Breathe. Forget your cynicism for a minute. Shove that lingering bitterness from past cinematic misfires deep, deep down where your darkest demons and Joss Whedon co-exist.
Let's pretend we're coming to Superman fresh, unscarred, as if we didn't all trauma bond over Henry Cavill's CGI upper lip. James Gunn is making an all-in bet on the Man of Steel this summer to lead the charge for the new DC era. And frankly, if you're not at least a little bit buzzed about it, you're missing out. There are incredible things brewing at DC Studios, so shouldn't we at least bring a bit of optimism with us? A bit of... hope? (because the 'S' means hope, see what I did there?) Here are 10 reasons why you should be hyped for Superman this July.
10) James Gunn: this isn't his first rodeo
Let's be clear: Gunn is the guy who created some of the most memorable and emotional moments in the Marvel Universe (Rocket's whole storyline in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 anyone?). He's the kind of director who understands that even larger-than-life, God-like heroes need genuine emotion and depth, not just bigger explosions. When talking about Superman, Gunn said he's "good, who wants to do good, and who believes in the goodness of humankind." In a world that often feels like it's straying further and further away from "goodness," that's not just a nice thought; it's a necessary one. Gunn understands this character and this world, and he'll deliver a Superman who will make you feel something.
9) The Great DCU Reset
Remember those tangled timelines? The endless teasers that led nowhere? Or when they recast roles every other day (have you played Batman yet? If not, get ready for your call). All that is gone. Poof. Superman is ground zero, literally "Chapter One." A clean slate and fresh plate gives them the chance for a coherent universe where everything, theoretically, actually fits. How exciting it must be for DC to finally have a clear path forward, full of opportunities.
8) Corenswet & Brosnahan
David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman? Look, I'm not familiar with much of his previous stuff, but for this role? The guy not only has the look —he looks like he's been drawn by a comic book artist— he's got that earnest quality that makes you believe he could actually inspire people instead of just punching things. And let's not forget Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. She's a brilliant performer, sharp, witty, who will bring a Lois who's a force of nature, not just some damsel in distress. From what we've seen, their chemistry appears to be off the charts—and that could very well be Superman's secret sauce.
7) Holt's Luthor
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Now, I'll admit that I quite liked Jesse Eisenberg's take, but let's be honest, Hoult is an actor with more range. He has the ability to truly bring Luthor's terrifying, intellectual arrogance to life. From what we're hearing, Hoult is pulling from various versions of the character, promising us a nuanced, brilliant, and deeply twisted villain—not just another cartoon. Luthor is one of the greatest villains in the DC pantheon, and Superman could finally be the time his character gets the justice he deserves.
6) Clark Kent: The Not-So-Human Touch
Gunn's not just interested in the flying alien that can shoot lasers from its eyes (that's what I'm interested in, to be honest). He's reportedly digging deep into Clark Kent, the guy who grew up in Kansas, the human heart of the alien hero. We'll see how those small-town values shaped the most powerful being on Earth. Superman's genius and success has always come from how it ground the extraordinary in the relatable and Gunn seems to get this.
5) A House Full of Heroes
This isn't just the Superman show. We're getting a full table of DC characters who already exist in this word. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner (Green Lantern), Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer. This isn't some clumsy, tired, seen-it-all-before type of introduction; these characters are already part of the fabric. It suggests a universe that's already vibrant, alive, and ready for adventure.
4) The Red Trunks are Back!
Love 'em or hate 'em, the red trunks are making a triumphant return. For some, it's a silly detail. For others, (me, I'm talking about me) it's a symbolic return to a classic, unashamedly heroic look. It's a subtle nod that says, "Yeah, we're taking this seriously, but we're also having a little fun."
3) Gunn's Ensemble Expertise
If there's one thing Gunn knows, it's how to juggle a cast. He’s proven it with the Guardians and The Suicide Squad. Every character, no matter how small, gets their moment and feels like a complete character, not like they've just been packed in. This is crucial when you're populating a universe with a dozen costumed heroes. It means less filler, more killer.
2) Humor and Heart
Expect laughs. Expect tears. Expect a flying dog. Krypto the Superdog makes his introduction this July, and that alone should be enough to warm your cold, dead heart. Gunn’s films are never just action; they’re packed with genuine emotion and genuinely funny moments. It's the kind of filmmaking that sticks with you, long after the credits roll.
1) Hope
Finally. We've seen too many dark and gritty reboots turning a mirror on the darker, grittier world we live in. Frankly, we've drank that well dry. While we're still living in ever darker times, Gunn's Superman isn't shy about being colorful, genuinely good, genuinely optimistic, and utterly unironic. That's not just a creative choice; it's a meaningful act, a shot of something fresh. It's bringing us a hero who isn't afraid to believe, and who wants you to believe too. It's precisely what the world needs right now.
So there we have it! I hope you enjoyed the list and it has hyped you up a little for July if you weren't already. Leave a comment below and share with your friends!