Is Superman (2025) really “woke” or just true to the character’s roots? Read our honest review covering the film’s visuals, story, action, and why the backlash might be missing the point.
-Robin Bhuyan
Directed by James Gunn, Superman (2025) has finally arrived as the first official chapter in the new DC Universe. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the film reintroduces us to the Man of Steel with a noticeably lighter tone, brighter visuals, and a return to the comic book roots.
This is not a grim, brooding God-torn between worlds but it’s Superman as we remember him, or at least, as he was meant to be: kind, idealistic, and deeply human beneath the cape.
But while the film has received praise for its heartfelt approach and stunning presentation, it has also sparked debate- some viewers calling it “too soft,” “political,” or even “woke.” While others are pointing us how this is how Superman always was, starting from the comic era. In an era where the term gets thrown around faster than a speeding bullet, it’s worth asking: Is Superman (2025) actually woke, or are people just forgetting what Superman always was?
Yes, “woke” content is definitely a major problem, whether it is on OTT or in Hollywood/Bollywood productions. Let’s break it down to see if it applies to Superman (2025).
Storytelling in Superman (2025)– Solid, Heartfelt, But Not Groundbreaking
The plot of Superman (2025) is relatively simple, and that’s both a strength and a weakness. We meet Clark Kent not as a confused farm boy, but as an already active Superman, who is working at the Daily Planet, saving lives, and grappling with how to fit into a world he doesn’t quite belong to emotionally.
There are no major twists or shocking turns here as the story is more character-driven than plot-driven. The writing focuses on Clark’s internal struggle between his duty as a protector and his desire to live as an ordinary man. It’s thoughtful, warm, and restrained, which might feel underwhelming if you’re expecting bombastic action and high-concept science fiction. But in terms of tone and purpose, it feels just right for a reboot.
Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, serves more as a symbolic threat than a physical one, a manipulator who sows distrust in Superman among the public, media, and government. His arc feels more politically relevant than comic-book evil, and during his entire screen time, his sinister presence is felt.
Visuals – An Absolute Triumph
Where the story plays it safe, the visual presentation absolutely soars. Gunn and cinematographer Henry Braham have crafted a film that looks clean, bright, and vivid, and this is a massive departure from the gray-filtered days of the Snyderverse.
The color palette is rich, with sky blues, golden sunsets, and crystal-clear lighting that makes Superman feel like a beacon again.
Costume design is modernized but respectful- Superman’s suit, in particular, is textured yet simple, regal yet practical.
Kryptonian tech and flashbacks are handled with slick, minimalistic designs, avoiding CGI overkill.
From aerial rescue shots to wide, sunlit cornfields. It is all a reminder that Superman should be beautiful to watch.
Action – Functional, But Not Memorable
The action is… fine. Not bad by any means, but also not the highlight.
Most sequences are designed to show restraint, rather than domination. This is what makes sense for this version of Superman, who is constantly holding back. There are a few cool crowd-control set pieces and a showdown in space that looks great, but nothing in this film tries to compete with the brutal spectacle of Man of Steel or The Boys.
The fights serve the character, not the choreography. And that may frustrate some fans expecting heat vision carnage or explosive final battles. Still, the film deserves credit for staying true to its message: Superman doesn’t fight to destroy. He fights to protect.
Performances – Earnest and Well-Cast
David Corenswet delivers a performance that feels exactly like what this Superman reboot needed. He’s not trying to out-brood Henry Cavill, and that’s the point. His Clark Kent is gentle, nerdy, and unsure of himself, but his Superman is steady, hopeful, and quietly powerful. He’s playing the role like a man raised to be kind, not dominant.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp, driven, and the emotional anchor of the film. She doesn’t feel shoehorned in or hyper-modernized. But she indeed feels like Lois Lane should: relentless, loyal, and grounded.
Supporting characters like Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl have limited but interesting roles, they add world-building without stealing the show. And yes, Green Lantern shows up but it’s Hal Jordan, the original, not a race-swapped version. The internet outrage was largely based on confusion.
Is Superman (2025) really “Woke”?
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
There’s been a loud but shallow backlash calling this film “woke.” Why?
Because Clark is too soft? Because he believes in people? Because he saves everyone, even when they don’t deserve it?
