The world’s most recognizable superhero is about to take flight once again, and this time he’s swapping shadows for sunshine. James Gunn’s hotly anticipated Superman reboot lands in French cinemas on July 9, 2025, promising a fresh, more comedic chapter for the Man of Steel – and it’s already igniting heated debate among fans.
After a three-year absence from the big screen – his last cameo being in 2022’s Black Adam — Superman is back, but with a new face and a new attitude. David Corenswet steps into the boots of the iconic hero, marking the character’s first major reintroduction since Henry Cavill’s era. Under the creative stewardship of James Gunn, known for revitalizing Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, the film signals a radical new start for DC’s cinematic universe (now DCU).
The latest trailer packs a punch, introducing not just Superman, but a vibrant cast of allies and antagonists. Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and villainous Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) all make their debut, along with a surprise appearance by Superman’s loyal canine, Krypto. Notably, Rick Flagg Sr. (Frank Grillo) — previously teased in the Peacemaker series — steps into the fray, signaling tighter interconnections across future DCU films.
What sets this reboot apart is its conscious move away from the brooding, high-stakes drama that defined Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. Instead, Gunn’s take is unapologetically brighter and funnier, injecting levity through both character dialogue and visual gags—particularly with Krypto’s much-memed antics. This tonal shift is a clear response to long-standing calls from fans and critics for a Superman film that captures the character’s hopeful optimism.
But bold new directions come with risk: some longtime Superman fans are thrilled by the refresh (“My god, it’s incredible! I love it,” raves one X user), while others are more skeptical. For traditionalists, skipping the origin story might leave newcomers adrift, and several viewers have voiced concern over what they see as an overreliance on CGI spectacle. These cracks in fan consensus echo similar divides seen with other superhero reboots, like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming or DC’s own The Batman.
Whether Gunn’s Superman soars or stumbles will depend on how well it blends humor, spectacle, and heroics for a new generation. As the July 9 release date approaches, all eyes are on whether the Man of Steel can win over both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
TL;DR: Superman returns to French cinemas July 9, 2025, with James Gunn’s colorful reboot starring David Corenswet, a new roster of heroes and villains, and a lighter tone. The film ditches the origin story and leans into humor — but early reactions show fans are split on the change in direction.
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures via GamesPress