Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Superman 'Woke' Reboot Criticized as 'Migraine of a Movie'

The new Superman movie has been met with a sea of just two star reviews as critics are unconvinced of the first foray into the newly-branded DC Universe

SUPERMAN FLIES INTO CONTROVERSY: NEW FILM SLAMS WITH TWO-STAR REVIEWS, DIRECTOR JAMES GUNN UNDER FIRE FOR IMMIGRANT COMPARISON

The new Superman movie has landed with a thud, earning a slew of scathing two-star reviews from critics who are left unimpressed by the latest iteration of the iconic superhero. But it's not just the film that's got everyone talking - director James Gunn is facing backlash for his comments likening the Man of Steel to an immigrant.

The new movie, starring David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, has been met with a sea of negative reviews from critics who are underwhelmed by the film's attempts at storytelling. The Sunday Times even went so far as to call it "a migraine of a movie" in their review.

The new film - directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the fictional superhero, with Rachel Brosnahan as precocious reporter Lois Lane - will go on general release from July 11

Gunn, 58, told The Scholarly Note that he felt Superman's story was closely tied to that of immigrants who come to America seeking a better life. "I mean, Superman is the story of America - an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country," Gunn said. But not everyone agrees with his interpretation.

Fox News' Greg Gutfeld slammed Gunn for using his "woke shield" to deflect criticism, saying he's out of touch with what Americans really feel. Kellyanne Conway, a former advisor to President Donald Trump, chimed in, saying that Gunn is trying to lecture audiences instead of telling a compelling story.

But it's not just the critics who are upset - conservative personality Chris Stigall accused Gunn of trying to confuse the issue by using the term "immigrant" without clarifying whether he meant legal or illegal immigrants. And Sean Gunn, James' brother and an actor in the film, took to social media to defend his sibling, saying that Superman does indeed represent the immigrant population.

The Times gave it a negative two star review calling it a 'migraine of a movie' but did praise the leading man (pictured)

The movie itself is a mess, with Empire calling it "lumpy and overstuffed" and The Guardian branding it a "dim reboot." Even The BBC's review was lukewarm, calling it "glib and flimsy."

But not everyone is down on the film. Amy Nicholson of The Los Angeles Times gave it a positive review, saying that while Superman himself is a bit dim-witted, the movie has its moments. And David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter praised the film's tone and leads, calling it "fun, pacy and enjoyable."

The controversy surrounding the film's release has only added fuel to the fire, with some critics accusing Gunn of trying to hijack the Superman franchise to push his own political agenda. But for now, it seems that the new Superman movie is flying solo - and not in a good way.

The Guardian was equally as scathing, also giving it two stars - branding it a 'dim reboot' (Rachel Brosnahan seen centre)

CAST MEMBERS DEFEND GUNN

The cast of the film has rallied around their director, with Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner-Green Lantern) saying "Aw, somebody needs a hug" when asked about the backlash. David Corenswet, who plays Superman, also defended Gunn, saying that he's proud to be part of a project that celebrates kindness and inclusivity.

WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING

Nicholas Hoult (seen) is playing Lex Luthor in Gunn's Superman but he originally auditioned for the main role of Superman

The scholarly debate surrounding the film is heating up, with some experts arguing that Gunn's comments are a deliberate attempt to undermine traditional American values. But others see it as a noble effort to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

"The movie is trying to say something about human kindness and inclusivity," says one expert. "But by framing it as an immigrant story, James Gunn may be alienating some of his audience."

THE VERDICT IS IN

The BBC also gave it a largely negative review and just three stars saying it was 'glib and flimsy' and felt like 'an eccentric sci-fi B-movie'

It seems that the new Superman movie has left many viewers feeling underwhelmed. But for those who have defended the film, it's a chance to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The film also brings in numerous beloved characters from the DC Comics like Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), plus the beloved Crypto the Super-Dog

The Empire review praised leads Corenswet and Brosnahan (seen) saying they had 'clear chemistry' and adding that Brosnahan was 'spiky and engaging as Lois, breathing life into a role with minimal dimension otherwise'

Gunn himself has been facing backlash for comments he made in an interview in The Sunday Times of London last week