That’s not woke. That’s Superman. That’s who he’s always been.
He’s not Batman. He’s not Kratos. He’s not Homelander. He’s not designed to be edgy or brutal. He’s the guy who trusts too easily, gets hurt, and keeps helping anyway. That’s what makes him super.
Clark Kent: The Textbook Nice Guy
In Superman (2025), Clark is shown as awkward, kind-hearted, and hopeful. He checks in on co-workers. He smiles at strangers. He wants to save everyone- even his enemies. He doesn’t believe in collateral damage, and he doesn’t fight to win or to take revenge- he fights to protect.
And yes, sometimes he gets beat up. Not because he’s weak but because he’s always holding back. Always choosing mercy. That’s not a “woke downgrade.” That’s core Superman storytelling going all the way back to the Golden Age. That’s how Superman was written.
Why the “Woke” Complaints Fall Flat
The backlash mostly comes from:
Fans stuck in the Homelander / Omni-Man mindset
People raised on Snyder’s godlike alien version of Superman (That’s probably the only version of Superman they have seen!)
Folks who have never read the comics
Let’s be honest- we’ve spent the last decade worshipping characters who burn cities to make a point. So when Superman (2025) brings us a hero who cares too much, trusts too easily, and saves people without demanding gratitude, it feels foreign. But it’s not new- it’s classic.
Comparing Superman to Batman
People forget that Superman’s overly kind-hearted and forgiving side is what makes him different from Batman. Superman and Batman are ultimate opposites not just in powers, but in personality and philosophy. Superman is raised in a loving home, surrounded by kindness, which shapes him into a hopeful, trusting protector who believes people can change. He holds back in every fight, trying to save even his enemies, and often gets hurt, not because he’s weak, but because he refuses to stop believing in good. His strength lies in restraint, empathy, and unwavering moral clarity.
Batman, on the other hand, is a product of trauma and paranoia. He loses his parents violently, grows up alone, and teaches himself never to trust anyone. Where Superman gives chances, Batman plans for betrayal. He wins not through power but through preparation and discipline. Despite being insanely rich, he trains himself with discipline, achieving peak physical and mental fitness, and mastering numerous arts. And rarely loses because he assumes the worst. If Superman is the light, Batman is the shadow, and together, they represent two sides of the same heroic coin: hope vs control, heart vs caution, naivety vs realism. That’s what makes them iconic.
Superman and Batman both refuse to kill, but for very different reasons. Superman holds back out of hope and compassion, he believes everyone can be saved.
Batman refrains out of fear and discipline- he knows if he crosses that line, he might never stop- he might become a monster himself.
Before labelling this new Superman as “weak”, these are some points that need to be remembered. Funnily, the negative comments against the film are coming mostly from those who have never read the comics. Some people want every hero to be dark, sarcastic, traumatized, and vengeful. But we have other heroes and anti-heroes for that.
Superman? He’s raised in the country by his caring foster parents with love, not fear. And because of that, he walks into situations unguarded. He’s vulnerable- physically and emotionally, because he chooses to believe in the good. He chooses to trust people too easily. And yes, despite being a superhuman who is as powerful as a god, that is what makes him a man, his biggest weakness and also his biggest strength.
Final Verdict: A Return to Heart, Not an Agenda
Yes, it is true wokeism is a real problem in modern media. When characters are changed to suit a particular agenda, plotlines are warped to push politics, or classic archetypes are watered down to fit trends, it hurts the storytelling.
But Superman (2025) is not that. Definitely not.
This film doesn’t preach. It doesn’t pander. It simply presents Superman the way he was always meant to be: The Good Guy Who Wants to Protect Everyone, Even His Haters
It’s not perfect. The story could’ve been better, and the action could’ve gone harder. But visually, emotionally, and morally- it flies high.
⭐ Final Rating: 7/10
A solid, sincere return for Superman. Not the loudest film of the year- but to an extent maybe the one we needed the most.
If you are wondering when and if we shall ever get a Superman video game, read this.
If you are a Batman fan, read our review of Batman: Arkham Knight and why it still stands as one of the best Batman games ever. Also check out The Top 10 Superhero Games of All Time
