DC Studios Superman Early Screenings Earn Huge Positive Reactions From Fans and Critics

The film has garnered numerous positive reviews, with critics praising its tone, visuals, and cast. Many are calling it a great introduction to Gunn’s DC Universe. Early reactions also cite the character moments, balance of action, and commitment to the source material. The movie premiered in Los Angeles on Monday, and the lifting of the social media embargo allowed critics, influencers, and industry insiders to give their early reactions.

Fandango’s Erik Davis praised the film, saying, “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. Loved it!”

He added, “Gunn sets up his universe right from the start and jumps into Superman’s story when he’s at his lowest point. It’s narrative choices like that that help make this feel unlike any Superman story we’ve experienced before on the big screen. Gunn goes out of his way to change things up and shake loose our expectations, but it still plays like a classic Superman adventure at the same time.” Perri Nemiroff of Collider praised the film for its execution of action, humor, and levity.

She said, “Superman made me so 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.” GQ Magazine described the movie as “One of the most distinct superhero films in a long time,” highlighting the tone as honest and true to the spirit of Superman.” In addition, Nemiroff was also pleased with Corenswet’s performance as the Man of Steel in Gunn’s DC Universe.

Nemiroff added, “David Corenswet brings such an infectious determination and warmth to the role that it makes that pursuit all-consuming and impossibly heartening. Making that an even more robust aspect of the movie, Gunn and co. don’t shy away from exploring the challenges one might encounter when trying to navigate our reality while holding tight to those core values.” These comments alone strongly reflect the positive feedback from early attendees at the LA premiere and special private screenings, especially the one on June 25 at the Warner Bros. lot for DC Studios Superman. 

Final Thoughts

Despite the positive reactions, The Daily Beast offered a different opinion, criticizing the film for its “two-dimensional” portrayal of heroes and villains. The movie stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The supporting cast includes Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. Superman will officially release in theaters on July 11, 2025.