James Gunn’s Superman movie power levels and portrayal have become a hot topic among superhero fans, especially as the film’s trailers reveal a take on Superman who endures both pain and injury, raising questions about his actual limits. As Gunn’s vision for the Man of Steel arrives in 2025, viewers are eager to know just how powerful this new Superman will be, and whether his depiction stays true to the rich history of the character, including his well-established strengths and occasional vulnerabilities.
Revisiting Superman’s Abilities in the Upcoming Film
Debate among fans is running high as glimpses from the upcoming Superman film show the hero experiencing physical harm, receiving medical care from robotic attendants, and generally displaying a level of vulnerability not always present in previous portrayals. This new approach has divided audiences—some see it as a refreshing narrative choice, while others worry it may diminish the essence of the world’s greatest superhero.
Director James Gunn’s trailers have noticeably held back from showcasing feats of immense super strength. Aside from a few short sequences involving adversaries like Ultraman and the Hammer of Boravia, Superman’s true range of powers remains largely shrouded in mystery. The source of his injuries in the previews is also unclear, leaving open the possibility that classic weaknesses such as Kryptonite may play a role in his struggles.
The Evolution of Superman’s Powers Over the Decades
Since his 1938 debut in Action Comics #1, Superman’s powers have evolved significantly. In his earliest incarnations, Superman was described as
“
faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound
,”
setting a modest framework for what he could accomplish. Over time, especially during the transition from the Golden Age through to the Silver Age of comics, his abilities expanded dramatically. Flight was introduced in the 1940s, and soon additional powers such as X-ray vision, heat vision, freeze breath, and cosmic-level strength became central to his identity.
This path led to Superman being able to perform extraordinary feats, like moving planets and withstanding almost any attack—although even he has limits, typically in the form of Kryptonite, powerful sorcery, or opponents like Doomsday, who famously killed Superman in the comic books of the 1990s. Alongside his primary abilities, Superman gained a collection of lesser-used powers, such as mentally erasing memories with a kiss or reversing time by flying around the earth, concepts that would find their way into beloved film adaptations in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The character’s power set stabilized somewhat after the 1985 “Crisis on Infinite Earths” event, which rebooted much of the DC Universe and solidified a core suite of abilities: super strength, near-invulnerability, flight, super speed, enhanced senses, X-ray and heat vision, and freeze breath.
A Character Molded by Mythology and Narrative
While a general consensus exists regarding Superman’s abilities, his power levels have always been partially defined by the creative minds telling his story. The DC Universe, characterized by its blend of modern myth and ever-changing stories, allows Superman’s potential to stretch or contract according to narrative needs. The character draws clear mythological parallels, with comparisons often made to figures like Heracles (Hercules), as his journey is as much about evolving legend as it is about superhuman accomplishments.
James Gunn, the driving force behind the new Superman film, has drawn inspiration from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s “All-Star Superman”—a comic series that leans heavily into mythic storytelling, referencing the 12 labors of Heracles and introducing a Superman who undertakes monumental tasks under the looming threat of his own mortality. This is a purposeful return to the roots of storytelling, where Superman embodies hope and extraordinary capability, measured less in static terms and more by what the story requires.
Justice League writer Mark Waid captures this essence in saying,
“There is a sense of dread that is an undercurrent to every moment of our lives,”
and
“Superman is always the symbol of hope”
—Mark Waid, Justice League Writer. The new film appears poised to channel this spirit, blending vulnerability with moments of awe and inspiration for modern audiences.
How Official Are Superman’s Power Levels?
The longstanding debate about how strong Superman is continues to stoke heated conversations among passionate fans, whether they are comparing him to characters like the Hulk or delving into which heroes can lift legendary artifacts. For many, the answer is elusive and context-dependent, shaped by nearly a century of changing creators and story arcs. The current approach at DC sees every past portrayal and shift in Superman’s character—across all media, reboots, and timelines—as valid within the broader canon, further muddying attempts to find a definitive limit to his strength.
This flexibility is intentional, as superheroes, especially those of Superman’s stature, serve as modern-day mythic figures whose capabilities shift to fit the needs of new tales and interpretations. The fans themselves play a vital role in this ongoing myth-making process, generating their own theories and interpretations based on memorable comic moments and favorite storylines. It is this participatory aspect that keeps the hero fresh and relevant, enabling each new generation to discover a version of Superman that resonates with them.
As one perspective notes,
“
wait-and-see, it’s all just a story
”
—Unnamed, expressing a common fan sentiment. Until the film arrives, viewers can only speculate and debate, bringing their enthusiasm and unique vision to the world’s most iconic superhero.
What Fans Should Expect from Gunn’s Superman
Given how little of Superman’s full abilities have been revealed in promotional materials, much about Gunn’s portrayal remains unknown. Not showing potentially world-shaking feats in trailers may be a deliberate tactic, saving the most dramatic sequences for the big screen. With a film landscape crowded by superhero fatigue, many hope that a grounded yet epic Superman will help rejuvenate enthusiasm for the genre with practical effects, authentic stunts, and real spectacle.
The director’s creative decisions—including the suggestion that Superman could suffer real physical harm—may aim to challenge both audiences and the character himself, offering a version who is simultaneously relatable and awe-inspiring. This approach aligns with ongoing conversations in fandom about what it means to be strong, vulnerable, and ultimately heroic in the modern era.
James Gunn’s Superman movie power levels and portrayal stand as a reflection of decades of comic book history and future-facing storytelling. The film’s debut, set for July 11, will finally reveal how this new interpretation stacks up against the Man of Steel’s storied past and whether it fulfills the high hopes of Superman’s devoted fanbase.
