James Gunn’s Superman has now earned a somewhat pensive review from a legendary game developer. Since Superman‘s release, largely positive reviews have been pouring in, amounting to an 83% Tomatometer and 91% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes. As a result, Gunn’s venture marks a promising start to the new DC Universe.

At the time of writing, Superman has grossed $513.5 million at the box office worldwide, making it the seventh highest-grossing movie of 2025 so far. In fact, Superman‘s domestic box office has even overtaken Harry Potter and Star Wars, demonstrating an astonishing response from audiences as the DC movie climbs the ranks of several major franchises.

Now, Superman has earned another review from Hideo Kojima via X. In the post, Kojima states he’s been busy promoting Death Stranding 2’s release on a world tour, “but this morning, I finally got to see James Gunn’s Superman. It was good.” However, the game developer then goes on to deliver a more contemplative review.

Kojima surprisingly states that Superman is “neither dark nor stylish, cool or even ‘super’“ before adding that it “is different from the Superman we used to LOOK UP (into the sky) to.” However, Kojima then comments on Gunn’s more humanistic approach to the famous superhero in a more positive light. Check out the full review below:

What Hideo Kojima’s Review Means For Superman

Kojima Has A Preference For Grand Movies

Considering Hideo Kojima once listed his four favorite movies to be 2001: A Space Odyssey, Taxi Driver. Mad Max 2, and Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, it makes sense that he was somewhat disappointed by James Gunn’s Superman. Although Kojima states the film was “good,” it’s clear he was less enthusiastic as Superman wasn’t “dark, stylish, or super.“

Kojima’s favorite movies show that he has a preference for grander visions with compelling visuals, intricate world-building, and complex characters. This much is apparent in his own Death Stranding. Therefore, Gunn’s more down-to-earth and human approach to Superman may be less appealing to the game developer, who is famed for his wild storytelling.

That being said, Kojima does call Superman “heartwarming,” showcasing some enjoyment of the film. Furthermore, there are plenty of other filmmakers and creators who have praised Superman, including another legendary franchise creator, Game of Thrones’ George R. R. Martin. Interestingly, even Marvel’s Kevin Feige reviewed DC’s Superman movie, saying: “It’s clearly not superhero fatigue, right? I liked it a lot.”

Our Take On Superman’s “Heartwarming” Approach

Superman’s Human Approach Is Needed

Everyone is going to have their own opinions on the new Superman movie, as the director has certainly changed the game for superhero pictures. In an era of so-called superhero fatigue, James Gunn proves Superman is the perfect hero to take the limelight now. We have done the nitty-gritty version, and people are tired of the same formula.

While anti-superhero media like The Boys and Invincible have been great for bringing different perspectives to a stale genre, evidently, something new was still needed. Talking about his version of Superman, Gunn said: “I think that old-fashioned is something that’s really beautiful and, in its own way, the most rebellious thing about that character.” He might be right.

In today’s rather negative world, 2025’s Superman is a breath of fresh air, fully leaning into that “old-fashioned” style. Considering Superman‘s box office has surpᴀssed all other 2025 superhero movies, the director’s approach has worked. Therefore, we might see more cheesy, heartwarming takes on superhero movies like Superman soon, and I hope it revitalizes the genre.

Source: Hideo Kojima via X, Rotten Tomatoes