Superman Early Reviews: Critics React to James Gunn’s Vision Ahead of Review Embargo

As James Gunn’s Superman soars toward its highly anticipated July 2025 release, the film has already begun stirring waves in the critical community. Select media houses and critics were invited to early screenings over the weekend, but despite a strict embargo on full-length reviews, the internet has been buzzing with early impressions—mostly positive—thanks to a slew of social media reactions and subtle coverage by major outlets. In what appears to be a calculated gray area maneuver, many top entertainment publications have circumvented the embargo through indirect language and curated posts that offer glimpses into the film’s reception.

Let’s break down what we know so far, what critics are saying on social media, and how major outlets are navigating the review restrictions ahead of what could be DC Studios’ most significant reboot in years.

Early Screenings and the Review Embargo Loophole

Warner Bros. hosted a series of early media screenings in Los Angeles and New York for Superman, the first film of the new DC Universe slate being creatively overseen by James Gunn. However, attendees were bound by an official review embargo, which restricts full critical assessments until closer to release. Yet, several journalists and outlets found a way to share their enthusiasm without technically violating the embargo.

This increasingly common practice—where studios allow for social media “impressions” but restrict formal reviews—has led to a flood of tweets and threads hinting at the film’s tone, performances, and thematic approach. Moreover, outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Forbes have published “industry previews” or “early reactions roundups” that stop just short of traditional reviews while clearly signaling their opinions.

What Reputed Critics Are Saying on Social Media about the Superman

The social media embargo for James Gunn‘s “Superman” has been lifted, bringing with it the first reactions from members of the film press. The Warner Bros. tentpole is the latest superhero movie from “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Suicide Squad” writer-director Gunn, who is now overseeing DC Studios with Peter Safran. “Superman” marks the launch of a rebooted DC Universe on the big screen. Film press are calling it a “thrilling start” to Gunn’s DC Studios.

Film critic Bryan Sudfield praised “Superman” as a “bold yet faithful” feature adaptation of the DC icon. He added that Gunn’s take felt unique while still staying true to the character’s roots.

“‘Superman’ soars with heart, humor, and style—a bold yet faithful take on the iconic hero,” he wrote on X. “James Gunn sets a fresh tone while honoring the character’s legacy, and David Corenswet shines with sincerity and strength. A promising, thrilling start to DC’s new era.”

Entertainment journalist Brandon Davis took to X to praise David Corenswet’s performance as the titular Man of Steel, adding that his chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan was “an excellent driver” of the story.

“David Corenswet portrays an exceptional iteration of [Superman] with sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational traits,” he wrote. “Corenswet & Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry for Clark and Lois is off the charts.”

However, not everyone was a fan of the DC Studio debut. Movie critic Peter Howell said “Superman” was “not the super start to the DC Universe everybody had been hoping for,” and that it prioritized style over substance.

“James Gunn is brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling,” he wrote on X. “David Corenswet plays a boyishly sweet Superman, constantly getting his ass kicked; he’d be better as the lead in a Dudley Do-Right movie. Rachel Brosnahan makes a spiky Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is more obnoxious than villainous. The real star of the show is superdog Krypto, who steals every scene he’s in — I’d rather see a movie about him.”

“Superman” stars Corenswet in the title role, plus Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The supporting cast includes Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), and more. While plot specifics for the movie have remained under wraps, Gunn has said his superhero epic encompasses “the story of America.”

“I mean, ‘Superman’ is the story of America,” Gunn explained to The Sunday Times. “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… Yes, it’s about politics. 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.”

