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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Superman proves James Gunn's superpower is his love for animals
Superman is here, and he's not alone –– this time, he is joined by Krypto, his loyal pet 'superdog,' a fellow Kryptonian whose powers mirror the Man of Steel's. And how could that not be? James Gunn is in the director's chair, and that guarantees the hero at least one animal companion, if not more. With Superman, Gunn officially kicks off his revamped DC Universe (DCU). This has no real ties to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), the darker, Jack Snyder-led universe that came before. We have had Superman movies for decades, but before this one, no live-action Superman film included Krypto. That, in itself, says a lot about the tone shift DC is undergoing, and the kind of emotional world Gunn is building. Over the years, Gunn has turned animals into emotional powerhouses in his stories. They're not comic relief or background fluff, they are vital characters, often mirroring the emotional heart of the narrative. From space raccoons and telepathic dogs to misunderstood rats and vulnerable squirrels, Gunn's animal characters are unforgettable –– they make his stories feel more humane. Gunn's storytelling has always gravitated toward misfits, outsiders, and the unloved. And in that world, animals often become poignant symbols of innocence, resilience, and unspoken trauma. Take Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, one of Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) most gut-wrenching chapters to date. At its core, that movie is about Rocket Raccoon, his origin, his suffering, and the cruelty inflicted on him in the name of 'scientific progress.' When Rocket and the other lab animals finally break free from their cages in the High Evolutionary's lair, it's much more than a rescue scene; it's a moment of moral clarity, the kind that punches you right in the heart, especially if you've ever loved an animal. The reason that scene hits so hard is because Gunn isn't manipulating. He's expressing something he truly believes in: the value of all life, not just the 'superpowered' kind. In The Suicide Squad (2021), Gunn gave us Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior) and her rat companion, Sebastian, easily the film's most surprising emotional anchor. Despite a story stuffed with explosions, grotesque monsters, and a giant alien starfish, it's the bond between Ratcatcher and Sebastian that tugs at your soul. When Sebastian curls up next to a grieving character or offers a tiny leaf to Bloodsport (Idris Alba) as a gesture of love, it is almost embarrassingly moving. Gunn even used real trained rats for the film, and by all accounts, treated them like royalty on set. Sebastian isn't just there for cute gags. He's a reminder that in Gunn's world, kindness and connection don't have to be loud or dramatic, they can come from the smallest creatures. In a team of killers, Sebastian was the one character who never had blood on his hands. In Superman (2025), Gunn continues this theme of animal empathy, and not just through Krypto, but in the details that might be easy to miss. One such moment features Superman rescuing a squirrel amid the chaos in Metropolis. It's a deliberate, clearly framed act of compassion that speaks volumes about the kind of hero this version of Superman is. For him, no life is too small to matter. Later in the film, as Lex Luthor's rampage tears through the city and Metropolis faces evacuation, there's a poignant shot of an elderly woman clutching a box holding her pet turtle. There are no dramatic lines, no music swell, just a deeply human moment that lands. In a film filled with spectacle, scenes like these ground the story and make Gunn's version of Superman feels superior. That's Gunn at his best –– layering high-concept sci-fi with small, human moments that make you care not just about what happens, but to whom. What makes Gunn's use of animals so effective isn't just their presence, it's the meaning he assigns to them. Rocket, for instance, is more than a genetically-altered raccoon; he embodies deep emotional scars and resilience in the face of cruelty. Sebastian the rat becomes a symbol of pure, non-judgmental love in a world full of violent anti-heroes. Krypto, Cosmo, and even the blink-and-you-miss-it squirrel or turtle in Superman all bring an emotional softness that grounds the spectacle around them. These animals aren't decorative, they are storytelling devices, catalysts for character growth, and reminders of the emotional stakes at play. In Gunn's world, the smallest creatures often carry the heaviest emotional weight, subtly reminding us that kindness, empathy, and connection aren't just superpowers, they're what make us human. Gunn reminds us of the power of care. His movies are fun, wild, and loud, but they're also tender. He taps into something universal –– the kind of love that transcends species. So yes, if you leave the theatre thinking about adopting a dog, hugging your cat, or maybe even buying a box for your turtle, well, that's exactly the point.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘That's Henry Cavill' – Arsenal fans stunned by Kai Havertz's body transformation as new pic of ‘jacked' striker emerges
