After much anticipation, Superman (2025) has finally premiered, captivating audiences with its nostalgic charm. First reactions are emerging, and they primarily sing the film’s praises. The world premiere took place at the renowned TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, where select lucky fans got a glimpse of the film ahead of its official reviews. With the review embargo lifting at 3 AM EST, let’s dive into the initial impressions of Superman (2025).
Superman (2025) First Reactions Before Embargo Lifts

Many viewers express that watching Superman felt like reliving their childhood, where comic books sprang to life in vibrant action on-screen.
One glowing reaction came from Perri Nemiroff, who applauded the film’s blend of heart-pounding action and humor, emphasizing the authentic humanity embodied by Superman. She admired David Corenswet’s portrayal, commending James Gunn and his team for their successful execution. Perri shared:
“Superman made me so damn happy. The movie is loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity, but the beating heart of the film is Superman’s humanity, and his insistence on doing good and making the world a better place. David Corenswet brings such an infectious determination and warmth to the role that it makes that pursuit all-consuming and impossibly heartening.”
Brandon Davis also expressed his excitement, declaring Superman as a triumph for DC. He described the film as a true comic book come to life, even admitting to shedding tears of joy during key moments:
“It’s a comic book brought to beautiful live-action life, brimming with hope & fulfillment. David Corenswet was born for Superman & Clark Kent. Loved it.”
Another enthusiastic reaction was shared by Erik Davis, who provided what felt like a mini review of the film, focusing on its vibrant aesthetics and stellar performances. He celebrated James Gunn’s direction, stating:
“James Gunn’s Superman is the perfect superhero movie and a terrific start for the new DC Studios. It’s big, bright, exciting, full of hope & it never loses its sense of wonder. Watching it felt like ripping open a comic book & feasting on its wild, chaotic imagination.”
Adding to the praise, Courtney Howard highlighted Corenswet’s heroic portrayal, along with commendations for Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane performance:
“Superman absolutely soars! Corenswet has that heroic shimmer. Hoult is delightfully diabolical. Brosnahan brims with vim & vigor.”
Another heartfelt reaction came from Joseph Deckelmeier, who emphasized how the film encapsulated the magic of Superman comics:
“James Gunn and the cast really bottled that classic Superman magic in this film. It’s for families, comic book nerds, & anyone who has ever loved a good dog story.”
However, There Are Some Negative and Mixed Reviews
Despite the positive buzz, some reactions were more mixed. ViewerAnon found the episodic structure ineffective for the film’s overarching narrative. Although he enjoyed some moments, he stated:
“Superman Movie is pretty good. There’s less of an overarching plot than a series of episodes. Some are great; some are not.”
Another mixed review from JoBlo noted that while the film features great moments, it fell short on character development for Lois Lane and Clark Kent, stating:
“Not a disaster at all, but not as good as hoped for. The movie short-changed vital characters like Lois Lane and Clark Kent.”
Critics like Andrew J. Salazar felt the film was overly ambitious, stating there was simply too much going on, despite praising the chemistry between the leads:
“Superman is just fine. There is simply *too much* going on in Superman’s first solo movie.”
In summary, it appears that Superman (2025) is reviving the excitement of comic book adventures while also facing varied opinions. Only time will tell how audience reactions will unfold as more reviews become available.
What elements stand out in Superman (2025) when compared to past films?
Many viewers feel it successfully captures a balance of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, providing a fresh take on Superman while honoring the character’s legacy.
How does David Corenswet portray Superman differently than previous actors?
Corenswet’s performance is noted for its infectious warmth and resolute determination, bringing a new dimension to the character’s humanity in challenging situations.
What are some key themes in Superman (2025)?
The film emphasizes hope, morality, and the struggle to maintain one’s values in contemporary society, which resonates deeply with viewers.
With all this excitement surrounding Superman (2025), why not stay updated with further analysis and insights? Explore related content with Moyens I/O to delve deeper into this cinematic phenomenon.