Superman Soars! First Reactions Call It a ‘Thrilling Start’ to Gunn’s DC Universe – David Corenswet Shines with ‘Off‑the‑Charts’ Lois Chemistry

The social media embargo for James Gunn‘s “Superman” has been lifted, bringing with it the first reactions from members of the film press. The Warner Bros. tentpole is the latest superhero movie from “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Suicide Squad” writer-director Gunn, who is now overseeing DC Studios with Peter Safran. “Superman” marks the launch of a rebooted DC Universe on the big screen. Film press are calling it a “thrilling start” to Gunn’s DC Studios.

Film critic Bryan Sudfield praised “Superman” as a “bold yet faithful” feature adaptation of the DC icon. He added that Gunn’s take felt unique while still staying true to the character’s roots.

“‘Superman’ soars with heart, humor, and style—a bold yet faithful take on the iconic hero,” he wrote on X. “James Gunn sets a fresh tone while honoring the character’s legacy, and David Corenswet shines with sincerity and strength. A promising, thrilling start to DC’s new era.”

Entertainment journalist Brandon Davis took to X to praise David Corenswet’s performance as the titular Man of Steel, adding that his chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan was “an excellent driver” of the story.

“David Corenswet portrays an exceptional iteration of [Superman] with sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational traits,” he wrote. “Corenswet & Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry for Clark and Lois is off the charts.”

However, not everyone was a fan of the DC Studio debut. Movie critic Peter Howell said “Superman” was “not the super start to the DC Universe everybody had been hoping for,” and that it prioritized style over substance.

“James Gunn is brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling,” he wrote on X. “David Corenswet plays a boyishly sweet Superman, constantly getting his ass kicked; he’d be better as the lead in a Dudley Do-Right movie. Rachel Brosnahan makes a spiky Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is more obnoxious than villainous. The real star of the show is superdog Krypto, who steals every scene he’s in — I’d rather see a movie about him.”

“Superman” stars Corenswet in the title role, plus Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The supporting cast includes Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), Nathan Fillon (Guy Gardner), Isabela Mercad (Hawkgirl) and more. While plot specifics for the movie have remained under wraps, Gunn has said his superhero epic encompasses “the story of America”.

“I mean, ‘Superman’ is the story of America,” Gunn explained to The Sunday Times. “An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost… Yes, it’s about politics. But on another level it’s about morality. Do you never kill no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”