Director James Gunn discusses plans for Superman's premiere, delves into the immigrant narrative woven into the character, and emphasizes the role of kindness as a defining factor in the movie.
In the world of superheroes, the iconic Man of Steel has received a fresh and compelling update in the 2025 film directed by James Gunn. The new Superman, played by David Corenswet, offers a more human and relatable portrayal, focusing on his vulnerabilities and emotional depth.
The film opens with a striking scene that showcases Superman's humanity despite his superpowers. After crash-landing on Earth, a wounded and gasping Superman is depicted, emphasising his flesh-and-blood nature as he struggles to adapt to his new environment.
James Gunn's Superman undergoes a thematic shift in origins and relationships. Unlike previous films, his Kryptonian parents are portrayed as villains, pushing Superman closer to human experience. His human parents, the Kents, are depicted as charmingly imperfect and relatable, reinforcing themes of Superman's belonging and empathy towards humanity.
The romantic connection between Superman and Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan, adds emotional warmth and complexity to the film. The chemistry between the two actors has been praised for bringing genuine heat and realism to their interactions, setting it apart from other superhero franchises where such relationships often feel distant or underdeveloped.
The movie also weaves in broader themes of kindness and immigration. Producer Peter Safran described Superman as "kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned," highlighting this as a key thematic element. Superman serves as an embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, presenting kindness not as a weakness but as a strength, especially in a world that may see it as outdated.
James Gunn, who has worked on the film for the past three years, emphasises the importance of kindness in his "Superman" film. He compares Superman's kindness towards Lex Luthor to showing kindness in everyday life. The film also explores Superman's compassion towards the character Lex Luthor, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
The creators of Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were children of immigrants, and this heritage is reflected in the film's themes of belonging and identity in a diverse society. The new "Superman" film has soared to the top of the box office, making a $122 million domestically in its debut over the weekend.
Vladimir Duthiers, a Peabody Award- and Emmy Award-winning journalist, has covered a wide range of breaking and feature stories since joining the News in 2014. In "our Mornings," Duthiers serves as a featured host and anchor for our News 24/7. Duthiers notes that the key value of Superman in the film is life, while the key values of Lois Lane are truth and journalism.
Gunn's "Superman" film features a more cynical and less idealistic Lois Lane, adding depth to the storyline. Despite Superman's powerful status, the film depicts him as more human, aligning him more closely with human values, including empathy and inclusiveness. This humanised version of Superman offers a fresh take that resonates with contemporary society.
The latest Superman film, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, explores his humanity in the opening scene, showcasing his vulnerability after crash-landing on Earth, highlighting the themes of 'news' as Vladimir Duthiers covers the story for 'Mornings' and 'entertainment' as a key focus. Additionally, the film's romantic connection between Superman and Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan, emphasizes their relatable emotions, reinforcing the importance of empathy and inclusiveness in contemporary society, further delving into the world of 'movies-and-tv'.
