If you’ve heard a TikTok about needing to nerd out or being a punk rocker, maybe you, too, were swept up by the “Superman” mania. After its release in July, “Superman” was rightfully a huge box office success and a major turning point for the beloved character. Unlike many of the other “super” movies out lately, “Superman” has no strings attached. The film’s narrative is completely standalone and serves as the beginning of the new DC Universe (DCU). This fresh start to “Superman” took a weight off me as a viewer that I didn’t realize I’d been carrying.
The film, directed by James Gunn, follows an established Superman (David Corenswet) over a hectic week in his life, having to defeat the evil plans of the genius supervillain Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) with the help of a new superhero group, the Justice Gang, and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Superman’s love interest and co-worker.
With how interconnected the Marvel films have become, keeping up with the stories I’d previously enjoyed became a chore. Now I’m able to start the story at the beginning and follow along as the different projects come out. Also, a complete reboot reopens the door for many who’d written off or didn’t enjoy the previous DC films, especially with the dark and polarizing style of the former Superman director, Zack Snyder.
The Snyder-directed DC films had an edgier tone, aiming for gritty realism rather than a colorful fantasy. The harsh tone was successful at the time, but it never caught my attention. With this new iteration, Corenswet plays Superman as a sweet, naive hero doing his best to save as many people as possible. The style of the film is colorful and bright, with the Superman suit specifically returning to a vivid blue and red reminiscent of the comics that inspired the film.
“Superman” also has a scene that’s sparked controversy, but in my eyes, it contains the film’s true thesis. While in the middle of a fight with a giant supernatural creature, Superman flies around the area, moving adults, children and pets out of the way while the Justice Gang attempts to kill the monster. Then, Superman swoops in to save a squirrel from being stepped on. Rather than worrying about how he’s perceived, as he would in the Snyder version, this Superman openly tries to save every life he can, no matter how big or small.
Superman’s kindness was also inspirational. Since Superman’s goal is to protect everyone, he makes a controversial choice to intervene in an international conflict. His actions saved lives but raised questions about his motives in the public eye, putting his position as a hero at risk. Though his choices had fallout, he stood beside those in need, inspiring them to continue their own fight. He encouraged the Justice Gang, Lois Lane and in a way, me. I left the theater that night hopeful for a world where people can stand together and fight for what’s right.
That happy feeling I left the theater with made me interested in the future of DC projects. Although this new revival is in its early stages, I have worries about a buildup of content that will slowly make the DCU less accessible. But this worry can’t be lifted until more DCU projects come out. Gunn promised that the DCU will not have movies with one interconnected story. Instead, the new DCU will be an expansive world where individual projects highlight individual stories.
This is already being seen with the DCU show “Peacemaker” on HBO Max. The show continues Gunn’s vision and features cameos from the Justice Gang. All of the references to “Superman” haven’t taken away from the story, but are instead explained for new audiences and add a nice reference for those who have seen both. This balance is the best way to continue for the DCU. Like the way I left the theater after “Superman,” I look hopefully towards the future of the DCU and all comic book movies.