Rachel Brosnahan on James Gunn’s SUPERMAN: A Hopeful Story That Stays True to the Comics
Rachel Brosnahan is stepping into the iconic DC role of Lois Lane, and she’s embracing the awesome experience. As James Gunn’s Superman is about to take flight, Brosnahan says the film stays true to the essence of the Man of Steel, a story rooted in hope, courage, and the pursuit of truth and justice.
While speaking with Deadline at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards, Brosnahan shared her thoughts on what makes Gunn’s vision for Superman stand out. She said:
“We’re living in a moment of so much turmoil, both here, abroad. There’s a lot of challenges for everybody in all different pockets of the worlds right now.
“And for a lot of the complaints that people have sometimes about superhero movies, at their core, they’re about the goodness of people and how good we can be to each other, how the pursuit of truth and justice really are the American way, and that courage and hope can carry us through."
Brosnahan goes on to say that Superman is a return to the hopeful spirit that made the character an enduring symbol in the first place, explaining:
“I feel like this movie really encapsulates all of that. It’s a hopeful superhero movie, which I feel like is so true to the comics. So, I’m excited for audiences to see it and hopefully have some fun and enjoy the ride with us.”
That optimism is something fans have been craving, especially in a cinematic landscape where darker, grittier takes on superheroes have dominated. Gunn’s approach will be a love letter to the Superman mythos, one that doesn’t shy away from the hero’s aspirational nature.
Taking on the role of Lois Lane comes with a lot of expectations. The character has been brought to life by some incredible actresses over the years, and Brosnahan knows she’s following in the footsteps of legends. She shared:
“I mean, I grew up loving the [Richard] Donner Superman movies, the Chris Reeve Superman movies, Margot Kidder. I mean, she’s just a dream.”
Other actresses like Teri Hatcher to Amy Adams, have each brought something new to the role. Brosnahan isn’t taking that legacy lightly.
“So, I was definitely intimidated to step into this role but excited to pick up the mantle. And this team just loves this project, and it sounds like it should be a given, but it isn’t always a given that people love what they’re making to this degree. So, that’s what I was looking forward to the most.”
Brosnahan’s comments and enthusiasm suggests that Superman could be the uplifting, inspiring superhero movie that we’ve been waiting for.
Superman will tell the story of “Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas.
“He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.”
"It's set in a world very different from ours and far removed from the DCEU. Heroes have been around for ages, and we'll see how it affected this world's history and has shaped the DCU."
David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern; Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific; Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen; María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica, aka The Engineer; Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher; and Terence Rosemore as Otis.
Superman will launch the movie part of DC Studios’ Gods and Monsters: Part 1. It’s scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025.