A magical movie month in the summer of 2025 for comics

As 2025 wraps up, Hollywood and Comics made big noise in the summer. DC unveiled “Superman”. It was the studios first major film under the James Gunn/Peter Safran regime. Marvel had 2 lead-in films before its’ main event. “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts*” were met with mixed reaction as fans knew changes were hinging on the First Family’s re-introduction. 

July of 2025 will go down as a legendary month at the box office. No matter what side you lean more to, one fact was undeniable. Fans returned to the box office in droves. For all the noise of “Superhero fatigue”, what made these movies stand out? Let’s take a closer look:

“SUPERMAN” Director: JAMES GUNN (DC STUDIOS) Worldwide Gross: $615,784,465 

Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, Anthony Carrigan, & Nathan Fillion.

The film worked on 3 key factors:

1. Taking character back to roots – This version of the Man of Tomorrow echoed the one that broke through pop culture in the 1970’s. The late Christopher Reeve brought Clark Kent to live action in a way no one had before. Corenswet’s performance echoed all the characteristics fans love about Superman. It wasn’t too dark or over the top. It was the spark of hope it needed to be for masses that need to be reminded of it.  

2. Incorporating DCU characters – If the MCU has taught us anything, its’ fans LOVE a true connected universe. Gunn dipped deep into the DCU to dare attempt Metamorpho (Carrigan) and Guy Gardner (Fillion). Bringing these characters into pop culture was a similar tactic used for his “Guardians Of The Galaxy” trilogy. Remember, no one was saying “I Am Groot” until that film won over pop culture. The formula wasn’t broke so why not re-use it for the “Justice Gang”

3. Keep it simple – There was no elaborate long-term booking for this script. The conflict was easy to follow due to Hoult’s fantastic Luthor stealing scenes. He led a supporting cast that amplified the hero we all root for. It was vintage superhero storytelling that still wow’s fans every week at the comic shops. Seeing it on the big screen reminded everyone not all heroes need to be an anti-one. 

“FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS”: Director: Matt Shakman (Marvel Studios) Worldwide: $521,858,728 

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn

Much like Superman, This film worked on 3 key factors:

1. Kirby comic come to life – As much as pop culture knows Stan Lee, they should know Jack Kirby just as much. The “King”s influence on this film is undeniable. It locked in on the unknown adventures while centering around the family dynamic. Even in the face of a world-ending event, the power of family overtook all. Even Dom Toretto would co-sign on that. If you have ever read a classic FF story, this was literally page to film.

2. An actual Galactus – Having a villain such as the eater of worlds in the first film was a gutsy call. Considering his past film incarnations (google at your own risk), Shakman wanted to go BIG. It instantly showed why this team is considered “The World’s greatest” in Marvel if not all of comics. Barring some CGI debate, the film gave the legendary character his due and sold his presence to pop culture fans. If in the post-Doomsday era the MCU decides to revisit him, fans won’t cringe when they see Galactus. They will approve.  

3. Felt like an actual Comic movie other than an MCU rehash – The whole film felt like a comic come to life. In comparison to previous MCU films in the phases, this felt like there wasn’t a blueprint. It conveyed a new look that was sorely needed. Whenever a film can take a shot and steer into the material instead of away from it, this will always win fans over. Comics are the base where all the pop culture grows from. Why not reflect it on screen? Hopefully there is more of this and not so much a “wash rinse repeat” tactic. 

No matter how you cut it, July 2025 was a magical time for comics in Hollywood. Will we ever see a month like that again? Debatable. As long as fans go to the shops and buy the source material (like what has been happening since), then everyone can say they won at the box office.

Let me know your thoughts on both movies in the comments below. Thanks for reading this FLZ editorial. Till next time….