KAI SPY 'That's Henry Cavill' – Arsenal fans stunned by Kai Havertz's body transformation as new pic of 'jacked' striker emerges Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL fans have likened Kai Havertz to SUPERMAN after spotting his jacked body transformation. The German star returned for the final two games of the season after spending three months out with a hamstring injury. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Kai Havertz appears to have undergone an incredible body transformation Havertz netted 15 goals in 36 appearances as Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season. He now looks set for more competition in the attack after the Gunners agreed to sign Sporting Lisbon No9 Viktor Gyokeres for £63.5million. Gyokeres, 27, was on course to move to North London after scoring an incredible 97 goals across the past two seasons - but it's at risk of collapsing over Sporting's bonus demands. And Havertz, 26, appears ready to battle for the starting role up top at the Emirates after hitting the gym this summer. READ MORE ON ARSENAL TAKE YOUR VIK Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres transfer 'at serious risk of complete collapse' Fans were left stunned from a new snap showing Havertz enjoying a spot of lunch with team-mate Ben White at Arsenal's training ground. One joked: "Wham-vertz 👀." A second added: "That's Henry Cavill." British actor Cavill gained worldwide recognition for portraying Superman in the DC Extended Universe. 4 The German shared snaps of himself working hard at the gym last month 4 Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates While another replied: "Havertz looks like a rugby player." A third said: "Boy became a man. What a unit." One more wrote: "Havertz clearly means business this year." SPORTS DESK_EP29_V3 Havertz recently shared pictures from a workout to his Instagram alongside the caption: "Loading". The striker and wife Sophia welcomed their first child in March. He first joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 as an attacking midfielder but has moved into the striker role under Mikel Arteta. Even though he finished as their top scorer in the league last season on nine goals, there is a sense the Gunners need more firepower. Noni Madueke is also heading to the Emirates from Chelsea in a £52m move, with Eberechi Eze another target. Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga have already signed for Arsenal as they bid to win silverware next season. The Premier League runners-up kickstart their bid to win a first league title in 21 years away at Manchester United on August 17.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘That's Henry Cavill' – Arsenal fans stunned by Kai Havertz's body transformation as new pic of ‘jacked' striker emerges
ARSENAL fans have likened Kai Havertz to SUPERMAN after spotting his jacked body transformation. The German star returned for the final two games of the season after spending three months out with a . 4 Kai Havertz appears to have undergone an incredible body transformation Havertz netted 15 goals in 36 appearances as He now looks set for more competition in the attack after the Gunners agreed to sign Gyokeres, 27, was on course to move to North London after scoring an incredible 97 goals across the past two seasons - And Havertz, 26, appears ready to battle for the starting role up top at the Emirates after hitting the gym this summer. READ MORE ON ARSENAL Fans were left stunned from a new snap showing Havertz enjoying a spot of lunch with team-mate Ben White at Arsenal 's training ground. One joked: "Wham-vertz 👀." A second added: "That's Henry Cavill." British actor Cavill gained worldwide recognition for portraying Superman in the DC Extended Universe. Most read in Football 4 The German shared snaps of himself working hard at the gym last month 4 Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates While another replied: "Havertz looks like a rugby player." A third said: "Boy became a man. What a unit." One more wrote: "Havertz clearly means business this year." SPORTS DESK_EP29_V3 Havertz recently Instagram alongside the caption: "Loading". The striker and wife Sophia He first joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 as an attacking midfielder but has moved into the striker role under Mikel Arteta. Even though he finished as their top scorer in the league last season on nine goals, there is a sense the Gunners need more firepower. Noni Madueke is also heading to the Emirates from Chelsea , with Eberechi Eze . Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga have already signed for Arsenal as they bid to win silverware next season. The Premier League runners-up kickstart their bid to win a first league title in 21 years away at Manchester United on August 17. 4
Egypt Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Video: After four days of screening, how much has Superman earned in Egypt's cinemas?
