Superman (2025)

The tapestry of human history, woven over millennia, was irrevocably altered centuries ago with the advent of metahumans. This groundbreaking discovery ushered in an epoch where the lines between mortal and divine blurred, birthing a new age populated by beings of immense power – gods and monsters alike. Fast forward to the present, and the world has come to know one such extraordinary individual: Kal-El, an infant from a distant planet, discovered and lovingly adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent in the heartland of America. Raised as Clark Kent, this alien child would grow to become Superman, the most formidable metahuman on Earth and a beacon of hope for the sprawling metropolis of Metropolis.

For three years, Superman has been the city's unwavering protector, a symbol of strength and justice. However, his very existence and his interventions have not been without controversy. Just three weeks prior to the events of this narrative, Superman’s decisive action in preventing Boravian soldiers from invading the nation of Jarhanpur ignited a diplomatic firestorm, sparking international debate over the extent of his authority and the implications of his involvement in global affairs. This act of heroism, while saving countless lives, also painted a target on his back.

The repercussions of his intervention are swift and brutal. A shadowy figure, known only as the "Hammer of Boravia," emerges from the geopolitical fallout, a formidable adversary who manages to overpower and defeat Superman in a brutal confrontation. Left vulnerable and adrift, Superman finds himself stranded in the desolate expanse of the Arctic. In his hour of need, he summons his loyal companion, Krypto The Superdog, who, with unwavering devotion, drags the injured hero to the sanctuary of the Fortress of Solitude. Within this icy haven, a cadre of advanced robots, voiced by Alan Tudyk, Michael Rooker, and Pom Klementieff, attend to Superman’s wounds, meticulously positioning him before the life-giving rays of the sun to facilitate his recovery. As he heals, the robots also activate a poignant holographic message from his biological parents, Jor-El, voiced by Bradley Cooper, and Lara, portrayed by Angela Sarafyan, offering solace and a glimpse into his alien heritage.

Upon regaining his strength, Superman returns to Metropolis, determined to confront the Hammer of Boravia, who is revealed to be an instrument of the malevolent billionaire, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. Luthor, a man consumed by ambition and a deep-seated resentment towards Superman, has orchestrated this conflict. The ensuing battle is a testament to the Hammer’s overwhelming power, as Superman struggles to counter its relentless assault.

Meanwhile, Luthor, ever the manipulator, convenes with high-ranking government officials from A.R.G.U.S., including Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo. Their discussions revolve around Superman’s perceived overreach in Boravian affairs, a point of contention given the United States' alliance with Boravia. Luthor’s animosity towards Superman stems from a profound belief that the Man of Steel’s extraordinary abilities render ordinary humans insignificant. His vindictive nature extends beyond the superhero; he also targets Malik Ali, a civilian played by Dinesh Thyagarajan, solely for the offense of having aided Superman during his earlier confrontation with the Hammer.

Clark Kent, the mild-mannered journalist at the Daily Planet, attempts to navigate his dual life, working alongside his colleagues Lois Lane, voiced by Rachel Brosnahan, and Jimmy Olsen, portrayed by Skyler Gisondo. He observes the escalating media coverage of Superman’s involvement with Boravia, including the public criticism from Boravia's president, Vasil Ghurkos, played by Zlatko Buric, who decries Superman’s intervention. Later that evening, a more intimate scene unfolds as Lois discovers Clark in her apartment, preparing dinner. Their established relationship is underscored by her awareness of his secret identity. Clark, seeking a deeper connection and perhaps a way to address the public's concerns, agrees to an interview as Superman. However, Lois, ever the sharp-witted reporter, challenges his involvement in foreign conflicts, urging him to focus on domestic issues. Clark defends his actions, emphasizing the immediate danger to innocent lives. The tension between their differing perspectives leads to a mutual decision to take a temporary break from their relationship.

Luthor’s machinations escalate as he travels to Antarctica with Ultraman and his formidable henchwoman, Angela Spica, also known as The Engineer, brought to life by Maria Gabriela de Faria. The Engineer, her bloodstream infused with advanced nanites, possesses the terrifying ability to manifest any weapon she can conceive. Their objective: to infiltrate the Fortress of Solitude. They succeed in their intrusion, abducting Krypto and, more critically, The Engineer gains access to the Fortress's central computer. It is here that she uncovers a hidden video message from Jor-El and Lara, a revelation that holds a secret unknown even to Clark himself.

