The Man of Steel has returned, and according to early social media reactions, he is flying high. With just days to go before its nationwide release, James Gunn’s Superman has officially lifted the social media embargo — and the first wave of buzz is overwhelmingly positive. Critics, influencers, and fans lucky enough to attend early screenings are calling it a fresh, heartfelt, and thrilling take on the world’s original superhero.
The new film not only marks the official beginning of DC Studios’ revamped cinematic universe but also introduces a new Clark Kent in Pearl and The Politician star David Corenswet. Joining him are The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult in a chilling, calculated take on Lex Luthor.
And yes, while a few reactions point to uneven CGI in places, most are praising the film’s sincerity, emotional weight, and bold new direction. James Gunn has built a reputation for turning underdog characters into household names. Gunn appears to be channeling that same energy into reimagining a hero who is anything but an underdog, making him feel modern, compassionate, and entirely necessary for today’s moviegoing landscape.
The tone is a blend of humor and humanity, but never at the expense of the character’s core. Gunn reportedly leans into Superman’s belief in hope and the inherent goodness of people, anchoring the film in emotional truth while delivering jaw-dropping spectacle and comic book bravado.
Alongside Corenswet and Brosnahan, the ensemble cast includes Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, Milly Alcock, Wendell Pierce, and Skyler Gisondo. It’s a diverse and dynamic mix that hints at a DCU ready to expand into a rich, interconnected world.
Notably, this film also represents a pivotal moment in the DC timeline. Just over three years ago, Henry Cavill’s surprise cameo in Black Adam gave fans hope that he might return as The Man of Steel. Instead, a creative reset followed with the appointment of James Gunn and Peter Safran as co-heads of DC Studios. Gunn made it clear early on that his vision for Superman would be a cornerstone of the new DC era , and now, that vision is taking flight.
Full critic reviews are expected to land on Tuesday, but the early verdict on social platforms like X and Threads is encouraging. One fan called it “the Iron Man of the new DCU.” Another praised its “emotional storytelling and joyful sense of purpose,” and several cited Brosnahan’s Lois Lane as a scene-stealing revelation.
This is not just a reboot. It is the launchpad for the next chapter in superhero cinema — and if these first impressions are anything to go by, Superman may be exactly the kind of hero DC and its fans need right now.
Superman opens in theaters everywhere on July 11.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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