James Gunn’s Superman

[School of Movies 2025]

This is a BIG one folks, the first major change in direction for silver screen DC comics adaptations since Nolan's Batman Begins in 2005 (though it has plenty of recent tonal forerunners to back it up, including Aquaman, Blue Beetle and the first Shazam! all of which we recommend seeing as well). This is what Warner Bros. were blushingly groping for in 2017 while trying to course-correct Zack Snyder's Justice League in the edit.

But it isn't just a statement of intent for the future and a mission statement for potentially carving out a much more successful, crowd-pleasing cinematic universe, this is, first and foremost a GREAT superhero movie, bringing an even less-compromised version of Clark to the big screen than the classic Donner films. The red outerpants are back, bringing with them an unabashed joy at finally getting to be THIS version of itself, powered by phenomenally talented young stars and balancing humour with heart.

The level of adulation and happiness we've seen exhibited over this one has been nourishing, and while there's plenty who have a bone to pick over decisions made within this flawed and messy movie I'd really like it to be the opposite of Snyder's take, and be a unifying rather than dividing force. So all are welcome, you don't have to agree with us, and maybe we can illuminate the qualities on show here in a way that helps some folks tentatively embrace Superman.

Guests:

From Sequentially Yours  Kaoru Negisa  @moonpanther22.bsky.social‬

and Debbie Morse  @bastet8300.bsky.social‬

Brendan Agnew from Cinapse @blcagnew.bsky.social‬

And you should follow us at @schoolofmovies.bsky.social‬