Superman: First Steps (2025) is one of the most anticipated films of the year, blending action, adventure, science‑fiction and superhero drama. Directed by James Gunn, and starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, this English‑language film is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025.
Movie Overview
The film, officially retitled from its working subtitle “Superman: Legacy,” marks the beginning of the new DC Universe (DCU). It reboots the Superman mythos—eschewing prior continuity—to present a hopeful, idealistic Superman (David Corenswet) balancing his Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing as a cub reporter at the Daily Planet in Metropolis. Alongside Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and facing off against Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), he finds himself struggling to regain public trust after intervening in an international crisis. Joining them are other DC heroes like Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), and The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) as part of a proto‑Justice League known as the “Justice Gang” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
This is not a typical origin story. Instead, it takes inspiration from the *All‑Star Superman* comic series, blending classic Superman themes with a fresh narrative that focuses on compassion, hope, and moral complexity. Gunn injects emotional realism into the character by giving Superman visible anger and internal conflict alongside his idealism :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. The film establishes the tone for DCU Chapter One: “Gods & Monsters,” setting the stage for future characters like Supergirl and Wonder Woman :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Plot Highlights
When Superman steps in to stop a conflict orchestrated by Lex Luthor, public opinion turns against him. He must navigate media scrutiny and political backlash while uncovering Luthor’s hidden agenda. Superman builds alliances with fellow heroes in Metropolis, including Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and others, forming the Justice Gang. Alongside Lois Lane, he seeks to maintain a balance between journalistic integrity and superhero duties. Emotional stakes are raised when Superman’s temper flares during confrontations, humanizing the Man of Steel. Ultimately, he wins back trust and reaffirms heroism in a world increasingly cynical about power and morality :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
The thematic core centers on Superman’s dual identity—as alien and human, reporter and hero—and the film uses this tension to explore the ideals of truth, justice, and hope in a modern context. Gunn’s storytelling approach is character‑driven with splashy visuals, blending action with heart and earnest emotion :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Attribute Details
| Title | Superman: First Steps (initially known as Superman or Superman: Legacy) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Superhero, Science‑Fiction, Drama |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | July 11, 2025 (United States; international from July 9 in select territories) |
| Director | James Gunn |
| Writer | James Gunn (screenplay & story, based on characters by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster) |
Cast & Crew
- David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific (Michael Holt)
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders)
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho (Rex Mason)
- María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica / The Engineer
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent
- Neva Howell as Martha Kent
- Wendell Pierce as Perry White
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
- Alan Tudyk in cameo as a Superman robot variant
Behind the camera: cinematography by Henry Braham, editing by William Hoy & Craig Alpert, music composed by John Murphy & David Fleming. Production designers include Beth Mickle; costumes by Judianna Makovsky :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Visual Style & Music
James Gunn’s visual aesthetic recalls classic comic-book imagery, with bright colors, clean-lined costumes, and large-scale action that emphasize Superman’s optimism. The inclusion of iconic John Williams’s “Superman March” theme is reimagined by composers John Murphy and David Fleming to signal continuity with past Superman renditions while introducing a new sonic identity. The soundtrack was released July 4, 2025, via WaterTower Music, with Mondo producing collectible vinyl variants. The score intentionally includes only a few licensed songs to keep focus on the original orchestration :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Reception & Reviews
Upon release, the film received strong critical praise for its hopeful tone, standout performances, and fresh take on the Superman mythos. George R.R. Martin praised it as “one of the best Superman movies ever,” particularly highlighting Brosnahan and Hoult’s performances alongside Corenswet’s earnest heroism. Luthor was called the “Best Luthor of All Time” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Critics lauded Gunn’s balance of humor, heart, and spectacle, though some noted the film occasionally felt overstuffed due to its ensemble cast and multiple character arcs. Nevertheless, performances—especially Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Corenswet’s nuanced Superman—and the hopeful storytelling were widely appreciated :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Box Office Performance
The film opened with approximately $125 million in the US & Canada (including $125 million opening weekend) and has grossed around $416 million worldwide—making it one of 2025’s top-grossing films. It had simultaneous releases in IMAX, RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema, ScreenX and 4DX, helping boost ticket sales across formats :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
DCU Integration & Legacy
As the inaugural DCU film, Superman: First Steps establishes the foundation for future entries in Chapter One: *Gods & Monsters*. It introduces key heroes who will spin off into their own stories (e.g. The Authority, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow), and hints at a future Justice League assembly. James Gunn confirmed that sequel options are in place for Corenswet and Brosnahan, though no sequel announcement is imminent :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
The film seeds character arcs with potential future developments—such as the transformation of Ultraman toward a Bizarro‑like figure. Kevin Feige reportedly expressed interest in seeing Bizarro eventually appear in the DCU through Ultraman’s evolution :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Conclusion
Superman: First Steps successfully blends blockbuster superhero spectacle with emotional sincerity, breathing new life into the Man of Steel in a modern context. Anchored by strong performances, a hopeful tone, and seamless integration into the new DCU, it represents a promising reboot that honors Superman’s mythology while creating its own legacy.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, this film delivers a bold and inspiring vision of heroism, journalistic integrity, and moral idealism. With its strong ensemble cast, stunning production design, and clear narrative direction, it’s a powerful first step for Superman’s return to the big screen.
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