Superman (2025): Hype, Fears, & the Leaked Review That Shook the DCU

The leaked review: A "final nail in the coffin"?

The embargo for Superman reviews was set for July 8, but The Daily Beast accidentally published a scathing critique days early, calling the film "the last nail in the coffin of superheroics" before swiftly deleting it. The review, which circulated online, lambasted the movie as "superficial and silly," criticizing its overstuffed plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on CGI spectacle over substance. Comparisons to Justice League (2017) were particularly damning, with the reviewer claiming the film "overpopulates itself with heroes and villains it has neither the time nor the inclination to develop."

While early test screenings reportedly led to extensive reshoots, including 25 minutes of cuts and a tonal shift away from comedy, the leaked review suggests these changes may not have been enough. Fans now face a dilemma: trust Gunn’s track record (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad) or brace for another DC misfire.

The marketing paradox: Too much or not enough?

Warner Bros. has aggressively marketed Superman, with trailers showcasing a sprawling cast—Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) all appear alongside Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). But this has sparked concerns:

• Overstuffed or overhyped? With a runtime of just 129 minutes, fans worry the film will feel rushed, cramming in too many characters at the expense of Clark Kent’s emotional journey
• Spoiler fatigue: Trailers have revealed major action set pieces, cameos (including Supergirl’s post-credit appearance), and even Superman’s vulnerability—bleeding in the snow, a departure from his near-invincible predecessors. Some argue the mystery has been stripped away, leaving little to surprise audiences

Fan fears: Gunn’s tone and Superman’s identity

Online discussions reveal a divided fandom. Some applaud Gunn’s embrace of Silver Age comic absurdity via Krypto the Superdog and certain sci-fi tropes, while others fear his signature humor will undercut Superman’s gravitas. Key concerns include:

• Too many heroes: Introducing the Justice Gang (Mister Terrific, Metamorpho) in Superman’s debut risks diluting his story, a mistake reminiscent of Batman v Superman’s rushed world-building
• Emotional stakes: Gunn has emphasized Clark’s "interior life," but will the film balance spectacle with genuine heart? The leaked review claims it only "[feigns] interest in actual emotion"
• Superman’s power level: Corenswet’s Superman bleeds, struggles, and lacks the godlike presence of Henry Cavill’s iteration. Gunn defends this as intentional, arguing it makes the hero more relatable, but will audiences buy it?

The stakes: Can Superman save the DCU?

With a $225 million budget, Superman needs to clear $700 million to break even. But competition is fierce: Jurassic World: Rebirth and The Fantastic Four debut the same month, and negative word-of-mouth could sink the film’s legs.

Yet hope remains. Early reactions from Brazil and Manila screenings praised the film’s "earnest" tone and Silver Age charm, calling it a "180-degree turn" from Zack Snyder’s brooding take. Gunn’s vision, rooted in hope and kindness, could resonate in an era craving optimism.

A leap of faith

Superman (2025) is a gamble. It could be the reinvigoration DC desperately needs or another cautionary tale of franchise overreach. The leaked review is alarming, but it’s just one voice. For fans, the choice is clear: Look beyond the noise, ignore the Kryptonite of cynicism, and, like the Man of Steel himself, hope for the best.

After all, as Gunn reminds us, Superman isn’t just about power. It’s about heart. And that’s a story worth believing in.