'Superman' (2025), directed by James Gunn, has enjoyed a strong audience turnout in just four days of screening in Egyptian cinemas, grossing approximately LE4,222,000 across 28,400 tickets sold. Cast Rising star David Corenswet stars as Superman, Clark Kent, in his debut as the iconic character. He co-stars with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the smart and fearless journalist, and Nicholas Hoult as the iconic villain Lex Luthor. Cast of supporting characters from the DC Extended Universe, and also features a cameo from Krypto the Superdog, who brings a touch of humor and humanity to many of the film's scenes. Story The film revolves around Superman's inner journey to reconcile his alien origins from the planet Krypton with his human roots on Earth. As the hero tries to balance his ordinary life as Clark Kent and his relationship with Lois Lane, new challenges in his turbulent world force him to confront an imminent threat to humanity, led by his classic enemy, Lex Luthor. The film focuses on the human side of Superman more than ever before, exploring his emotional struggles and worldview, with touches of politics, identity, and belonging. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
Los Angeles Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
We desperately need a dose of ‘Truth, Justice, and the American Way'
OK, I'll say it. I'm sick of superheroes. I blame the Marvel Cinematic Universe (36 movies and counting over 17 years) and the DC Extended Universe (43 movies and counting, mostly since the late 1970s). Maybe Earth's not big enough for two universes. They're running pretty thin these days, down to rebooting reboots, making sequels for prequels and squeezing every ounce from the intellectual property tube to fill out streaming platform minutes. But there's always Superman. The Krypton-born alien, orphaned, sent off into space for survival and then raised by adoptive parents in Kansas. He's now been with American pop culture for 10 decades (eight in film). Despite an outfit modeled after a circus strongman, he's become a durable, transcendent symbol of the ultimate immigrant and somehow a simultaneous embodiment of 'Truth, Justice, and the American Way.' Superman's the classic American good guy, and so this weekend's opening of the new 'Superman' with David Corenswet is a great time to think about the real good guys and gals in American life — that is, if you can find any. Where are all the good guys and gals in America? What qualifies someone for the title these days? The idea has definitely shifted. It's as if by sheer screen volume the fake superheroes overwhelmed the public consciousness. Superheroes are dialed up so high we can't hear what real heroes sound like anymore. A 2008 poll in Britain found almost a quarter thought Winston Churchill was fake, while a majority of Britons believed Sherlock Holmes was real. We've become confused: We prefer to watch fake heroes on screen rather than expect real ones to emerge in life. And so the fake ones become the only kind of hero we recognize. The historian Daniel Boorstin described this transition from heroism to fame in his 1961 book 'The Image.' He noted that heroes in American history were typically known for great public contribution through immense difficulty and danger. It didn't matter much what they looked like because their deeds had saved lives and mattered to so many. But pictures and movies changed everything in the 20th century. Heroes became celebrities. We traded away enduring contributions to the public good in exchange for flimsy, flashy fame that works for a paycheck. Value over values; money over all. This isn't hard to see. Look at how college sports has been conquered by contracts and name-image-likeness deals. How law firms kowtowed to an administration making unprecedented demands. How media heavyweights keep bending knees to the same. And let's not get started with social media 'influencers' except to say that doing the right and honest thing has been swept aside by the twin tsunamis of popularity and the Almighty Buck. Where's our real truth, our real justice, our real American way? Not in Congress. The 'Big Beautiful Bill' is a perfect example. It might take a Mt. Rushmore makeover to honor the profound contributions to cowardice in the votes surrounding this act. Rep. Jeff Crank (R-Colo.) couldn't vote fast enough to add trillions to the national debt despite arguing, less than a year ago, that Congress is 'turning a blind eye to this $35 trillion in debt,' that it's 'unsustainable' and that 'we have to get our fiscal house in order, and we have to do this for our children and our grandchildren.' Or Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), long-time fiscal hawk on the debt, who repeatedly railed against the Big Beautiful Bill's deficit spending in the final stretch. And then he voted for it. Or Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), known for saying 'we must ignore calls to cut Medicaid' because 'slashing health insurance for the working poor' would be 'both morally and politically suicidal.' That was in May. But come July, Hawley voted to cut Medicaid. The final vote came down to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). In a mid-June town hall, she said, 'I have made clear very early on that we cannot move forward with a bill that makes cuts to Medicaid.' And yet, despite the fact that nearly 40,000 Alaskans (more than 5% of the state's population) will likely lose their healthcare coverage as a direct result of the bill, Murkowski caved. Sarah Longwell, founder and publisher of the Bulwark, spared nothing in her criticism of Murkowski. She wrote that this one action 'defines our pathetic political moment,' embodying: 'Selfishness: I'm taking care of me and mine, the rest of you can pound sand; Lack of accountability: I know the bill is bad, hopefully someone else will fix it; Cowardice: I'm scared of Trump and his voters and need to go-along to get along with my GOP colleagues; Moral rot: I know the difference between right and wrong, and actively chose wrong.' Not exactly Superman. Sounds more like Lex Luthor at his most self-serving and callous. We don't need someone faster than a speeding bullet in the House. We don't need senators leaping tall buildings in a single bound. We don't need Superman. But we do need our Clark Kents and Lois Lanes to step up. We do need our real heroes right now. Maybe Crank or Roy or Hawley or Murkowski will see the movie this weekend. Maybe they'll find some courage for the next vote. Maybe. ML Cavanaugh is the author of the forthcoming book 'Best Scar Wins: How You Can Be More Than You Were Before.' @MLCavanaugh