More Social Media First Reactions:

“SUPERMAN reminds us that Clark Kent has always been a beacon of hope and the goodness that can exist in this world. James Gunn’s vision is a comic book brought to life and it brought a lightness and a happiness to one of the most beloved heroes around.” – Rachel Leishman (@RachelLeishman)

“This is the BEST #Superman movie to date. When James Gunn gets out of the way & lets his work speak for itself, it’s incredible. 💙💛❤️ It’s not perfect, but darn close & made me a believer in Gunn’s #DC.” – Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph)

“There’s glimmers of a heartfelt, hopeful & optimistic #Superman akin to classic Action Comics, but the film sadly buckles under a convoluted & often silly plot. However, there are terrific performances from Corenswet, Brosnahan, Hoult & Gathegi – plus Krypto really is the best!” – Nicola Austin (@nicola_aus)

“James Gunn’s #Superman is the hero’s most vibrant, optimistic, and character-driven big screen outing since Richard Donner was running the show. It lays a solid groundwork for a larger universe, but this is Superman’s story and a damn good one. Marvel let a big fish get away.” – Nick Spake (@NSpake)

“James Gunn absolutely nailed it with #Superman. From the music and VFX to the camerawork and humor, he crafted the ideal light-hearted, kid-friendly family film for the summer. Every character had standout moments—especially Krypto.” – Jeremy Kazieva (@jeremy_kazieva)

“Superman is filled with hope, love, and deeply powerful themes of what it means to be human. Corenswet completely embodies the strength and honor of the character, and his chemistry with Brosnahan is electric. Loved the action, and ambitious story. Gunn pulled it off!” – Ben Meter (@metersreviews)

These posts, while not formal reviews, have helped shape early expectations and build momentum for the film.

What Top Publications Are Writing Without “Writing a Review”

Despite the embargo, top-tier entertainment outlets have found strategic ways to share early perspectives:

1. Variety

Variety’s preview piece leans heavily into the tone Gunn is establishing for the DCU. The article praises the emotional sincerity and the film’s embrace of “classic superhero virtues,” calling it a “course correction that is both nostalgic and modern.”

2. The Hollywood Reporter

THR framed its write-up as an “insider buzz” piece, noting that early audiences responded “very positively” to the mix of character-driven storytelling and lighthearted action. The publication says Gunn has brought a “fresh heartbeat” to Superman and singled out Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane as a standout.

3. Forbes

Forbes’ contributor Scott Mendelson stopped just shy of calling Superman a success but stated it “feels like the right film at the right time,” especially as superhero fatigue looms large over the box office. The analysis emphasized the film’s runtime efficiency and emotionally resonant set pieces.

4. SlashFilm

Their write-up dives into the aesthetics, calling the film “visually warm” and “rooted in Americana, but not weighed down by nostalgia.” The piece credits DP Henry Braham with giving Superman a visual texture that evokes Richard Donner’s classic era while updating it for a modern audience.

5. SuperHeroHype

While not a review per se, the site compiled critic tweets and noted that there is “genuine optimism among those who’ve seen the film.” They also mention how early word-of-mouth is expected to translate into strong pre-release ticketing.

6. ComicBookMovie

Their article focused on fan expectations and cited anonymous sources who described the film as “Gunn’s most personal work yet,” hinting at autobiographical elements and philosophical undercurrents.

A Unified Theme: Optimism and Emotional Depth

If there’s one throughline from both critics and publications, it’s the idea that Superman marks a tonal shift for DC—away from cynicism and into sincerity. James Gunn’s interpretation seems to lean heavily into the ideals of truth, justice, and hope, with many comparisons to the hopeful energy of The Flash TV series and the emotional resonance of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1.

David Corenswet’s performance as Clark Kent/Kal-El is drawing praise for its grounded, empathetic approach, with early viewers noting his chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane as a major asset. Meanwhile, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is said to be “menacing without being cartoonish,” and the supporting ensemble is credited with making Metropolis feel lived-in.

Final Verdict (So Far): A Promising Start to the DCU Reboot

While full reviews are still under wraps, the consensus from social media reactions and publication previews points to Superman being a heartfelt, earnest reboot that successfully reestablishes DC’s flagship character. By leaning into emotional storytelling and thematic optimism, Gunn appears to have delivered a film that resonates deeply with both longtime fans and newcomers.

Of course, the real test will come after the embargo lifts and broader audiences get to weigh in—but so far, the signs are encouraging.