A parent's guide to 'Superman': Is the new movie OK for young kids?

USA Today

10-07-2025

Not only is Superman back, he's kid-friendly again.
Arguably no other iconic character, other than maybe Spider-Man and Harry Potter, appeals to children more than Superman. Youngsters love the cape, the tights, the trunks, the flying – everything that makes Superman super. And while Henry Cavill played the character darker and grittier in Zack Snyder's movies – more Batman than Man of Steel – David Corenswet's new take in James Gunn's "Superman" (in theaters July 11) definitely leans into him being a role model for kids.
He even has a dog, for goodness' sake!
While very much for kids of all ages, the new film might not be for everyone. So before taking the little ones to the movies, here's what parents need to know about "Superman."
What is 'Superman' about?
The adventure centers on Superman, who has been Metropolis' guardian for three years, and his alter ego, Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent. He's an alien from Krypton sent by his parents to Earth before his world was destroyed, and he was raised in Kansas by a kind couple. But although he's tried to help mankind as best he can, Superman has made mistakes and created some major enemies.
Billionaire tech bro Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) envies his power and popularity, and reveals something about Superman that turns the public against him. So our hero has to fix his PR problem − plus save kidnapped superdog Krypto, defeat a monster kaiju and keep Metropolis from being destroyed.
How long is the 'Superman' movie?
The "Superman" runtime is two hours and nine minutes. That said, for being a movie that's stuffed with characters and action moments, it zips along at a pretty good pace.
What is 'Superman' rated?
"Superman" is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association "for violence, action and language." There is some cursing – mostly of the four-letter "s" sort – and Supes' reporter girlfriend Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) is the saltiest of the bunch. Superman gets in a lot of fights, and loses some, but always gets back up. And there are scenes involving a country invading another nation and Metropolis being ripped apart that are pretty harrowing.
Who plays the new 'Superman'?
David Corenswet wears the Man of Steel's cape and tights in the rebooted DC movie universe, and he's the latest in a line of screen Supermen that also includes Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh, George Reeves and Christopher Reeve.
Before "Superman," Corenswet starred in the Ryan Murphy shows "The Politician" and "Hollywood," and also appeared in movies like "Twisters" and "Pearl." He's also a newish dad: Around the time he started filming "Superman" last year, Corenswet's wife gave birth to their daughter.
Is 'Superman' appropriate for little kids?
Writer and director Gunn has designed the movie to appeal to children, from the bright look of the film to lots of animals and colorful characters running around. Several scenes, though, might need parental guidance (or a calming hug).
In the very first scene, Superman is lying beaten, broken and bloodied, though Krypto quickly pounces on him playfully to cut the tension. In various sequences, kids and critters alike are in danger where Superman has to save them – including a curious squirrel. And there are moments in a pocket universe that Lex has created where he tortures Superman with Kryptonite and a baby is in some serious peril. But just remind them the movie is called "Superman" and the Man of Steel is bound to win the day.
Is there a 'Superman' controversy?
Eh, not really. There's been some political outrage about Gunn calling "Superman" an immigrant story – which it has been for decades, folks, even in the comics – and some pundits have labeled it "superwoke." Unless your kids will take issue with Gunn's allusions to U.S. foreign policy or Lex having a secret prison where he puts his enemies, they're probably OK. In fact, there are great messages in "Superman" for them, like the way Supes leads with sincerity and empathy, the importance of good journalism, and the movie's theme of kindness being a superpower.
Where can I watch 'Superman'?
"Superman" is showing in theaters. If you're hoping to watch it at home, you'll have to wait, depending on how successful it is at the box office. If it follows a similar path to, say, the Warner Bros. hit "Sinners," "Superman" will likely hit video-on-demand platforms in early to mid-September and stream on HBO Max probably in October.