Rising Sun: A New Chapter for Superman
Across centuries, from parchment to pulp to screen, the story of Superman has been a lodestar. But in 2025, with James Gunn's inspired direction, the Man of Steel is resurrected—not in origin, but in spirit.
A Hero Already Among Us
Those antiquated days of origin retellings all creaky and rough are far behind us. Rather, we meet Superman three years into his journey—a hero who has ended wars and given hope. As in Time, Gunn "skips over the retelling of the origin of Superman and starts with him three years into his crime-fighting life" This daring narrative leap honors tradition but sweeps us up in the midst of his story.
A Twist of Legacy
In a move both brave and controversial, the film questions Superman’s own heritage. The farewell message from Jor‑El and Lara isn’t one of pure altruism—it urges conquering and procreation. Critics and fans alike are torn. Some, like The Independent, expressed genuine bewilderment—“I’m really not sure what James Gunn was thinking…”—while others marveled at the audacity of revisiting such core mythology.
Humanity in Focus
But in the midst of cosmic revelations, it is Earth that maintains its dignity. Clark grows up in Kansas with Jonathan and Martha Kent, and his moral compass is not formed by Kryptonian glory, but Midwestern humility. Time indicates that Gunn "reiterates his emotional bond with Earth and humankind"—and it works. This Superman is different from prior stoic interpretations in that he is warm, genuine, and genuine.
A Tonal Balancing Act
James Gunn weaves a tale that balances sincerity and slapstick. The effect is lighthearted yet affecting, receiving plaudits for its charm (NPR: "corny. Which is why it gets Superman right" but receives criticism as being uneven and sprawling (Guardian: "cluttered, pointless franchise restarter" As Business Insider points out, the film "blends heartfelt storytelling with comic book zaniness… though it contains some messy plot elements"
A Box-Office Ascent
Despite split second-guessing, crowds have flocked into theaters. Opening-day box office of $56.5 million, above much of 2025's best, and good preview box office signal blockbuster ground. With global projections over half a billion, this Superman is not a return—it's a renaissance .
Dogged Determination—Meet Krypto
Even our four-legged heroes have their moment of glory. Krypto, Superman's faithful canine sidekick, steals scenes—and hearts. This dog hero provides a lighthearted touch that enriches the emotional narrative and connects to the film's thematic focus on loyalty and love.
Thematic Currents
In a time full of division, this Superman is more immigrant story than ever before. Both The Guardian and The Week point out how the film engages with the issues of our times—immigration, disinformation, authoritarianism through its lens. Gunn presents Superman as "truth, justice, all that good stuff" reinvented for today.
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