The Politics of Superman in 2025
Superman (2025) poses new questions for audiences through a reimagined character and storyline. Gareth Simpson via Flickr
When James Gunn’s “Superman” premiered on July 11, it was met with high expectations and skepticism. As the first major installment in DC Studios’ rebooted cinematic universe, it had the usual pressure to entertain. But beyond that, the film enters a political landscape far more complex than past versions of the character and storyline.
With the current tense political climate, the release of “Superman” has drawn attention from audiences. The character of Superman, played by David Corenswet, who has long been considered a symbol of hope and traditional American ideals, returns at a time when public discourse continues to debate those very ideals and what they ultimately stand for.
“I mean, Superman is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost,” James Gunn told The Times.
Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent has been recognized for its sincerity and kindheartedness, balancing his identity as both a Kryptonian and an American citizen. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane as an investigative journalist with a more modern edge and emotional depth in her relationship with Clark Kent.
In addition to reimagining these beloved characters and their personal lives in a modern way, the film also reintroduces Superman to a new generation of audiences who haven’t been able to experience what it feels like to grow up with the character.
Warner Bros. has emphasized the film's appeal across demographics, from long-time fans to younger viewers unfamiliar with earlier versions.
While the filmmakers have not positioned “Superman” as a political film, the character's traditional associations with American ideals and justice have inevitably sparked discussion with audiences across ages and in a less conventional sense. Audiences are divided in their reactions to the return of a hopeful Superman: some see it as a cultural response to recent years of uncertainty and division, while others reject this new interpretation for being too unconventional.
“Yes, it’s about politics,” Gunn said. “But on another level, it’s about morality. Do you never kill, no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”
Whether audiences accept or reject this new version of Superman may say just as much about today’s cultural and political climate as it does about the film itself. Public reactions can reveal what values and ideas people are connecting with, or even pushing back against right now. But if one thing is certain, it is that Superman has always found a way to come back. Over the decades, he has been reimagined again and again to reflect the changing world around him.