Superman Ignites the DC Universe and Swoops Into Thailand for 2025

The following is a guest post. Their opinions and statements are entirely their own. It contains only minor spoilers.

The Man of Steel has returned to the big screen, as James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman (2025) flew into cinemas last Friday, aiming to defy the prevailing “superhero fatigue” and usher in a new era for the DC Comics movie universe. Too soon for a reboot? I went to see it at the luxury SF Cinema in Central Mall Pattaya.

The movie has been released at a time often described as a “forbidding post-pandemic landscape” for blockbusters, however the film is already being hailed as a critical success, capable of reigniting audience enthusiasm for the genre.

Elements of John Williams original score compliments the heroics at points to remind of how high the bar was set in 1978 with Christopher Reeve in the role. It’s straight into the narrative. Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) knows Clark and the caped crusader are one and the same from the off.

In the previous versions, and not so long ago the man from Krypton has been deemed a god to save humanity. Gunn’s incarnation (David Corenswet) seems more human and proclaims this in one from the heart to arch enemy Lex Luther (Nicholas Hoult). He’s not only human like – he bleeds.

The new installment sees Superman drawn into complex conflicts both at home and abroad. There are echoes of current border wars in Europe and the Middle East. It seems intentional.

This leads to his actions being questioned by the public. This precarious situation provides tech billionaire Lex Luthor with a golden opportunity to attempt to remove the Kryptonian hero from the equation for good. The film’s narrative then follows intrepid reporter Lois Lane and Superman’s loyal four-legged companion, Krypto, as they race against time to aid him before it’s too late. Krypto steals every scene he barks and jumps around in and results in the best dead pan humour peppered just enough throughout the epic.

Described as “unapologetically comic book-ish,” Superman (2025) is not just a standalone adventure but also heralds a complete overhaul of the DC Comics movie universe. The suit looks bright and blue with XXL red underpants too.

James Gunn is renowned for his highly praised work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Gunn took over as co-chair of DC Studios in 2022 and is personally overseeing the creative direction for the revitalized franchise, of which Superman (2025) is the foundational piece.

While a reboot of a character adapted countless times might, on paper, embody some of the less appealing aspects of contemporary blockbuster cinema, early viewing figures suggest Superman (2025) is a surprising triumph. Influential critics are calling it “really very good,” praising its “lively, and sincere, with an unexpected timeliness.” hinting at a brighter future not just for DC, but for the superhero genre at large.

The Future…

The trio of the Justice league gather, and here the self mocking humour the characters delivered were some of the best exchanged. The Supergirl (Millie Alcock) movie (due in 2026) looks to be venturing into the hangover trilogy area. I was reminded of The Hancock movie 2011 from her brief cameo.

The staff at SF Cinema Pattaya were very helpful and have a good grasp of English; helping you to buy tickets and picking the correct screen for your language -the MX4D screen is one of only two in Thailand. Fantastic 4 next for me – and I may just try out the MX4D experience.

By Clark Kent, Pattaya resident and retiree.

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