Superman’s First Reactions & Early Reviews Would Make DCU Fans Happy

Following its world premiere, Superman has received positive early reactions, with critics praising the cast, tone, and visual direction. Many are calling it a strong introduction to James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. Early responses also highlight the film’s balance of action, character moments, and respect for the source material.

Superman gets highly positive first reactions

James Gunn’s Superman premiered in Los Angeles on July 7, 2025, and the lifting of the social media embargo has brought in early reactions from critics, influencers, and industry insiders. Full reviews remain embargoed until July 8 at 3 PM EST, but initial responses appear mostly positive.

Fandango’s Erik Davis called it “a terrific start for the new DC Studios.” Collider’s Perri Nemiroff stated, “The movie is loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity.” These comments reflect feedback from early attendees at the premiere and private screenings, including one hosted on June 25 at the Warner Bros. lot.

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

#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

GQ Magazine described the film as “one of the most distinct superhero films in a long time,” emphasizing its tone as “honest and true to the spirit of Superman.” The outlet praised James Gunn’s direction for being “colorful, in both its palette and the costumes,” and highlighted its fantastical elements, including “flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters.” The Sunday Times also released an early review, calling the film a “triumph” and stating, “After a long wait, this is the film the character deserves.”

Further, Chris Killian of ComicBook said the movie is “perfectly cast,” and praised Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult’s performances.

Superman is a living, breathing DC comic book come to life, blending James Gunn’s trademark quirkiness with the earnestness of the Donner films. It’s perfectly cast— Corenswet feels like #Superman peeled off the page while Nicholas Hoult steals almost every scene he’s in. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/0cgUlOAFSG

— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) July 8, 2025

However, The Daily Beast offered a contrasting opinion, describing the movie as “an overstuffed Saturday morning cartoon” and criticizing it for featuring “two-dimensional” heroes and villains. (via ComicBookMovie)

The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The supporting cast includes Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.

Directed by Gunn, Superman runs for around 2 hours and 9 minutes and officially releases in theaters on July 11, 2025.

Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net