Key Lessons Superman of 2025 Should Learn from Superman (1978)

‘Superman (2025)’ is set to be one of the most anticipated superhero films in recent years, carrying high expectations from fans and industry watchers alike. As the inaugural film in DC Studios' new era under CEO James Gunn, ‘Superman (2025)’—previously known as ‘Superman: Legacy’—aims to reintroduce Superman to a new audience, reboot the DC Universe's narrative, and launch a fresh era of multimedia storytelling.

Despite some concerns about Gunn’s suitability for directing such an iconic and traditionally heroic character, his track record in emotional storytelling, exemplified by ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ suggests he may bring a unique perspective. However, past works like "Slither" or ‘The Suicide Squad’ don’t align with Superman’s ideal of "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," raising questions about how Gunn will balance these elements.

Image Courtesy: IMDb 

For ‘Superman (2025)’ to achieve global box office success, critical acclaim, and fan adoration, drawing inspiration from Richard Donner’s classic ‘Superman’ (1978) could be beneficial. This film not only set the standard for superhero movies but also remains a template for the Superman origin story. 

Donner’s film effectively portrays Clark Kent’s struggle with his dual identity and his role as a force for good while working at the Daily Planet. The film's portrayal of Krypton, with its unique, alien aesthetics, deeply enhances the emotional impact of Clark’s alienation and connection to Earth.

‘Superman (1978)’ also excels in its depiction of humor through Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor and his sidekick Otis, suggesting that humor should be a key component in the new film. Additionally, John Williams’ iconic musical score and the film’s groundbreaking visual effects are benchmarks that ‘Superman (2025)’ could aim to match. 

Image Courtesy: People

The chemistry between Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane and Christopher Reeve’s Clark Kent remains a gold standard for casting in superhero films.

Furthermore, integrating new technologies in a way that captivates audiences, and reflecting contemporary values while maintaining Superman’s core ethos, will be crucial. ‘Superman (1978)’ managed to capture the essence of its time without being preachy, and ‘Superman (2025)’ should strive to achieve a similar balance, making it relevant to today’s audiences while honoring the character’s timeless ideals.

–Farheen Ali