Superman (2025): Journalism Wins The Day

SPOILER WARNING! This post contains spoilers for Superman (2025). This is my warning to you that I will be spoiling key plot points from the movie. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, please do!

I’m fresh off watching the new Superman reboot directed by James Gunn, and it was amazing.

You can clearly see the inspiration that Gunn and new Superman actor David Corenswet drew from the Christopher Reeve era and the All-Star Superman comic by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. The movie captures the essence of the character and what he stands for was a delight, especially as a comic book fan and someone who soured on the Snyderverse, particularly its portrayal of Superman, despite my belief that Henry Cavill could portray the character well.

However, what stood out to me was the Daily Planet staff with Lois Lane as its leading figure. I thought Rachel Brosnahan really brought the character to life and displayed why she’s one of the most important female characters in all of comic media. Her performance helped make the B plot of the movie, the investigation of Lex Luthor, matter.

The journalist plot certainly struck an emotional chord for me because I was recently laid off at New England Sports Network. Other journalism and media jobs have also been impacted this year, so I naturally have concerns about the future of the industry.

Superman’s Lane and the Daily Planet staff represent an idealistic world for the industry. Lane is an intelligent and feisty journalist who isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, even to her boyfriend, Superman. Her concerns about her personal relationships are relatable, and her pursuit of the truth is inspirational.

Jimmy Olsen’s contact with his secret source, Eve Teschmacher, was played for laughs. But again, it presented an idyllic world where a corrupt public figure could be brought down from within.

It seemed fitting that the downfall of Lex Luthor not only came at the hands of Superman when he defeated Ultraman and The Engineer, but also a public downfall when the Daily Planet exposed Luthor’s plans with Boravia and Jarhanpur, as well as his inhumane actions involving his pocket dimension.

Again, it’s an idyllic world where good journalism is backed by an editor-in-chief like Perry White and carried out by good people like Lane and Olsen. Good journalism also can bring down powerful figures like Luthor and send them to prison where they belong.

Superman showcases its title character as a symbol of hope, and it also provides hope for an industry that is continuously derided by reactionaries and fascists. Though Clark Kent probably shouldn’t be publishing “interviews” with Superman.

Thanks for reading until the end! I like to recommend a K-pop song or pro wrestling match at the end of every post, and for this one, I’m recommending “Dirty Work” by aespa.