James Gunn’s Superman is here—and it’s everything fans hoped for. From epic showdowns and emotional moments to a surprise Supergirl cameo, the movie marks a fresh, fun start to the new DC Universe.
Lex Luthor’s Plan Unravels as Superman Rises
Set three years into Superman’s superhero journey, the story finds Clark Kent (David Corenswet) balancing life as a journalist and protector of Metropolis. Trouble begins when tech genius and manipulative villain Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) stirs paranoia by leaking secret Kryptonian information—suggesting Superman was sent to dominate Earth.
Luthor’s scheme extends globally as he joins forces with Boravia’s corrupt president to invade a neighboring nation, Jarhanpur. But he also unleashes chaos in Metropolis by creating a pocket universe that threatens to collapse into the real world.
As the world teeters on the edge, Superman and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) split their efforts. While Mister Terrific tackles the dimensional crisis in Metropolis, Superman calls in backup—Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan)—to stop the Boravian assault. The Justice Gang steps in, ending the war, while Hawkgirl delivers justice to Boravia’s corrupt leader.
Meanwhile, in Metropolis, Superman confronts Ultraman—a clone of himself built by Luthor. After a brutal battle, the clone is sucked into the rift. Luthor’s lies are finally exposed, and he’s imprisoned thanks to a tipoff to the Daily Planet. Crisis averted, peace returns… briefly.
Supergirl’s Chaotic Arrival
Just as things settle down, a hilarious twist bursts through the Fortress of Solitude—Superman’s cousin, Supergirl (Milly Alcock), crashes in. Disoriented and slurring, she barks, “Why did you move the door?” and asks for her missing dog. Plot twist: Krypto, the super-dog everyone thought belonged to Superman, is actually hers.
Their comedic reunion features drunken laughs, Krypto-sized chaos, and Supergirl’s unforgettable exit line: “Thanks for watching him, b****!”
Her arrival teases her upcoming solo movie, inspired by the Woman of Tomorrow comic series, and adds an unexpected dose of humor and relatability to the new DCU.
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Post-Credit Moments
Superman includes two brief but meaningful bonus scenes:
Mid-Credit: Superman and Krypto sit quietly on the moon, staring down at Earth. The moment echoes the calm and warmth of All-Star Superman.
Post-Credit: Superman fusses over a flaw in a rebuilt building, frustrating Mister Terrific, who storms off. Clark mutters, “Darn it, I can be such a jerk sometimes...” It’s a funny, human moment that closes the film on a light note.
A Standalone Superhero Film That Still Builds a Universe
Instead of stuffing the film with cameos or setups, Gunn keeps the story focused. Yes, Peacemaker and Rick Flag Sr. make subtle appearances, but they don’t overshadow the plot. The only real setup is Supergirl’s debut—logical, since her movie is already done.
With old-school values, stunning visuals, and a hero who genuinely cares about saving lives (yes, even animals), this Superman is a refreshing return to form. His relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) adds heart, while his everyman goodness reminds us why he’s the blueprint for all superheroes.