James Gunn Superman 2025 Review: Costumes, CGI Criticism & Man of Tomorrow Sequel (2027)

James Gunn’s Superman, released in July 2025, marked the official launch of the new DC Universe (DCU). Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film aimed to deliver a hopeful, comic-book-inspired take on the Man of Steel. It skipped a traditional origin story, focusing instead on an established hero balancing his Kryptonian heritage, human life, and relationships.

The movie achieved solid commercial success with a worldwide box office of approximately $618 million on a $225 million budget. It earned mostly positive critical reviews (around 83% on Rotten Tomatoes) and strong audience scores, with praise for its heart, humor, and Corenswet’s sincere performance.

Mixed Fan Reactions and Common Criticisms

While many celebrated it as a refreshing, earnest superhero film, reactions were polarized. Fans and critics who loved it highlighted its vibrant, hopeful tone, strong ensemble cast, and faithful comic book energy. Early reactions called it “the happiest I’ve walked out of the theater since Top Gun: Maverick” and a “thrilling start” to the DCU, with Corenswet and Brosnahan’s chemistry standing out.

However, significant criticisms aligned with concerns many viewers shared. Some found the tone overly campy or “goofy,” with jokes feeling forced or watered-down for broader appeal. The aesthetic often came across as more TV-series-like than cinematic blockbuster, lacking the epic weight expected from a Superman film.

Costumes and Visuals: A frequent complaint centered on the character designs. Many described the superhero and villain outfits as resembling “bike leather jackets” — stylish but lacking an otherworldly, alien quality. Superman’s suit, while traditional with the red trunks, was called baggy or cheap-looking by some, failing to highlight Corenswet’s physique effectively.

CGI and Production Quality: CGI drew notable backlash, with some scenes labeled poor or ridiculous. Critics and viewers questioned whether the VFX team delivered value for the budget, contributing to a sense that the film lacked “rewatchable” wow moments or technically impressive sequences.

Pacing, Tone, and Emotional Impact: Excessive shouting, screaming, and rapid pacing left some feeling the emotional beats were undermined by untimely jokes. For certain fans, especially those preferring the darker tone of previous iterations like Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, it felt too light or convoluted.

These points echo sentiments from Superman fans who appreciated the effort but felt it missed opportunities for deeper memorability and grandeur.

Why Many Still Embraced It

On the positive side, the film succeeded in humanizing Superman, exploring his trauma, relationships, and idealism. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor was a standout, and the supporting cast (including characters like Mister Terrific and Green Lantern) added fun ensemble energy. It prioritized heart and hope over grimdark spectacle, resonating with audiences seeking an uplifting superhero story.

Sequel Plans: David Corenswet Returns in Man of Tomorrow (2027)

David Corenswet’s Superman is confirmed for at least two more films. He will first appear alongside Milly Alcock’s Supergirl before starring in Man of Tomorrow (Leaked Footages in the link) set for a July 9, 2027 release. The sequel sees Superman and Lex Luthor teaming up against a greater threat (rumored to involve Brainiac).

Costume Update and Breaking Tradition: One of the most discussed aspects is the costume continuity. Unlike past Superman films — where each installment often featured a new suit (e.g., Henry Cavill’s evolving looks, including the black suit in Zack Snyder’s Justice League) — Corenswet is largely reprising the same suit from the 2025 film in Supergirl and Man of Tomorrow, with only minor tweaks like a tighter fit, larger S-shield, and subtle adjustments visible in set photos.

This breaks a long-standing “Man of Steel rule” regarding frequent costume changes. It fits Gunn’s vision of a deeper, more consistent character-focused arc rather than visual reinvention for its own sake. Superman’s suit isn’t tactical like Batman’s, so the emphasis stays on performance and story. Recent set leaks show a more form-fitting design addressing some first-film critiques, while retaining the classic bright colors and trunks.

This continuity approach benefits the character’s legacy in the connected DCU, allowing audiences to focus on growth rather than redesigns.

Final Thoughts on Superman’s Future

James Gunn’s Superman delivered a bold, heartfelt reboot that divided opinions but successfully relaunched the DCU with strong domestic performance and fan-favorite moments. While criticisms around costumes, CGI, and tone are valid for those seeking a more alien or epic feel, its sincerity has set a foundation for what’s next.

You might want to read: Kryptonite & Coffee Break Gossip: Meet the New Supergirl

With Man of Tomorrow on the horizon and an updated-yet-familiar Superman suit, excitement is building for a more refined chapter. Whether you loved the hopeful vibe or wanted more grandeur, the DCU’s Man of Steel is here to stay — and the conversation around his journey is far from over.

By Thounaojam Tommy- Editor TrendBrewers

FAQ: James Gunn’s Superman (2025) & Man of Tomorrow (2027)

1. How was James Gunn’s Superman (2025) received by audiences and critics?

James Gunn’s Superman was a commercial success, grossing over $600 million worldwide. Critics and many fans praised David Corenswet’s sincere performance, the hopeful tone, and the heartwarming character moments. However, it received mixed reactions overall — some viewers criticized the overstuffed plot, campy humor, weaker CGI in certain scenes, and costumes that felt more “TV-like” than cinematic. It currently holds strong audience scores but divided opinions among longtime Superman fans.

2. What were the main criticisms of the costumes and visuals in Superman 2025?

Many fans felt the superhero and villain costumes looked like “bike leather jackets” with little alien or otherworldly feel. Superman’s suit, while traditional with red trunks, was called baggy by some. CGI also drew criticism for not living up to blockbuster standards, contributing to the film feeling less epic and rewatchable for certain viewers.

3. What is the release date and plot of Man of Tomorrow?

Superman: Man of Tomorrow is scheduled for theatrical release on July 9, 2027. The story picks up two years after the first film and involves Superman and Lex Luthor teaming up against a major new threat, widely rumored to be Brainiac. It will feature an expanded DCU cast and bigger stakes.

4. Will David Corenswet wear a new Superman costume in Man of Tomorrow?

Yes, but only with minor upgrades. Set photos show an updated version of the same suit — tighter fit, darker blue shade, and a larger S-shield — while keeping the classic red trunks. This breaks the tradition of completely new costumes in every Superman movie, allowing consistency in Gunn’s character-focused DCU.

5. Who are the key returning cast members in Man of Tomorrow?

David Corenswet returns as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor (who gets a powerful Warsuit), and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film will also feature many supporting characters from the first movie, including Mister Terrific, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner and John Stewart), and Hawkgirl.