Back in Metropolis, Luthor unleashes a monstrous creation. His operatives detonate a small device that rapidly grows into a colossal kaiju, unleashing terror upon the city. Superman arrives to de-escalate the situation, aiming to subdue the creature non-lethally. However, his efforts are met with unexpected opposition. A new team of metahumans, the "Justice Gang" (a working title), emerges: Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, portrayed by Nathan Fillion; Mr. Terrific, played by Edi Gathegi; and Hawkgirl, brought to life by Isabela Merced. This formidable trio, funded by the enigmatic billionaire Maxwell Lord, played by Sean Gunn, intervenes with a more aggressive approach. Despite Superman’s attempts to broker a peaceful resolution, Mr. Terrific opts for a destructive solution, detonating bombs within the kaiju, much to Superman’s dismay.

While the citizens of Metropolis celebrate their deliverance, a shocking broadcast interrupts the revelry. Luthor, having broadcast the intercepted video message from the Fortress of Solitude, has it translated and disseminated globally. The segment that Superman had never heard before is revealed: Jor-El and Lara explicitly state their intention in sending Kal-El to Earth was for him to conquer the planet. The revelation shatters the public’s perception of their hero. Superman is swiftly branded a public enemy, his heroic deeds overshadowed by this perceived betrayal.

Devastated by the possibility that his parents might have harbored such intentions, Superman withdraws from his superhero duties, leaving the Justice Gang to handle the ongoing threats, including an intergalactic imp. He seeks solace and counsel from Lois, engaging in a heart-to-heart conversation about his profound crisis of faith and his next steps. The media, including figures like Peacemaker, portrayed by John Cena, openly condemn Superman. Adding to his distress, he discovers that Luthor has Krypto, but the villain denies any knowledge of the Superdog’s whereabouts when confronted.

In a profound act of self-sacrifice and a desire to protect those he cares about, Superman chooses to surrender himself to the United States government. Rick Flag hands him over to Luthor, who imprisons him within a meticulously crafted pocket dimension, a personal prison designed to hold individuals with whom Luthor has grievances, including a former romantic partner. Within this surreal confinement, Superman is placed in a cell alongside Joseph, also known as Metamorpho, played by Anthony Carrigan. Metamorpho’s son, Baby Joey, is held in a separate cell with one of Luthor’s enforcers. Luthor, exploiting Metamorpho’s unique ability to generate any organic matter, coerces him into creating kryptonite, a substance designed to weaken Superman.

Meanwhile, Luthor’s manipulative girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher, portrayed by Sara Sampaio, reaches her breaking point, weary of his constant abuse. She contacts Jimmy Olsen at the Daily Planet, with whom she has a past connection, though Jimmy remains hesitant. Eve arranges a clandestine meeting, appearing to work against Luthor. Simultaneously, Lois seeks assistance from the Justice Gang to rescue Superman. Only Mr. Terrific agrees to help, offering Lois a ride in his hovercraft to LutherCorp, in pursuit of Clark.

Within the pocket dimension, Luthor orchestrates a cruel spectacle, bringing Malik Ali before Superman to deliver a chilling threat before executing him. This act of barbarity devastates Superman. Luthor then ominously declares his intention to target those closest to the Man of Steel. Witnessing Superman’s anguish and the senseless death of an innocent, Metamorpho is overcome with emotion. In a surge of power, he unleashes a potent beam of energy, mimicking the intensity of the sun’s light, which revitalizes Superman. This surge of power allows Superman to break free from his cell, immediately rescuing Baby Joey and subsequently freeing Krypto. The newly formed alliance battles Luthor’s henchmen, narrowly escaping the gravitational pull of a black hole that threatens to consume them within the dimension.

Lois and Mr. Terrific successfully infiltrate LutherCorp, with Terrific incapacitating Luthor’s security forces. They discover the portal to the pocket dimension. Upon entering, Terrific warns of the potentially catastrophic consequences of repeatedly opening and closing such unstable rifts, a practice Luthor has indulged in. They find Superman, Metamorpho, Krypto, and Baby Joey, managing to escape the pocket dimension just as the portal seals shut.

Lois brings Clark back to Smallville, to the comforting embrace of Ma and Pa Kent, allowing him to recover. During his stay, Clark engages in a profound conversation with Jonathan about the nature of doing what is right. His father imparts wisdom, reminding him that his past choices have forged him into the hero he is today.

