When Superman (2025) premiered under the direction of James Gunn , the reactions were immediate. For many fans of the Man of Steel, it was the perfect return: an optimistic, kind hero, with the classic smile that conveys hope even on the darkest days. However, not everyone saw it the same way. On social media, a minority of the fandom felt that the new version was too naive, almost old-fashioned, as if the hero who saves squirrels instead of throwing punches doesn't fit into the current era.
But that's where an unexpected ally comes into play: an actor from The Batman, who didn't hesitate to come out and defend the Kryptonian right at the event in front of hundreds of fans.
With O'Neill he surrenders to Superman
Actor Con O'Neill , known for playing GCPD Chief Mackenzie Bock in Matt Reeves' The Batman and HBO's The Penguin, didn't mince his words when asked about the new Superman film during a panel at Oz Comic Con in Brisbane.
The actor got straight to the point, making it clear that the Metropolis hero won him over with his humanity and that he believes it is essential to champion kindness in an increasingly tense world.
“I loved how they portrayed Superman's humanity and how they promoted kindness. That's incredibly important in today's society, where we need to combat hate and poisonous rhetoric. Cinema has power, and showing a hero who chooses to be good is something we need more than ever.”
With those words, O'Neill clearly sided with James Gunn and the new Superman, dismantling critics who label him as soft or old-fashioned.
Against the Man of Steel haters
The actor's response became more intense when he directly addressed those who do not accept that the Kryptonian can be a kind and compassionate hero:
“There are people who think Superman shouldn't be so kind. Screw those people.”
O'Neill's forceful remarks drew applause and laughter from the audience, who celebrated the fact that someone from the DC family had spoken out so clearly. After all, isn't Superman the hero who taught us that even the most powerful can choose to be humble and human?
Future of Bock's character in The Batman
During the same panel, fans took the opportunity to ask the actor about his character's future within The Batman universe. Warner had announced a series centered on the GCPD that was ultimately canceled, leaving what would happen to Bock up in the air.
O'Neill's response was as funny as it was evasive: "If I told you, I'd have to kill you ," the actor joked. "I love Bock. Getting inside Matt Reeves' mind is one of the most extraordinary experiences I've had as an actor. Where I thought Bock should be, in the end, isn't where he's going to be. So I just trust the genius of Matt Reeves. The man is a [frick]ing genius. If you haven't seen his other movies... go see them! They're [frick]ing incredible."
These statements don't confirm anything, but they suggest that Chief Bock could return in The Batman: Part II, although there hasn't been an official announcement yet.
Superman 2025: A Box Office Hit
Beyond the social media controversies, the reality is that the 2025 Superman has been a resounding success. The film has already grossed over $615 million at the global box office, consolidating James Gunn and Peter Safran's bid to relaunch the DC universe on the big screen.
The hero's hopeful tone, even described as "kindness is the new punk rock," has resonated with a large majority of viewers who needed to see an inspirational Superman again.
What's next on the horizon for DC
DC's future promises to be filled with excitement. The next big chapter for the Kryptonian will come with Superman: Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for release on July 9, 2027. It's then that we'll know if James Gunn maintains the bright, positive tone or introduces new nuances to comics' most iconic hero.
Meanwhile, Matt Reeves ' The Batman – Part II will hit theaters on October 1, 2027, meaning both DC juggernauts will be competing in the same year. A release schedule that will delight fans.
Why does this Superman matter so much?
Con O'Neill's defense isn't just a cute convention anecdote. It reflects a deeper discussion: what role should Superman play in 2025 and beyond? For some, the superhero needs to be modernized, becoming darker and more realistic, almost Batman-esque. For others, what makes Kal-El unique is just the opposite: being a beacon of hope when all else seems lost.
James Gunn opted for this second approach, and actors like O'Neill enthusiastically validate that choice. In cynical times, presenting a hero who believes in goodness can sound radical, even revolutionary.