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Is James Gunn’s Superman (2025) Better Than Man of Steel? 10 Points to Consider

Gunn’s Superman puts kindness, journalism and comic-book influences in focus. Here are ten points to consider when comparing it with Man of Steel.
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Whether James Gunn’s Superman is better than Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel depends on what you want from a Superman film. Gunn’s movie makes a clear case for kindness, journalism and comic-book-inspired storytelling, but the available evidence does not establish ten objective wins over its predecessor. Here are ten useful points for comparing the films—some grounded in Gunn’s stated approach, and others best treated as questions for viewers to judge.

Is James Gunn’s Superman better than Man of Steel?

There is no neutral scorecard that can settle a subjective comparison. A viewer drawn to a hopeful, good-natured hero may prefer Gunn’s approach; someone who values a more solemn or monumental interpretation may favor Man of Steel. The strongest case for Gunn’s film is not that it wins every category, but that its priorities—compassion, journalism and visible comic-book influences—make for a distinctive version of Superman.

Gunn’s Superman was released theatrically in the United States on July 11, 2025, with international release beginning July 9, according to DC’s film page. The following ten points are comparison criteria, not ten verified advantages: the available sources substantiate some of Gunn’s intentions and choices, but do not support a balanced scene-by-scene verdict on both films.

10 ways to think about the comparison

1. Kindness is an explicit part of Gunn’s Superman

Gunn described the character he wanted to make as “a good-natured guy who wants to be kind.” He also said, “Everybody’s gotten so cynical and ironic,” explaining the cultural mood behind that choice in an Associated Press interview. These remarks establish Gunn’s intention, not a guarantee that every viewer will experience the film as hopeful. The AP interview with Gunn and cast also includes Lois Lane actor Rachel Brosnahan’s view that the film’s focus on journalism and journalistic integrity may be especially important now.

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2. Compassion and purpose are foregrounded

DC’s editorial feature describes Superman as having “a self-directed purpose to save lives,” and frames compassion, truth and justice as central to the character. That is DC’s own interpretive framing, not an independent verdict on the film: the feature expressly notes that its opinions need not represent DC or Warner Bros. For readers comparing the movies, the useful question is whether this emphasis on chosen purpose feels more compelling than the motivations they see in Man of Steel. Read DC’s feature on the ideas behind Superman.

3. Journalism is part of the story, not just Clark’s cover

The Daily Planet and reporting have a deliberate role in the 2025 film. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen pursue stories under editor Perry White, bringing newsroom work into the film’s world. That gives viewers a concrete basis to consider how the movie treats truth, evidence and public accountability. Brosnahan’s AP comments support the filmmakers’ stated interest in journalistic integrity; they do not, on their own, prove that the film handles journalism better than its predecessor.

4. The comics are influences, not a blueprint

DC’s July 10, 2025 feature identifies All-Star Superman and the work of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely among the influences on Gunn’s approach. That provides a helpful clue to the movie’s comic-book lineage, but it should not be described as a direct adaptation of All-Star Superman. A fair comparison asks how visibly each film draws on comics, rather than assuming that one is more faithful or authentic. DC’s feature discusses the inspirations.

5. The balance between Superman and Clark Kent is a key test

Consider how each film uses Clark’s life outside the costume: his work, relationships and choices among other people. Those details can make a Superman story feel intimate rather than focused only on extraordinary powers. The supplied reporting confirms the newsroom’s role in Gunn’s film, but does not provide enough scene-by-scene evidence to rank the two films’ portrayals of Clark.

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6. Supporting characters can change the scale of the story

Lois, Jimmy and Perry have identifiable roles in the 2025 film’s journalism storyline. When comparing the films, ask whether supporting characters have agency of their own and whether their decisions affect the plot, or whether they mainly exist to react to Superman. The available sources establish the newsroom setup, not a comprehensive comparison of the supporting casts.

7. Tone is a preference, not a universal measure

Gunn’s comments make clear that he intended to answer cynicism with a kind-hearted hero. Whether that reads as more optimistic than Man of Steel is an interpretive judgment. Viewers can compare humor, emotional intensity and how each film treats hope without turning personal taste into an objective ranking.

8. Visual style needs evidence from the films themselves

Color, composition and the look of Superman’s world are often central to comparisons between superhero films. But the sources here do not substantiate specific claims about either movie’s palette or visual language. Treat this as a viewing question: which film’s imagery better serves the story and the version of Superman it wants to present?

9. Action choreography is not established as a Gunn advantage

To argue that one film has stronger action, a comparison would need to identify particular sequences and explain how staging, clarity and consequences work on screen. The available sources do not establish those details, so an action-based win for either film would go beyond the evidence.

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10. Compare what each story chooses to emphasize

A final useful measure is scope: whether the story is chiefly about an individual’s moral choices, a public conflict or a wider threat. Gunn’s stated interest in kindness and the 2025 film’s newsroom focus point to themes viewers can assess, but they are not enough to demonstrate that one film’s overall story is superior.

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What the evidence supports—and what it does not

The clearest supported distinctions are Gunn’s stated intention to center a kind, good-natured Superman; the Daily Planet’s deliberate role; and comic-book influences that include All-Star Superman. These make a thoughtful case for why some viewers may prefer the 2025 film. They do not prove ten universal advantages, audience consensus, or a definitive ranking against Man of Steel. DC’s merchandise announcement confirms categories such as toys, apparel and collectibles, including products celebrating Krypto’s screen debut, but says nothing about current retailer inventory. See DC’s merchandise announcement.

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