Disney’s Competition: “Superman” Soars in Every Way

by Ray Keating

Review

July 15, 2025

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While acknowledging the first two Christopher Reeve Superman films as true classics, I’m happy to write that Superman (2025) – directed and written by James Gunn (with additional writing credits given to Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster – which is very cool) – is simply sublime to the point that it now ranks as the best Superman film … ever.

I don’t wish to give anything away – at least in this article, though the internet is jammed, of course, with spoilers. Ignore the spoilers, if you can, and just enjoy the film in the theater.

Indeed, this film seems to be registering with moviegoers in a special way. On Sunday, the cashier and bagger in my local grocery store were talking Superman. Meanwhile, on CNBC Monday morning, they were talking Superman. And when I saw the film late in the afternoon on Monday – not exactly prime movie-going time – the theater was pretty much full.

While Reeve mastered the contrast between Clark Kent and Superman, David Corenswet, while doing this well, doesn’t reach Reeve’s achievement (who could?) on this point. But when playing Superman, well, Corenswet simply is Superman.

This Superman is what one would want from Superman – generous, strong, courageous, kind, brave, filled with hope, and willing to sacrifice to save others. Indeed, Gunn’s Superman tries to save everyone – entire nations, Metropolis, individual adults and children, an oddly cute alien baby, dogs, and even a squirrel and the bad guys. He’s all about serving humanity.

Superman always has been an aspirational character who makes those around him better. That sometimes can serve as a challenge to writers, filmmakers and actors. But not for Gunn and Corenswet. Indeed, this Superman, in fact, raises up those around him – from Lois Lane to the members of the “Justice Gang” (more on them shortly).

Meanwhile, Rachel Brosnahan turns out to be a complete success as Lois Lane. She’s tough, smart, and makes the perfect pairing with Superman. Again, she is Lois Lane.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that this Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) rocks it.

And Nicholas Hoult is a delightfully evil Lex Luthor – driven by a hate that finds its roots in envy. And by the way, he’s very much self-aware of this motivation.

The addition of the “Justice Gang” might have hurt some other films, but Gunn’s script and his selection of actors simply added to the joy. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner Green Lantern nearly steals every scene he’s in, while Edi Gathegi created an interest for me in the character Mr. Terrific that really wasn’t there before. And Isabela Merced portrays Hawkgirl in all of her fury, and with sharp, but good-natured humor.

Indeed, there is humor throughout the film, and it adds to, rather than detracts from, the overall story.

And what can be said about Krypto without giving anything away? Well, I now have my new favorite fictional dog – who makes messes, doesn’t always listen, serves as a faithful companion, and happens to fly.

There’s so much more that could be said about this film (yes, I love the social media monkeys!), but none of it should be political. This isn’t a movie about today’s politics. Thank you, James Gunn.

Indeed, if you somehow think that this Superman is “woke,” then you have a problem. Perhaps it’s time to get off the internet and get some perspective on life. Along these lines, the only thing I’ll say to those who attack this Superman as “woke”: You know who would have loved this Superman movie? Ronald Reagan. Why? The answer is in my simple summary of the film: Superman is a wonderful mix of optimism, action, love, hope, good-vs.-evil, humor (often deliciously quirky), and sacrifice.

(This review was originally published as Ray’s Faith, Freedom & Joy Column #3.

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.substack.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? Keating also is a stockholder in Disney.

Walt Disney ranked as one of the great entrepreneurs of the 20th century. In 10 Points from Walt Disney on Entrepreneurship, Ray Keating, editor and columnist for DisneyBizJournal and a leading economist on entrepreneurship and small business, turns to Walt for inspiration and insights on what it means to be an entrepreneur, on embracing entrepreneurship, and on learning lessons for the entrepreneurial journey.

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