Directed by
James Gunn
Made by
DC Studios
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Superman (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The movie begins by highlighting a fascinating history: over three centuries ago, the first metahumans were discovered, marking the dawn of a new era filled with gods and monsters. The story then shifts to a real-world timeline, 30 years prior, when Jonathan and Martha Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell) discovered a baby named Kal-El on their farm. They adopted him, raising him as Clark, who would later become Superman (David Corenswet). As Clark matures, he discovers his extraordinary powers, becoming the most powerful metahuman and a celebrated superhero protecting Metropolis.
The plot becomes more intense three weeks before the current timeline, when Superman intervenes in Boravia, preventing soldiers from invading the neighboring country of Jarhanpur. His actions, however, stir controversy internationally, especially among political leaders. Soon after, a mysterious new villain appears—known as the “Hammer of Boravia”—who swiftly overpowers Superman in combat. The villain is revealed to be Ultraman, a clone of Superman created by the nefarious billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who views Superman as a threat to human dominance.
Following the battle, Superman lands in the Arctic, where he calls out to his loyal superdog, Krypto. With Krypto’s help, Superman makes his way to the Fortress of Solitude, where a team of AI robots (Alan Tudyk, Michael Rooker, and Pom Klementieff) care for him. They place Superman in a healing chamber, showing him a heartfelt video message from his lost parents, Jor-El (Bradley Cooper) and Lara (Angela Sarafyan), revealing vital truths about his origins.
Rejuvenated, Superman returns to Metropolis to confront Ultraman and Luthor’s growing schemes. Luthor, who despises Superman for making ordinary humans feel insignificant, collaborates with the Justice Gang—a team of other metahumans including Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced). Their mission is to contain the chaos caused by Luthor’s experiments and the giant monster he unleashes upon the city. Superman tries to negotiate peace but is dismayed when Mr. Terrific prematurely destroys the monster from the inside, leading to mixed reactions among the citizens.
Amidst the chaos, shocking revelations surface: a secret message from Jor-El and Lara explicitly states that Superman was sent to Earth to conquer it. This revelation ignites public outrage, turning the hero into a public enemy. Clark Kent ([David Corenswet]) struggles with this betrayal, especially as media figures such as Peacemaker cast blame and skepticism on him. Lois Lane ([Rachel Brosnahan]) confronts Clark at his apartment, where he finally admits his identity as Superman. She urges him to stay out of foreign conflicts, leading to a temporary breakup as Clark wrestles with his role and identity.
Meanwhile, Luthor intensifies his plans. He journeys to Antarctica with Ultraman and Angela Spica (The Engineer) ([Mara Gabriele de Faria]), who has been infused with nanites that allow her to produce any weapon. Luthor’s forces break into the Fortress, abduct Krypto, and uncover a hidden message from Jor-El and Lara, which Clark was previously unaware of. Luthor’s minions unleash a kaiju — a monstrous creature intended to terrorize Metropolis. Superman attempts to quell the chaos peacefully but faces fierce opposition.
The Justice Gang, led by Guy Gardner/Green Lantern ([Nathan Fillion]), joins Superman in fighting the monster. Their efforts are thwarted when Mr. Terrific opts to destroy the creature from within, causing alarm. Luthor then broadcasts a video revealing his plan to manipulate global conflicts and orchestrate Superman’s downfall. This drives Superman into despair, especially after he learns his parents’ true intentions.
Luthor’s machinations escalate as he captures Superman and imprisons him within a pocket dimension—a space Luthor has designed as a personal prison. Luthor also threatens Malik Ali, a civilian who aided Superman, forcing him to create kryptonite, which weakens the hero. During this ordeal, Superman’s ally Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio) grows disillusioned with Luthor’s cruelty and secretly works to aid Lois and Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo). Lois learns of Eve’s covert efforts and races to rescue Clark, enlisting help from Mr. Terrific.
Meanwhile, Superman and his allies manage a daring escape from the dimensional prison, with Lois and Terrific risking everything to free him, Krypto, and the others. Clark is taken back to Smallville, where his parents’ memory and guidance inspire him anew. His dad, Jonathan Kent, reminds him that “the choices you make make you the hero you are”, reinforcing Clark’s resolve.
In a final showdown, Luthor attempts to unleash chaos by opening the dimensional rift again, leading to a final fierce battle. Superman confronts Ultraman, revealing him to be a clone, and with the help of the Justice Gang, manages to terminate the clone and close the rift. Clark’s heartfelt speech about his humanity and dedication to protecting Earth resonates with the public, restoring his image as a true hero.
The movie concludes with Clark embracing his role fully, sharing a passionate kiss with Lois while floating in the air, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Jimmy and Eve also start a relationship after she is freed. Superman then returns to the Fortress of Solitude, where he reconnects with his robotic friends and is visited by his cousin, Supergirl (Milly Alcock), who comes to take Krypto home.
In the closing scenes, Superman is shown overlooking Earth from the moon, cuddling Krypto, while post-credits scenes hint at ongoing adventures and challenges, including Superman and Mr. Terrific discussing a slightly crooked building, emphasizing that even superheroes deal with imperfect situations but continue to stand strong for justice and peace.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Superman (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Discovery of the First Metahumans
The film opens by revealing that over three centuries ago, the first metahumans were discovered, leading to a new era of gods and monsters. This sets the background for the existence of superpowered beings and the world they inhabit.
Clark is Adopted by the Kent Family
Thirty years before the present, Jonathan and Martha Kent find and adopt a baby named Kal-El from another planet. They raise him as Clark, unknowingly preparing him for his future as Superman.
