For anybody who’s versed in popular culture, Superman is one of those characters that is wildly recognisable – dare I say the most recognisable. Whether that be the yellow, blue, and red costume, the stark ‘S’ emblem, or the iconic singular black curl, Superman is the epitome of a superhero – he is representative of love, of hope, and of course, a huge role model to children and adults alike.  It is extremely gratifying, optimistic, and hopeful to have a character like Clark Kent storm the big screens once again, especially in a time of political turmoil and fear. But what makes Superman this bright icon of hope? 

Firstly, we must discuss the plethora of representations we have of Superman. Just like any iconic superhero, each generation will have its favourite representation (because we don’t talk about Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man enough!) For me, Superman quickly rose on the leaderboard as my favourite superhero, and that’s all thanks to director James Gunn. By incorporating the same quirks as the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, and the infamous Peacemaker television series, Gunn revitalised the character of Superman; a stark contrast to Zack Snyder’s interpretation of the character (an impressive, albeit sombre take). This becomes the root of my argument: to present such a character in such an unfathomable, positive light is something our society has been craving for a while now, especially in today’s political climate. 

But why is Superman (2025) considered one of the best superhero films of 2025? What makes the film so poignant? What makes it so good? – what makes Roger Ebert praise Superman for being ‘so noble, so committed to doing the right thing’?  

Well, I can sum it up in one word: hope.

In a world of MAGA, genocide, prejudice, patriarchy, and capitalism, Clark Kent is a light in the tunnel, a piece of hope through the cloud of discrimination and injustice. The first time I watched the film (I have now seen it six times!), Gazing up at the cinema screen, I couldn’t quite describe the feeling – it was truly inexplicable. I have never felt as empowered as I did when David Fleming’s score, ‘Last Son,’ played, or the finale, which showed audiences that relationships and love are the things that truly matter, all to the catchy ‘Punkrocker’ by the Teddybears and Iggy Pop – I was in hysterics. 

But what makes it so emotional? 

Just the prospect of having something, anything, to look up to right now in today’s political climate is an achievement in itself. Most of the time, especially in film, we tend to create apt pieces of work – nihilistic, a horror, a psychological piece – (such as Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), or even Marvel films such as Blade II (2002) or Daredevil (2003), but for a long time, audiences have received a film full of pure, unadulterated comic book cheesiness. For older audiences, this can be a throwback to wonderful superhero representations such as Christopher Reeve (who I will come back to later) or even the lost schmaltzy corniness of the golden age of comic-books for example, or even the more modern graphic novel All-Star Superman – which to me, is the undeniable epitome of Superman within everything he stands for.

What makes comic book films so good, to me, is that unadulterated corniness – especially for characters such as Clark Kent – and that’s exactly what James Gunn is talented at. It’s no exaggeration to suggest that Superman has regained long-lost popularity in the past six months or so – and rightfully so! Especially now, today, when news stories can be so dreary and disheartening, Clark Kent is the much-needed glimmer of hope and a revolutionary breakthrough for comic book fans. 

This is because Clark is a beautiful ode to humanity. To be human is to love; to be human is to be kind. This, of course, is also represented through Christopher Reeve, a real-life Clark Kent. Reeve (starring in Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – in which I’d argue was the turning point for the representation of Superman on screen, (much to the 1948 TV serial’s dismay- sorry Kirk Alyn!) is the epitome of what Clark stood for.

After becoming a person with quadriplegia, Reeve became an activist for spinal injury research, embryonic stem cell research, and better insurance coverage for people living with disabilities. Not only this, but Reeve was also actively involved with groups such as ‘Amnesty International’ and ‘America’s Watch’, seen most physically in 1987 when he protested in Chile on behalf of actors threatened with execution. Alongside Reeve being the founder and co-president of the ‘Creative coalition’ – an organisation devoted to using the arts and entertainment sector for public good. Not only a human rights activist, but also an environmentalist; for Reeve was a licensed pilot for the environmental air force and flew air tours over areas damaged by environmental crises, as well as supporting causes such as the ‘Natural Resources Defence Council.’

Reeve’s work for not only people, but the environment does not go unnoticed in the slightest, for sometimes it becomes increasingly complex to distinguish between Christopher Reeve and Clark Kent himself.  Not only do audiences have a character to look up to, but a real man grounded in all of Superman’s principles – and to have the new documentary (Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, directed by  Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui) as well as the latest film; the influence Superman has had on movie-goers is undeniable. 

So remember, ‘your choices, your actions are what make you who you are.’ – and that is why the characterisation of Superman and Clark Kent is a poignant symbol of love, hope and resistance – and should become the epitome for what each one of us should strive for. 

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