momentarily, feel remarkably real because their relationship isn’t just a flawless romance. Instead, she pushes him in ways that aren’t typically depicted in this movie, and I find it refreshing. I appreciate this portrayal.

The Side Characters Felt Actively Involved In The Plot, Something It Lacked In Former Films

In this movie, my affection for Superman increased significantly, but let me tell you, the supporting characters were simply outstanding in countless aspects. I’d be willing to sacrifice everything I have for their sake, period.

To start off, let’s delve into the remarkable women playing roles in Superman. Rachel Brosnahan was a brilliant choice for Lois Lane, and she is my preferred portrayal of the character. She’s intellectually sharp, quick-thinking, deeply invested not just in her work but also in Clark, and is willing to go to great lengths to aid him. Additionally, she brings a touch of humor to the film with her amusing moments that leave me chuckling.

In a surprising turn, Isabela Merced’s portrayal of Hawkgirl was outstanding, surpassing my modest expectations. She infused the character with humor and spunk, significantly enhancing the role. Mikaela Hoover and Sara Sampaio were exceptional, with Mikaela providing plenty of laughs, while Sara was downright funny – it’s safe to say the entire female cast delivered stellar performances.

Regarding the rest, honestly, I wasn’t anticipating too much, but they exceeded all my expectations. I’m planning to write a full article about Mister Terrific as he was simply fantastic. Nevertheless, when it comes to Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, and many others – I would be more than happy to watch them again in another movie.

I Could Easily See This Version Becoming A Favorite For Many

Fans of Spider-Man experienced that same level of excitement when they first saw Tom Holland portraying Spider-Man.

At the age of seventeen, he made his debut as Spider-Man, and although I was quite young then, I vividly remember the excitement in the air as people hailed him as exceptional due to his accurate portrayal of the comic book character. Now, I find myself feeling the same way about Superman.

For years, I’ve been eagerly anticipating a portrayal of Superman like this one. A version where he remains nearly invincible, but is repeatedly vulnerable – experiencing defeats just as humans do. It’s the depiction that reveals the human within all his strength and resilience. That’s the kind of Superman I hope to see in future stories.

And now, I see this becoming many people’s favorites, because it’s become mine.

I think this is a great kickoff for the fresh DC universe! I’m really excited to see what happens next, and I’m particularly curious about how they’ll develop these characters.

Read More

2025-07-13 21:09