So, James Gunn’s Superman is finally out, and honestly? It’s a lot to process. After years of the "Snyderverse" giving us a Man of Steel who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else but Earth, we’ve finally got a version that feels... human. Which is funny, considering he’s an alien who can bench-press a tectonic plate.
But here’s the thing: everyone is talking about the suit or the "hopeful tone," but they’re kind of missing the forest for the trees. The real magic of this flick isn't the CGI or the big action set pieces—though there's plenty of that. It’s the sheer density of the characters in the new Superman movie.
Gunn didn’t just give us Clark and Lois. He dropped an entire living, breathing DC Universe into our laps. It’s messy, it’s crowded, and if you aren't paying attention, you might miss why some of these weirdos are even there.
The Man Behind the Cape: David Corenswet’s Clark Kent
Let’s get the big one out of the way. David Corenswet isn’t just Henry Cavill 2.0. He brings this sort of dorkish charm that we haven't seen since Christopher Reeve. He’s tall, he’s jacked, but he looks like he’d apologize if you stepped on his foot.
The movie treats Clark as a guy who is genuinely trying his best. He’s not a god playing at being human; he’s a guy from Kansas who happens to have solar-powered superpowers.
There’s this specific scene where he’s talking to his mom, Martha (played with a lot of heart by Neva Howell), and you can see the weight on his shoulders. He’s not brooding about destiny. He’s just worried he’s failing the people he loves. It’s simple. It works.
Why the Daily Planet Staff Actually Matters
Most superhero movies treat the hero’s "day job" as a nuisance. In this movie, the Daily Planet feels like a character itself. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane is a revelation. She’s fast-talking, relentless, and—thankfully—not a damsel. She’s the one driving the investigation into Lex Luthor’s shady dealings in Boravia.
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Then you’ve got the rest of the bullpen:
- Jimmy Olsen: Skyler Gisondo is basically perfect here. He’s not a "cub" anymore; he’s a confident, slightly goofy photographer who actually feels like Clark’s best friend.
- Perry White: Wendell Pierce brings a gravitas to the "Chief" (don't call him that) that makes the Daily Planet feel like a real institution of truth.
- The "B-Team": You’ve got Beck Bennett as the loudmouth Steve Lombard and Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant. They provide the "office" vibe that grounds the movie. Without them, Superman is just a guy in blue pajamas. With them, he’s a member of a community.
The "Justice Gang" and the World Already Filled With Heroes
This is where some people got confused. Why are there so many other heroes? We’ve got Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner (the Green Lantern with the terrible bowl cut), Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.
In Gunn’s world, superheroes have been around for a while. Superman isn’t the first; he’s just the best.
Nathan Fillion plays Guy Gardner as a total jerk, which is exactly how the character should be. He’s the counterpoint to Superman’s idealism. While Clark is trying to save everyone, the "Justice Gang" (bankrolled by Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord) is more about the branding and the corporate side of heroism. It creates this fascinating tension where Superman has to prove that being "good" isn't just a marketing gimmick.
Nicholas Hoult and the "Elon Musk" Lex Luthor
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor is... terrifying. He isn't the cartoon villain with a giant laser. He’s a tech billionaire who is obsessed with being the "main character" of humanity.
Luthor’s jealousy isn't just about power; it’s about adoration. He hates Superman because Superman gets the love that Lex thinks he earned.
The twist with "Ultraman" (the Superman clone) is the physical manifestation of that obsession. Lex literally tries to build his own version of a god because he can’t stand the real one. It’s a sharp critique of ego and corporate overreach that feels very 2026.
The Hidden Complexity of the Supporting Cast
We can’t ignore the weird stuff. Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho is heart-wrenching. He’s a man turned into a monster who just wants his old life back. And then there's the Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), who is basically a walking weapon of mass destruction.
These characters aren't just cameos. They represent the different ways power can change a person. Some people, like Clark, use it to help. Others, like the Engineer, become tools for people like Luthor.
And let’s not forget Krypto. Using a dog to humanize a Kryptonian is a classic James Gunn move, and it works. When Superman is at his lowest, bloodied and defeated by "The Hammer," it’s Krypto who pulls him back.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Newcomers
If you’re heading into the theater or just finished a rewatch, here is how to actually digest the characters in the new Superman movie without getting overwhelmed:
- Watch the background: Many of the Daily Planet scenes have "Easter eggs" for the wider DCU. Pay attention to the news tickers and the names on the desks.
- Follow the theme of "Choice": Notice how every character is defined by a choice they make. Clark chooses to be human. Lex chooses to be a god. The Justice Gang chooses to be a brand.
- Don't wait for an origin story: The movie assumes you know the basics. It’s much more rewarding if you treat it like a chapter in a long-running book rather than page one.
The real takeaway here is that Superman is only as strong as the people around him. By populating the world with a massive cast of heroes, villains, and ordinary journalists, James Gunn reminded us why Clark Kent loves Earth in the first place. He’s not saving a planet; he’s saving his friends.
To get the most out of the experience, look up the "Justice International" comic runs or the "All-Star Superman" series. They provide a lot of the DNA for why these characters act the way they do in the film.