A New Superman Soars—Can Hope Swiftly Replace Cynicism?
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The James Gunn–directed Superman has debuted as the inaugural film of DC Studios’ “Chapter One: Gods & Monsters,” premiering on July 11, 2025. It opened strong with $122 million domestically and earned high marks from critics and audiences alike.
With crowds flocking in from the masses, humans are left wondering why their lives don’t look like the movies. Why doesn’t Superman exist in real life? And if he does, where can we find him?
In an age hungry for symbols, superheroes, and larger-than-life plots, can the Church offer a better hope than the heroism found on screens?
1. Jesus is Real Hope
Unlike the movies, the hope Jesus brings is real. It sounds obvious, but His hope and love are not fictional. Though the Bible is one of the oldest books in the world, it’s God’s truth. It’s the living Word of God that’s alive and active in our lives, if we make room for it to speak.
Sadly, our society doesn’t always see hope this way. We cling to movies, Netflix binges, and temporary facades that feel and look good in the moment, but are a poor reflection of the reality of true hope. Hence, the latest blockbuster hit with Superman. Everyone loves him. He’s good-looking, charming, and funny. But we know someone even greater than the screens.
The funny reality is this: We forget that, as much as we love Superman, actors have lines. The actors are real people, but the characters they often portray are not. Before we know it, we have unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others. Why? Because we think the characters are real people.
Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about this with Jesus. He is who He says He is, now, forever, and always (Exodus 3:14). Jesus is the Great I Am. Not only that, but the hope He brings is real.
I’m all for fun, fictional stories, and movies. They’re entertaining and spark great conversations. But when it comes to where I’m placing my hope, I’ve found that it must be placed in someone who never changes. Someone who’s not fictional or dynamic, but static, steadfast, and true. And that alone is found in Jesus Christ.
