The film begins three years into Superman’s crime-fighting career. He’s freshly defeated and crash-lands in Antarctica, rescued by Krypto, and healed by Superman Robots in the Fortress of Solitude. Here, we glimpse a heartfelt—but mysteriously garbled—recorded message from his Kryptonian parents.
Lex Luthor’s Political Maneuvering
Lex Luthor pitches “PlanetWatch” to the U.S. Defense, positioning Superman as a growing threat. The government, skeptical, rejects his plan. Meanwhile, Lex steals a recording of Superman’s Kryptonian parents urging conquest—using it to tarnish Superman’s image and gain leverage.
Pocket-Universe Trap and Rescue
Entrapped in a pocket universe created by Luthor, Superman is weakened using Kryptonite through a coerced metahuman named Rex. But Superman persuades Rex to help—including saving Rex’s baby son—and then breaks free through a portal engineered by Lois Liver and Mr. Terrific.
Metropolis Shakes Up
Back in Metropolis, Superman faces off against Ultraman—a clone of himself created by Luthor, mindless and cruel. During the battle, a rift opens, splitting the earth’s surface. Mr. Terrific labors to close it while Superman defeats Ultraman by sending him into the black hole deeper within the pocket universe.
The Climactic Confrontation
Superman confronts Luthor, who admits his envy—he hates the hero’s popularity and wants Superman gone. Superman responds with a stirring declaration: though alien by birth, his humanity—rooted in his upbringing—defines him. Lois’s exposé in the Daily Planet turns public opinion back in Superman’s favor. Authorities arrest Luthor; Metropolis is saved.
Emotional Resolution
The movie anchors with an emotional beat—Superman and Lois embrace in an arcade, sealing their love in a sweet moment. At the Fortress, he repairs robots and opts to watch footage of his life with his Earth parents instead of any Kryptonian relics—choosing humanity and love.
By this point, Superman has endured a high-stakes battle spanning alternate dimensions, fought a twisted clone, and thwarted Luthor’s manipulations. In the climax, he sends Ultraman into the black hole, confronts Luthor with dismantling honesty, and restores both public support and broken ground in Metropolis. The film closes on a warm note—he and Lois connect personally, and he reaffirms his human identity over his Kryptonian origins by choosing the sentimental memory of his Earth family. No loose threads yet—but it’s clear the story is set up to continue.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes—and fans should stick around through the credits.
Mid-credits scene: Superman sits on the Moon with Krypto perched on his shoulder, gazing at Earth—a quiet, reflective moment that underscores his duty and affection.
End-credits scene: Back in Metropolis, Superman and Mr. Terrific inspect a building skewed by the rift damage. Superman tries to joke that it’s “crooked,” but Terrific storms off. Clark mutters, “Gosh, I can be such a jerk sometimes,” adding a dash of awkward charm.
Also, there’s a brief cameo from Milly Alcock as Supergirl. Supergirl (Milly Alcock) appears at the Fortress of Solitude to retrieve Krypto the dog and cheekily thanks Superman for “watching him.” It’s a sly, playful setup for her standalone film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026).
Type of Movie
Superman (2025) is a superhero blockbuster reboot blending action, optimism, political intrigue, emotional depth, and occasional humor, launching a revitalized cinematic universe under James Gunn’s direction.
Cast
David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman
Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific
Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho (Rex Mason)
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern
Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
Milly Alcock as Supergirl (cameo in post-credits)
Film Music & Composer
John Murphy composed the score, joined by David Fleming, and incorporated a fresh rendition of John Williams’s iconic “Superman March.” Fleming added experimental instrumentation blended with orchestral textures via collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Only two licensed songs are featured, plus a quirky in-film song by James Safran’s daughter and Foxy Shazam.
Filming Locations
Principal filming began February 29, 2024, at Trilith Studios near Atlanta. Outdoor and IMAX scenes—including the Fortress sequences—were filmed in Svalbard’s dramatic landscapes, doubling for the Arctic. Additional shoots took place in Cleveland, Ohio, and the surrounding area. These locations provided realistic, emotional grounding (e.g., the fortress’s icy solitude) and allowed grand visual design across multiple environments.
Influential on tone: comics emphasizing hope and humanity, especially Grant Morrison’s values that shaped Gunn’s writing.
Deliberate contrast to Snyder’s darker tone—resetting Superman’s role.
Alternate Endings & Deleted Scenes
Home media includes deleted scenes, director commentary, and featurettes—specific alternate endings not publicly detailed yet.
Book Adaptations & Differences
This film isn’t based on a single novel—it’s a fresh cinematic take on the comic character, not adapting one storyline. Instead, it reshapes Superman’s origins (questionable Kryptonian parents, human upbringing) for thematic emphasis.
Superman’s recovery in the Fortress, hearing his parents’ distorted message.
The escape and emotional rescue in the pocket universe.
The rooftop battle with Ultraman and the city-splitting rift.
The heartfelt arcade moment with Lois.
Mid-credits Moon shot.
Iconic Quotes
“I consider myself human because of how I was raised.” (to Luthor)
Mid-credits: Superman silently gazing at Earth with Krypto.
End-credits: “I can be such a jerk sometimes.”
Easter Eggs & Hidden Details
A glimpse of Milly Alcock as Supergirl foreshadows her 2026 movie.
Krypto’s comedic but heartfelt presence underscores the film’s blend of gravity and goofiness.
The use of Williams’s theme is a meta nod to legacy.
Trivia
Skipped origin films in favor of diving straight into the action.
Sonic shift from dark to optimistic—complete tonal reboot.
Sherlock-level deconstruction of Superman’s humanity, not just powers.
Home video includes gag reels, multiple featurettes, deleted scenes, and commentary.
Why Watch?
If you want Superman with heart, hope, and humanity, this reboot delivers. It’s funny, emotional, politically aware, and grounded in character—not just spectacle. And Krypto steals every scene he’s in.
