As the spotlight shines on James Gunn’s Superman, anticipation buzzes through the air like a crackling electric charge from the Man of Steel himself. Debuting this week, the film has already secured an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score, garnering an 86% approval rating. This marks a pivotal moment not only for Gunn’s directorial journey but also for the future of the DC Universe. With a fresh take on an iconic character, Superman promises to be a cornerstone in the rebooted franchise set to unfold across both film and television in 2025.
In the run-up to the release, excitement has soared, aided by early film reviews and social media reactions that further fuel interest in Gunn’s interpretation of the heroic legend. As we consider Gunn’s extensive experience within the superhero genre—having previously helmed blockbuster hits for both Marvel and DC—the question arises: how does Superman rank among his previous works?
James Gunn Movie |
Critics’ Score |
Audience Score |
---|---|---|
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 |
92% |
92% |
The Suicide Squad |
90% |
82% |
Superman |
86% (As Of 7/8/2025) |
TBD |
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 |
85% |
87% |
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 |
82% |
94% |
The Significance of Superman’s RT Score in Gunn’s Filmography
Although Superman‘s initial Rotten Tomatoes score reflects only critical reviews, reactions are likely to evolve as more viewers share their perspectives. Significantly, this film represents Gunn’s maiden foray into crafting a narrative centered on a singular hero, as his earlier projects, including the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and The Suicide Squad, have revolved around ensemble casts. Currently, Superman lifts itself above Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 when it comes to critical acclaim, suggesting a promising reception.
As we anticipate Gunn’s future projects, particularly those focused on individual characters within the DC realm, the journey of this Superman installment will remain a point of intrigue for fans and critics alike. Who knows how many sequels or spin-offs might emerge, perhaps leading to a sequel, Superman 2, that could even reshape his standings on Rotten Tomatoes?
Assessing Superman’s Reception Alongside Gunn’s Previous Works
Although Superman sits third in ranking among Gunn’s superhero endeavors, it wouldn’t be surprising if it surpasses both The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy in the coming weeks. This strong debut reflects a welcome shift in reception, particularly after Warner Bros. Discovery grappled with mixed reviews for recent superhero outings. As the film’s release draws closer, it will be fascinating to see how the box office tells its story alongside this wave of favorable reviews. With positive word-of-mouth anticipated, there remains a strong chance that Superman will also shine commercially.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes