Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn gloriously nods to Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman in his DC reboot with the use of John Williams’ iconic theme. Essentially, though, he makes the film his own, with his brand of irreverent humour and in-jokes setting the film apart from the ’70s version. Gunn’s Superman, played nicely by David Corenswet, is one that is forced to question his virtues, actions and heritage when all of sudden people start to show contempt for his existence and alien status. The film is set to start a new franchise, including Supergirl starring Milly Alcock in the titular role, which is released in 2026.
The narrative is a tad overstuffed, but unlike other origin stories of this kind, it doesn’t go over old territory, such as Lois Lane (a brilliant Rachel Brosnahan) and Clark Kent getting it together. They’ve been together for three months and she already knows his true identity. Gunn introduces them as equals, and in terms of Lane’s journalistic credentials, she has the upper hand. A scene that sees them go head-to-head as she interviews him as Superman smacks of 1970s paranoia thrillers and in fact the entire Metropolis Newsroom and Lane’s attire has a ’70s aesthetic.
Visually, it’s a veritable feast of film references mixed with tonnes of CGI that probably won’t age well. Japanese Kaiju and anime-inspired images nod to the thematics that parallel Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell. Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) is a toxic tech-bro who bears a resemblance to a modern figure in his arrogance. An arms deal between Luthor and the fictional Boravia in a violent invasion also chimes with modern-day events, and Gunn manages to pull off the feat of delivering a hopeful message amid all the darkness.
When Corenswet isn’t the main focus on screen, the supporting cast do great work. Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific gets some brilliant one-liners and a surprisingly fun set-piece that plays out to Noah and the Whale’s ‘5 Years Time.’ Nathan Fillion is, as ever, endearingly amusing in his role as Green Lantern and Skyler Gisondo is perfectly cast as Jimmy Olsen. The real scene-stealer of the piece, however, is Krypto the dog, whose chaotic presence is both hilarious and adorable.
With his Superman reboot, Gunn toys slightly with nostalgia (fans of the quadrilogy from the 1970s/80s will recognise some similar beats) but mostly this is a forward-looking superhero movie that manages to be both heartfelt and thrilling places.
Superman is in cinemas from 11th July. Watch our interview with director James Gunn here.
