This summer, superheroes didn’t just save the day – they dominated every cinema screen across the globe. Audiences were treated to the first installment of the refreshed DC Universe with James Gunn’s new take on Superman, introduced to Marvel’s next era of anti-heroes in the compelling yet relatable Thunderbolts, and reunited with Marvel’s First Family in the long-awaited Fantastic Four.
It was a summer defined by spectacle and reinvention. Studios leaned into character-driven storytelling, fresh world-building and action designed for the big screen. Proving that despite calls of ‘superhero fatigue’ the superhero genre still has room to evolve… just with the right direction.
Marvel
Even with Marvel’s promise to prioritise quality over quantity, three MCU films made their way to our screens this year – some more memorable than others. Thunderbolts emerged as the unexpected standout of the summer, ushering in the era of the ‘New Avengers’ with surprising depth and heart. The film delivered one of the most nuanced portrayals of mental health seen in the genre in recent years – grounding its action in real, relatable struggles. By centering a dysfunctional found family, with each member carrying their own flaws, the story offered audiences a team they could genuinely see themselves in. It proved that even Marvel’s most chaotic collection of anti-heroes can form a bond that feels authentic, moving and oddly comforting. And in doing so, it reminded audiences that Marvel still has the magic we know and love when it commits to clear storytelling and character driven stakes. The studio hasn’t lost its touch; it just simply needs a little nudge in the right direction to recapture the brilliance that defined its earlier eras.
Despite the brilliance of Thunderbolts, the studio’s other two releases left something to be desired. Captain America: Brave New World arrived with the promise of firmly establishing Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, a milestone fans have been eager to see fully realised. Unfortunately, the film proved largely forgettable, lacking the emotional weight and narrative focus the character deserves. Instead of soaring as a triumphant new chapter for Wilson, it landed as a serviceable but uninspired entry that never quite tapped into the potential of its hero or the legacy he carries.
Their third release of the year, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, offered plenty of promise in its striking visuals and carefully crafted 60s aesthetic. On a stylistic level, it delivered exactly what fans were looking for: a fresh retro spin on Marvel’s first family. However, the story didn’t hold up to its side of the bargain. The narrative felt thin and uneven, leaving several members of the team surprisingly unlikeable and difficult to emotionally connect with. For a franchise built on heart and family connection, this lack of warmth made the film feel oddly hollow, despite its glossy presentation. With such a wide variation in quality this year, the success of Thunderbolts can only hopefully steer Marvel back onto a path that recaptures the excitement, emotional weight, and pure cinematic thrill their films once brought to theatres.
Superman
Rivalling Marvel’s lineup, James Gunn’s Superman soared onto screens in July, landing just weeks before Fantastic Four arrived later that month. The close releases invited plenty of comparison from audiences, even if the films themselves aimed for very different tones and goals. This new take on Superman restores him as a symbol of hope: uplifting, compassionate, and more in tune with the world around him than the darker incarnation seen in earlier films.
As the first instalment in James Gunn’s new DC universe, Superman sets the bar impressively high. It offers a refreshed tone and a hopeful energy that signals a strong start for this new era of DC storytelling. At the heart of it all is David Corenswet whose portrayal of the hero we all know and love is a major reason the film has resonated so strongly with audiences. In a time filled with uncertainty and hardship, it’s refreshing to have a superhero who embodies hope, and that’s exactly what Corenswet brings to the role.
This summer proved that the superhero genre is far from finished, it just needs a refresh. Marvel showed hints of its old brilliance, whilst DC signalled a new beginning. With lessons (hopefully) learnt and fresh creative visions emerging, both studios stand at a crossroads. If they follow the promise of their strongest releases, the future of comic-book cinema could be more exciting than ever.