Luthor’s fury ignites upon learning of Superman’s escape. After a final, contemptuous dismissal of Eve, she retreats to the server room and contacts Jimmy, offering him the information needed to expose Luthor, contingent on them spending the weekend together. Jimmy reluctantly agrees. However, Eve is discovered by Ultraman and dragged away. Despite her predicament, she manages to transmit files to Jimmy, which he initially dismisses as mere "sexy selfies" taken at LutherCorp. Upon closer inspection by Lois, she discovers that embedded within these seemingly innocuous photographs are critical documents and evidence, revealing Eve’s clandestine efforts to gather incriminating information on Luthor. Lois presents this evidence to Editor-in-Chief Perry White, played by Wendell Pierce. Together with Jimmy and fellow Daily Planet employees Cat Grant, played by Mikaela Hoover; Steve Lombard, played by Beck Bennett; and Ron Troupe, played by Christopher McDonald, they board Terrific’s ship, determined to expose Luthor’s nefarious schemes to the world.

Luthor, in a desperate attempt to silence Eve, opens the pocket dimension once more, intending to imprison her. This action, however, triggers a catastrophic rift that begins to tear through Metropolis. Concurrently, President Ghurkos leads the Boravian army in an invasion of Jarhanpur, with the explicit aim of eliminating protesters. In Jarhanpur, children defiantly raise a flag, their voices echoing with a desperate plea for Superman’s intervention.

Superman, witnessing the unfolding chaos, is advised by Terrific to address the immediate threat in Metropolis, as the encroaching black hole poses an existential danger to the city. As he endeavors to mend the dimensional tear, Ultraman reappears, launching a brutal assault. It is revealed that Ultraman is a clone of Superman, meticulously engineered by Luthor to eliminate his original. The Engineer joins the fray, attempting to kill Superman by forcing nanites down his throat. Superman retaliates by flying at extreme altitudes, pushing The Engineer beyond her limits, causing her to lose consciousness and control over the nanites, though she survives. Luthor, using his henchmen to control Ultraman, appears to gain the upper hand. However, Superman’s whistle summons Krypto, who proceeds to dismantle Luthor’s drone cameras, severing his control over Ultraman. This allows Superman to engage in a fair fight. He then strategically positions Ultraman in the path of a speeding bus, propelling the clone into the black hole. Meanwhile, high above, the Daily Planet reporters successfully upload irrefutable evidence of Luthor’s complicity in the Boravia-Jarhanpur conflict, including his ambition to establish his own monarchical rule over a portion of Jarhanpur, thereby exposing him to global scrutiny.

Back in Jarhanpur, Superman has rallied Guy, Metamorpho, and Hawkgirl to defend the innocent populace. Guy employs his Green Lantern ring to obliterate tanks, while Metamorpho utilizes his transformative abilities against the ruthless soldiers. Hawkgirl infiltrates Ghurkos’s palace, dispatches his guards, and then makes a dramatic exit through a window, carrying the tyrant with her. Ghurkos, believing Hawkgirl shares Superman’s moral code and will not kill him, is met with a scornful laugh as she drops him to his death.

Superman then bursts into LutherCorp to confront Luthor directly. Simultaneously, Terrific hacks into LutherCorp’s computer systems, successfully sealing the rift threatening Metropolis. Luthor, in a fit of rage, rants about orchestrating the Boravia-Jarhanpur conflict specifically to eliminate Superman. However, the Man of Steel delivers a powerful and impassioned speech, asserting his fundamental humanity and his connection to the people of Earth. Before Luthor can continue his tirade, Krypto emerges and savagely attacks the billionaire. The world watches as news of Luthor’s scheme breaks, leaving him in utter defeat before his eventual arrest and transfer to Belle Reve. Metamorpho, his heroic deeds recognized, becomes an official member of the Justice Gang.

The citizens of Metropolis, and indeed the world, once again embrace Superman as their true hero. He seeks out Lois for a long-awaited "interview," and amidst the vast expanse of the sky, they share a passionate kiss. Elsewhere, Jimmy and Eve find a new beginning together, their relationship blossoming after her release from the pocket dimension prison.

Superman returns to the solitude of the Fortress, where he has formed a bond with one of the resident robots. His peace is interrupted by the arrival of his cousin, Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock, who has come to retrieve Krypto, her beloved pet. Superman then resumes his healing process, positioned before the sun’s rays, while the robots play cherished memories of his happy childhood with the Kents, a poignant reminder of his enduring human connection.