Superman has become one of the biggest and most talked-about movies of 2025, and for good reason. James Gunn’s movie is hopeful, and the best Superman movie in nearly half a century, rivaling the classic 1978 film starring Christopher Reeve. That is one of the best non-animated action movies for kids to watch, and the new Superman movie qualifies too.
As explained by expert Jonathan Decker, David Corenswet’s Superman is a non-toxic masculine role model for this generation, much like Reeves’ take on the superhero was. You feel inspired by him and by the movie as well, whose message of hope infectiously uplifts your mood and leaves you with a smile on your face long after the credits have rolled.
Watching Corenswet’s Superman undergo a crisis of faith and rediscover his purpose and his faith in himself through the course of the movie will undoubtedly have a profound effect on many viewers. Superman (2025) thus not only recaptures the essence of the character, distancing itself from the recent dark and edgy interpretations, but also demonstrates what makes a movie hopeful.
Superman 2025 Is A Classic Good Vs. Bad Story
One of the first things you notice about Superman is that the titular protagonist is a representative of pure good, a true hero who inspires you to be a better person. This effect even spreads through the other characters in the movie, who all make difficult decisions later in the movie, and are inspired to help good triumph over evil.
It’s also equally obvious that this version of Lex Luthor, played impeccably by Nicholas Hoult in one of his best performances to date, has no redeeming qualities. His crusade against Superman is driven by hate, ego, and insecurity, which he even clarifies in a hilariously self-aware monologue. You are never allowed to feel that his actions are even remotely justified.
It is important to note that Superman isn’t made infallible, and he has his own moment of self-doubt, which culminates in a heartwarming exchange with his father. However, he’s selfless and always chooses to do the right thing. This makes the movie a classic tale of good versus evil, which is a rarity in today’s climate of morally grey storytelling.
Malik Ali’s Death Is A Pivotal Point In Superman
One of my favorite details about Superman is that only one human character dies in the movie, and the film does right by him, in the form of a front page obituary written by Clark Kent himself. Malik Ali, a falafel stand owner, inspired by Superman’s acts of bravery, tries helping him up, and is inevitably targeted by Lex Luthor.
Up until Malik Ali’s murder at the hands of Lex Luthor, things go downhill for the good guys. Lex gaslights the world into thinking Superman is on Earth to create a harem and kidnaps the dog Krypto, visually based on James Gunn’s own dog, Ozu. Then he gets the government to give him custody of Superman after he surrenders himself.
Metamorpho, who had been blackmailed by Lex into poisoning Superman with Kryptonite, decides to defy Lex after watching him murder Malik. Meanwhile, Lois convinces Mr. Terrific to help her find Superman. After the four of them leave with Krypto, we see Eve Tessmacher release incriminating evidence against Lex. Finally, even Guy Gardner is convinced to help the people of Jahranpur.
Superman Rewards Bravery, Teamwork, and Optimism
By dividing the positive and the negative arcs for the main characters, Gunn shows us what it feels like to have your faith in the world be rewarded. Despite Lex successfully pulling off all his schemes and even killing Malik, Superman, and the others on his side by association, don’t lose hope, and they eventually emerge victorious as a consequence.
James Gunn’s Superman movie thus demonstrates the uplifting effects of never losing faith in the good in people and persevering against all odds. It has become common for movies to claim tragedy and dark endings are more natural or realistic, which works as a narrative choice due to the feedback loop between media cynicism and the darkness in our lives.
However, working together and prioritizing empathy as a uniting force of good helps our heroes triumph in the end. Eve Tessmacher, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen are human characters without superpowers, but they play pivotal roles in Lex Luthor’s defeat as well. Through them, Superman demonstrates the importance of trying to do your best even in a seemingly hopeless situation.
Superman’s Happy Ending Feels Deserved
Image via Warner Bros.
Happy endings aren’t inherently unrealistic, and Superman proves that through the individual arcs of the characters. Everyone suffers personal blows in the film, and still chooses not to succumb to cynicism and is ultimately rewarded by Lex’s defeat. The victory isn’t automatic. It’s hard-earned. Even the all-powerful Superman takes his teammates’ help to defeat Ultraman and prevent the Jahranpurian genocide.
This is why the happy ending in Superman makes the movie hopeful. You’re told that things don’t simply fall into place, but there’s no reason to assume your efforts are meaningless. Rewards, however tiny – Jimmy Olsen’s biggest personal triumph is earning his editor’s respect – are important, and are gained through rejecting cynicism as the natural line of thinking.
Superman
9/10
- Release Date
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July 11, 2025
