Superman is officially flying into theaters this weekend, and following the Los Angeles premiere on Monday night came the first audience reactions as the film’s social media embargo lifted.

While full reviews aren’t expected until tomorrow, initial social reactions online from press, influencers, and media that have screened the film appear to be very positive. “A terrific start for the new DC Studios,” wrote Fandango’s Erik Davis. Collider’s Perri Nemiroff offers: “The movie is loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity.”

Superman-publicity-H-2025 First Look: What Critics Are Saying About James Gunn's 'Superman'
David Corenswet portrays the Man of Steel in James Gunn’s new ‘Superman’ film. (Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

Director James Gunn is behind Superman, which is set to release on July 11. The film stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Holt as Lex Luthor. The impressive cast also includes Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.

Gunn told The Hollywood Reporter in February of this year, “People are looking for heroes right now. They are looking for values of goodness, looking for people who are good and decent human beings. And Superman is that.”

This movie marks the first DC film entry for Gunn since he took over the reins of Warner Bros’ superhero label with producer Peter Safran in October 2022. Other upcoming DC Studios projects include HBO’s Green Lantern series Lanterns and a Supergirl movie, slated for release in 2026.

“The DC brand was being defined by different creative teams at the company, each was pursuing their own distinct vision of the characters, the story — the result was not one DCU but many,” said Safran in February. “This fracture proved very challenging to consumers and it chipped away at the identity of the brand.”

See more first reactions from Superman below.

Ash Crossan praises ‘Superman’ for its beauty, hope, and reminder of the importance of these stories.

Perri Nemiroff highlights the exhilarating action, humor, and Superman’s humanity in the new film, praising David Corenswet.

Courtney Howard calls ‘Superman’ an “awesome achievement,” praising the cast and its hopeful tone.

Dan Casey praises James Gunn and the team for capturing the hopeful essence of Superman.

Joseph Deckelmeier feels the movie captures the “classic Superman magic” and is a treat for comic book fans and families.

Brandon Davis declares ‘Superman’ a “triumph” for the new DC Universe, calling it hopeful and praising David Corenswet’s dual role.

Germain Lussier calls ‘Superman’ a “non-stop joyride” with optimism and unpredictability, suggesting a fresh take on DC films.

Erik Davis describes James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ as the “perfect superhero movie” and a “terrific start” for DC Studios, full of hope and wonder.