Supergirl review: The DCU’s Superman follow-up is bright, bouncy, and a little too familiar
James Gunn’s Superman serves as the theatrical launchpad for the revitalized DC Universe, following DC Studios co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran’s 2022 elevation to leadership positions. With Gunn serving as both writer and director, the film represents a strategic choice to establish the tone and direction of the new DCU while reclaiming Superman from Zack Snyder’s darker interpretation.
Gunn, a self-described Superman enthusiast with a strong fanbase built on previous superhero projects, brings his distinctive sensibility to the character. His filmography includes successful franchises like the Guardians of the Galaxy series, as well as acclaimed standalone films like Suicide Squad and the HBO series Peacemaker, establishing him as a skilled architect of ensemble superhero narratives.
The film presents Superman with a notably brighter, more optimistic aesthetic compared to previous DC cinematic efforts. Early descriptions characterize the movie as bright, bouncy, and energetic, though suggesting it may rely on well-worn superhero storytelling conventions.