The Man of Tomorrow is set to soar back onto the big screen in just about a month, marking the official beginning of James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe. But how will Superman stand apart from previous adaptations? And what should fans really expect from this bold new take?
It’s About the ‘Man’ – Not Just the ‘Super’
Zack Snyder’s Superman was powerful, intense, and godlike—a being torn between his divinity and humanity, often wrapped in dark, moody tones. While it had its appeal, that version leaned heavily into the Super part of Superman.
James Gunn, however, seems to be doing the opposite. He’s shining a spotlight on the Man in Superman—the hopeful, kind-hearted farm boy from Kansas who just happens to have incredible powers. Judging by the trailers, this Superman is colorful, optimistic, and deeply human. It feels much closer to the comic book spirit: a man who believes in the good in people and tries his best to do what’s right.
Superheroes Are Now Corporatized
Another fascinating element of this new DC Universe is how commonplace superheroes have become. Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific all sport sleek, uniform-like suits that resemble racing gear—suggesting a more industrial, corporatized approach to heroism.
These characters are part of the Justice Gang, working under the tech giant LordTech, run by none other than Maxwell Lord. We even get a glimpse of this expanded universe in the Peacemaker Season 2 trailer, where Peacemaker himself is seen interviewing for a role in the Justice Gang. It’s a clever way of expanding the world while subtly commenting on how superheroes might be commodified in a world where they’re no longer rare.
A Comic-Accurate World
This might just be the most comic-accurate Superman film we’ve ever seen. Daily Planet staples like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, and Cat Grant are all present. Superman’s loyal companion Krypto is here. We’ve got the Fortress of Solitude, the Automatons, and even Lex Luthor as the central antagonist.
It’s like James Gunn ripped pages from decades of comics and brought them to life on screen. For fans of Superman lore, this movie promises to be a treasure trove.
A Hero With a Moral Compass
One of the most compelling aspects of Superman has always been his unwavering moral compass. He doesn’t kill—not because he can’t, but because he chooses not to.
In the trailers, we see a public backlash against him—civilians booing him, even throwing a can at his head. That’s not the reception you’d expect for Earth’s greatest protector. If we’re speculating, it’s possible that Superman will refuse to kill a creature like Kaiju, believing it’s just misunderstood. That decision may have unintended consequences, perhaps even endangering the city. Watching him wrestle with the consequences of mercy in a cynical world will likely be a core emotional beat.
Final Thoughts
So far, Superman looks very promising. It captures the warmth, depth, and scale that fans have been waiting for. But one concern lingers—there are a lot of characters in this movie. Will they be properly balanced? Will some overshadow Superman himself?
Still, with James Gunn at the helm, there’s good reason to be optimistic. If he sticks the landing, this could be the Superman film we’ve been waiting for.
