What to know about the 'Superman' movie, from first reviews to new star
Are you ready to go up, up and away with the new "Superman"?
Writer/director James Gunn's new superhero adventure arrives in theaters with David Corenswet starring as the latest movie Man of Steel. "Superman" also is launching a rebooted version of the DC Comics universe, headed by DC Studios honchos Gunn and Peter Safran, with an array of upcoming movies and TV shows that will fill out the iconic world of Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and others.
Superman is one of the most iconic characters in Americana, who first arrived in the comic books in 1938, and a new movie – plus a new guy in the cape and signature "S" shield – is always a big deal. Here's what you need to know about the film and its cast:
'Superman' movie reviews and reactions so far: What are critics saying?
The early reviews are in for "Superman" and extremely positive. The film has an 83% score on RottenTomatoes.com, and Paste BN gives it ★★★½ out of four stars, calling it a "poppy, satisfying adventure" and pointing out star David Corenswet, who "imbues his hero with joy and optimism, from the boots all the way up to his signature spit curl."
There was also a lot of reaction on social media following the Hollywood premiere, with media members calling the new movie everything from "exhilarating" and "beautiful" to "hopeful" and "terrific," while also calling out its "goofy unpredictability."
Who is the new 'Superman'?
David Corenswet's the next guy up in the red trunks, following the likes of Brandon Routh, George Reeves, Henry Cavill and the iconic Christopher Reeve. Corenswet, a Philadelphia native who's also appeared in the movies "Twisters" and "Pearl," opened up about fatherhood, his favorite cheat meal during training and what he has in common with Superman in a Paste BN interview.
"Both Superman and me, we share the thing of wanting to be someone that people come to in their darker moments, not just in their moments of celebration," Corenswet says. "We can be a force for calm and reassurance and centeredness even in the most tumultuous times in life."
Who else is in the 'Superman' cast?
Nicholas Hoult, who also auditioned to play the title character, stars as arch nemesis Lex Luthor, while Rachel Brosnahan plays the Daily Planet's ace reporter (and Supes' girlfriend) Lois Lane. Gunn's also included other superheroes in the mix, including Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan).
"Superman" also builds out the Daily Planet newsroom from Lois and Corenswer's Clark Kent: Paste BN has a sneak peek at the team of journalists including reporter Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), sports guy Steve Lombard and editor in chief Perry White (Wendell Pierce).
What do I need to know about James Gunn's new DC universe?
While technically the new DCU kicked off with the animated show "Creature Commandos" late last year, "Superman" is the big launch pad for a revamped superhero landscape and new faces playing iconic characters. Next up: The second season of "Peacemaker" starring John Cena premieres Aug. 21 on Max, the new movie "Supergirl" with Milly Aycock comes to theaters June 26, 2026, and the upcoming Green Lanterns Max series "Lanterns" – featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre – premieres next year.
Gunn's labeled the first chapter of stories in the new DCU "Gods and Monsters": "As we enter the world, we start to take our different protagonists from the different corners and travel along with them. Some are going to overjoy us, and some are going to disappoint us, and we don't know who is who," the filmmaker says.
What is the latest 'Superman' movie rated?
"Superman" is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association "for violence, action and language."
When does 'Superman' come out?
The film is set to fly into theaters on July 11.