Ep. 322: James Gunn's Superman

Steffan and Gavia review the first good Superman movie since the Christopher Reeve era, a charming action-comedy from Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. Leaning into zany comicbook antics, this reboot makes some vague attempts at political commentary - but it’s mostly about resetting Hollywood's vision of Superman as a lovable American icon.

Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, this upbeat adaptation invites plenty of questions about Superman’s place in pop culture. Is it possible to tell a Superman story that reflects the reality of 21st century journalism? What does Clark’s adoption storyline say about shifting attitudes to parenting? Not to mention the undercurrent of manosphere-era masculinity crisis in Hoult’s Lex Luthor, an egomaniac who treats women like disposable commodities, while spreading fake rumors about Superman keeping a secret harem.

Previous episodes: Batman v Superman (our debut episode!!), Justice League, The Batman, Tim Burton’s Batman + Batman Returns