This year, the new DC Studios released Superman and Peacemaker, both of which were met with widespread praise. Marvel also released two critically acclaimed films, Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. This led many audiences to ask the question, ‘Are superhero movies back?’
In 2022, it was announced that James Gunn would be taking over DC Studios and rebooting the DC Movie Universe. At the time, it was not met with much excitement because the state of the DCEU [the old DC cinematic universe] received mixed reactions.
In December 2024, the studio released the first teaser trailer of Superman. This trailer broke many expectations. English teacher Jason DelPiano said, “I love that the first shot we see is Krypto; it shows that this movie will be much more like the comics than the previous movies.” Most fans showed the same satisfaction as DelPiano with the teaser trailer.
In July 2025, the film was released to critical acclaim. English teacher John Penola said, “I was giddy in the theatre.” Many fans loved the movie because of how different it was compared to the old DCEU movies and Marvel movies. Penola said, “It’s a comic book, it’s not at all realistic. It’s completely different from what many superheroes have done.” Both Penola and Delpiano also appreciated the hopeful themes of the film. Both referring to the scene where Superman says, “Being kind is the real punk rock.” Meaning the best way to rebel is to do what’s right. Penola later spoke about how the movie took risks that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has not in a very long time, and that’s why it succeeded.
In August through October, the new DC studios show Peacemaker has been releasing new episodes in its second season. Directed by James Gunn, the show follows Peacemaker, the adventures of an anti-hero with an inappropriate attitude. DelPiano enjoys Peacemaker because “it’s made for a different audience”. DelPiano likes that the new DC universe, and the upcoming slate of movies for it, has so much variety. From horror movies like the upcoming Clayface to R-rated comedies like Peacemaker and the typical superhero movies like Superman and Supergirl, the new DC Universe has something for everyone.
When asked what made this year’s Marvel and DC films so much different than those of previous years.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts explored themes of overcoming loneliness and mental illness, while Superman conveyed messages of spreading kindness and standing up for others. Fantastic Four: First Steps showcased a family overcoming adversity. Sophomore Vasili Mihales said, “All those things are things people in the world need right now”.
When asked which they were more excited about, the upcoming DC or Marvel movies, many said they were more excited about the DC films. Penola said, “The MCU is spread thin”. “I think the Marvel movies will be fun, but not nearly as good as the DC ones,” said DelPiano. Since the release of Avengers: Endgame in 2019, Marvel Studios has nearly tripled its catalog in half the time.
Many fans express dissatisfaction with the numerous plotlines and the lack of connection between films, similar to the way they were before Endgame. Penola said, “Marvel’s biggest issue is that there’s no sense of cohesiveness like there was before Endgame”.
Overall, the consensus is that superhero movies are experiencing a comeback due to their hopeful themes, the new direction of the DC universe, and their improved adaptation to film closer to the comic book source material. Next year, Supergirl, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Avengers Doomsday all come out. Fans believe that the future is brighter than ever before for the superhero genre, and they are very excited about it.
