'Superman' Early Reactions Are Overwhelmingly One-Sided
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James Gunn's Superman has finally met its first audience, and people are letting slip what they thought of it ahead of the film's theatrical release this Friday.
Despite full length reviews being embargoed, some first reactions have slipped onto social media, including one from Collider's Perri Nemiroff who says the film "made [her] so damn happy."
Nemiroff says, "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."
She also praises the film's lead, David Corenswet, for bringing "an infectious determination and warmth" to the iconic role.
DAVID CORENSWET as Superman in Warner Bros. Pictures' 'SUPERMAN,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
DAVID CORENSWET as Superman in Warner Bros. Pictures' 'SUPERMAN,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Erik Davis from Fandango also chimed in, saying, "James Gunn's #Superman is the perfect superhero movie and a terrific start for the new DC Studios."
Davis gave a pretty lengthy first reflection on the film, saying it "jumps into Superman's story when he's at his lowest point."
"Watching it felt like ripping open a comic book & feasting on its wild, chaotic imagination," Davis said.
#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
James Gunn's #Superman is the perfect superhero movie and a terrific start for the new DC Studios. It's big, bright, exciting, full of hope & it never loses its sense of wonder. Watching it felt like ripping open a comic book & feasting on its wild, chaotic imagination. Loved it!… pic.twitter.com/SfvZOAT1Mg — Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) July 8, 2025
Grace Randolph also had her say on the film, favoring a short and sweet message, but one that packs an impact: "This is the BEST #Superman movie to date."
She also reveals that the review embargo lifts at 3pm EST, so fans looking for the Rotten Tomatoes score will have to keep an eye out for then.
This is the BEST #Superman movie to date.
When James Gunn gets out of the way & lets his work speak for itself, it's incredible. 💙💛❤️
It's not perfect, but darn close
& made me a believer in Gunn's #DC
Review embargo lifts TODAY at 3pm EST
& plenty more #DC videos coming! pic.twitter.com/W5UZkAZNgX — Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) July 8, 2025
More first reactions come from Courtney Howard, who says the film "absolutely soars" and "[honors] past iterations (cinema & comics) while cutting its own path."
Germain Lussier also agrees that the film "soars" and calls it a "non-stop joyride, packed with humor, action, and emotion."
#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
#Superman soars. It's a non-stop joyride, packed with humor, action, and emotion.
There's spectacle to spare, unbridled optimism, and a goofy unpredictability that ties everything together, even when there are a few minor issues. We've never seen DC like this, and it's great. pic.twitter.com/KM2EC0cddd — Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) July 8, 2025
It seems as though first audiences have nothing but praise for this new interpretation of the superhero story, though we'll know officially what the verdict was when the first reviews land later today.
What Will James Gunn's Superman Be About?
This iteration of Superman comes from James Gunn, the director behind previous superhero hits Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, and Peacemaker.
Starring David Corenswet in the titular role, Superman takes the story back to the start, where the superhero must reconcile his past with his present.
Who Will Star in James Gunn's Superman?
Corenswet is joined by fellow cast members Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Neva Howell.
More first reactions to James Gunn's Superman can be found below.
James Gunn's #Superman will make you believe a man can fly… again. A soaring triumph that recaptures the classic DC spirit and reminds us why the Man of Steel still matters. David Corenswet embodies the hope, humility, and heroism of the last son of Krypton. Nicholas Hoult… pic.twitter.com/UhqIXA8qzT — David Gonzalez (@CinematicReel) July 8, 2025
Oh boy… I wasn't a big fan of Superman. The cast makes this movie worth seeing. Everyone worked so wonderfully together (Krypto!). However, I couldn't get past the 5-second-attention-span humor. While there were a few memorable scenes, the script is its kryptonite. #Superman pic.twitter.com/kHrgwlnQna — film posers™️ Josie Marie 🍉 (@TheJosieMarie) July 8, 2025
#Superman was my most anticipated film of the year & I left the theater with a smile on my face
It's possibly the most comic book-y live action comic book film ever. It fully leans into the wacky sci-fi. It really feels like a comic book or Justice League Unlimited on screen
👍 pic.twitter.com/zNyTQmu4Tv — Sean Chandler (@kirkneverdied) July 8, 2025
#Superman is a triumph for the new DC Universe.
It's a comic book brought to beautiful live-action life, brimming with hope & fulfillment. It actually elicited tears of joy from me.
It's a Superman for everyone. David Corenswet was born for Superman & Clark Kent. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/ng2CrD2gh0 — Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) July 8, 2025
#Superman was maybe my most anticipated movie of the year, and it really blew me away.
James Gunn and his amazing cast & crew really got to the heart of what makes a good Superman story for me: it's hopeful, even when things seem hopeless.
I hope everyone else digs it too. pic.twitter.com/j6OdMw3o5K — Dan Casey (@DanCasey) July 8, 2025
When Does Superman Release in Theaters?
Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025.
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