Clark Becomes Superman
Three years prior to the current events, Clark fully embraces his identity as Superman and begins his work as a superhero to protect Metropolis and its citizens.
Superman Intervenes in Boravia
Recently, Superman prevents Boravian soldiers from invading Jarhanpur, a controversial act that sparks international disagreement over his intervention. This demonstrates his active role in global affairs.
Appearance of Ultraman and Superman’s Defeat
A mysterious villain, Ultraman, appears and defeats Superman in combat, signaling a new threat. Superman later lands in the Arctic, seeking aid from Krypto and the Fortress of Solitude to recover.
Superman Heals at the Fortress of Solitude
Superman is brought to the Fortress of Solitude, where robots help him heal under the sun, and he receives a message from his deceased parents, Jor-El and Lara, which reveals a darker purpose behind his arrival on Earth.
Superman Battles the Kaiju and the Justice Gang
Superman attempts to peacefully subdue a giant monster unleashed by Luthor, but the Justice Gang arrives, employing explosive tactics to destroy the creature. The public celebrates Superman’s heroism, but Luthor’s propaganda soon shifts public opinion.
Revelation of Jor-El and Lara’s Message
A crucial broadcast reveals that Jor-El and Lara explicitly sent Superman to Earth to conquer it, leading the citizens to turn against him and branding him a public enemy.
Superman Surrenders and Is Imprisoned
Overwhelmed by the public’s distrust, Superman voluntarily surrenders to the U.S. government. Luthor imprisons him in a pocket dimension, where he faces threats from Luthor’s metahuman allies and seeks ways to escape.
Rescue and Escape from the Dimension
Metamorpho, overwhelmed by Superman’s plight, creates energy that recharges Superman. Together with Lois, Krypto, and others, they escape the dimension just in time, restoring hope and exposing Luthor’s schemes.
Superman Rebuilds Trust and Overcomes Luthor
Back in Metropolis, Superman confronts Luthor at LutherCorp, where he exposes Luthor’s manipulations in starting the Boravia-Jarhanpur conflict. The villain is arrested, and Superman is celebrated as a hero once more.
Celebration and Romantic Reunion
Superman reunites with Lois Lane, sharing a kiss in the sky, symbolizing renewed trust. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Eve also start a relationship following the defeat of Luthor.
Superman Visits the Fortress of Solitude
Superman returns to the Fortress of Solitude, where he recharges in front of the sun, and is visited by his cousin, Kara Zor-El, who comes to take Krypto back home, highlighting family ties.
Post-Credit Scene and Ongoing Vigilance
During the credits, Superman is seen overlooking Earth from the moon with Krypto, and he and Mr. Terrific discuss the state of the city, indicating that future threats and challenges remain.
Explore all characters from Superman (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Superman (David Corenswet)
Superman is portrayed as both a powerful hero and a misunderstood figure. His internal struggle with his identity and the revelations about his parents’ true intentions challenge his moral compass. Despite his strength, he seeks to find his place in the world and uphold his values of justice and humanity.
Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult)
Luthor is depicted as a ruthless billionaire with a complex hatred for Superman. His strategic and manipulative personality drives the plot, as he uses advanced technology and deception to challenge Superman’s authority. His obsession with control and power underscores the antagonist’s depth.
Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan)
Lois is a dedicated journalist who balances her professional integrity with her personal relationship with Clark. Her investigative skills become crucial in uncovering Luthor’s schemes, highlighting her role as a moral compass and supporter of truth.
Krypto (voice by Alan Tudyk, Michael Rooker, Pom Klementieff)
Krypto is Superman’s loyal dog, symbolizing unwavering companionship and support. His actions are pivotal in aiding Superman during crucial moments, exemplifying loyalty and heroism in a canine form.
Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio)
Eve is portrayed as an insider working against Luthor, motivated by her own discontent with his tyranny. Her actions provide critical intel that aids the heroes, illustrating her complex motives and willingness to oppose her former employer.
Learn where and when Superman (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Present day, Three weeks after Superman’s intervention in Boravia
The film is set in the contemporary era, reflecting current geopolitical tensions and technological advancements. The story covers a short period around three weeks, depicting Superman’s recent battles and public reactions, as well as the ongoing political and personal struggles faced by the characters.
Location
Metropolis, Boravia, Arctic, Smallville, LutherCorp, Jarhanpur, Belle Reve
The movie primarily takes place in Metropolis, a bustling urban city known for its towering skyscrapers and vibrant news scene. Boravia and Jarhanpur are depicted as geopolitical locations involved in military and civil conflicts, illustrating global tension. The Arctic and Smallville serve as isolated, rural, and icy settings that highlight Superman’s origins and moments of reflection. LutherCorp and Belle Reve add industrial and institutional backdrops crucial to the plot’s villainous schemes.
Discover the main themes in Superman (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Heroism
The movie explores what it means to be a hero, emphasizing the moral and ethical dilemmas that Superman faces. It questions the nature of heroism, whether through actions in battle or decisions that impact public perception and trust. Superman’s journey reflects the internal conflict between his divine powers and his human values.
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Identity
Identity plays a central role, especially Superman’s struggle with his origins and the revelations from Jor-El about his purpose. The film examines how self-perception and external influences shape one’s identity, especially when faced with accusations and betrayal.
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Conflict
Conflict is depicted at multiple levels: international diplomacy, personal relationships, and hero versus villain confrontations. The film revolves around Superman defending Earth against powerful enemies and dealing with internal moral conflicts, escalating the stakes to unprecedented levels.
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