The New Superman Movie: Who Is the Real Superman? Immigrant Kal-El or the All-American Hero?
The latest Hollywood production from DC Studios, led by James Gunn, attempts to answer the question: Who really is the alien immigrant Kal-El, known as Superman?
This post can be read in Tocsin Magazine, and all Medium members can read the full article here.
Introduction
Straight from the Hollywood dream factory comes the latest version of the film about the world’s most famous superhero, Kal-El, known on Earth as Superman. The film arrives at a perfect time, addressing a very current topic in the United States by portraying Superman as an immigrant. This angle may resonate with many immigrants in America, who could relate to a character facing struggles similar to their own.
The red carpet world premiere for the cast, crew, and VIP guests took place on July 7, 2025, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. For the rest of us mere mortals not invited to the premiere, the movie will be released in theaters on July 10 or 11.
This time around, the role of the strongest, noblest, and most honest superhero is played by David Corenswet, who dons the red cape and boots to embody Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman. Rachel Brosnahan plays the iconic reporter and Superman’s great (and perhaps only) love, Lois Lane of the Daily Planet. Meanwhile, Nicholas Hoult steps into the role of Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor.
Who Is Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman?
Since his first appearance in 1938, countless versions of Superman’s story have been told. What remains consistent across all interpretations is his origin: he hails from the destroyed planet Krypton, and his birth name is Kal-El. On Earth, he hides under the name Clark Kent, and people call him Superman due to his near-godlike abilities, such as flight and superhuman strength, powers he gains from Earth’s yellow sun, which fuels his strength.
His only weakness is kryptonite, a substance from his home planet that arrives on Earth in meteor form.
Every film adaptation adds its own flavor to this foundation. The latest Superman film is no exception and brings a unique vision to the story.
Why This Superman Film Is Different
According to James Gunn, the film’s director and screenwriter, this version of Superman will be portrayed in a completely different light.
Gunn stated that he aimed to bring the story of Superman to life in a new and fresh way, aware of the creative efforts of his predecessors.
He emphasized his desire to offer something unique for a new generation — a side of Superman we’ve never seen before. One novelty is the inclusion of Superman’s four-legged companion, Krypto, a superpowered dog first introduced in the comics in 1955.
Another notable element is that Superman is explicitly presented as an immigrant — a highly relevant theme in the modern-day USA.
Plot Summary: More Than an Origin Story
Briefly
Clark Kent, already active as Superman, balances his life as a reporter in Metropolis with his relationship with Lois Lane. While he uses his powers to protect Metropolis and intervene in global crises, his ideals of kindness and virtue are often questioned as outdated.
Tech-billionaire Lex Luthor manipulates public perception and creates a clone — Ultraman — to discredit Superman and take control. With the help of his dog Krypto and a support team, Superman confronts this threat, reveals his identity to Lois, restores his reputation, and sets the stage for future sequels.
Other Superheroes and Metahumans
Appearing alongside Superman are:
- Guy Gardner / Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) — an arrogant but powerful Lantern who can create energy constructs.
- Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) — a winged warrior armed with battle staves.
- Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) — a genius inventor who wields T-spheres.
- Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) — a metahuman who can transform his body into various elements.
Analysis
Unlike other versions, this film picks up when Clark Kent is in his early 20s and already active as Superman. It focuses on his internal conflict — the struggle to reconcile his alien, immigrant origins from Krypton with the human values he embraced growing up in Smallville, Kansas.
Director James Gunn emphasizes that the film’s central theme is “human kindness.” He presents Superman as the embodiment of humanity, truth, justice, and compassion — values often considered outdated in today’s modern society. This is a story about an “immigrant” who believes in the goodness of humanity, and whose greatest strength is his big, kind heart, said Gunn.
Here is the final version of the official trailer
Early Reactions and Expectations
The trailer, released in December 2024, was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Viewers praised the film’s brighter color palette and its return to comic book roots, in contrast to the darker tone of earlier films like Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.
At select early screenings, the first 30 minutes of the film received enthusiastic responses. Critics praised Gunn’s signature blend of action, humor, and emotional depth. The film has been described as “deeply heartfelt” and visually stunning.
While a few negative opinions have emerged, the general opinion is that Superman injects much-needed freshness and optimism into the superhero genre. Director James Gunn stated he felt “quite satisfied” following the initial feedback, despite the immense pressure during production.
Final Verdict
With a new vision, an impressive cast, and a storyline celebrating kindness, Superman is ready to launch a bold new era for DC on the big screen.
Expect a heartfelt, visually dynamic, and thematically rich reboot that redefines Superman as an immigrant hero for our times. Although opinions diverge, many find it a refreshing departure from the darker interpretations of the past.
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