Frank and Thomas break down James Gunn’s Superman (2025), diving into why this feels like the most "comic book" movie they've ever seen. From its breakneck pacing to heartfelt performances and bold character choices, this new Superman entry sparks a lot of conversation. They cover everything from David Corenswet's grounded portrayal of Clark Kent, the surprisingly powerful Mr. Terrific, to the film’s bold approach to camp and canon. Plus, they debate whether the movie works for general audiences or if it’s best for longtime fans.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro and opening thoughts
01:10 Why it feels like reading a comic book
03:40 The All-Star Superman inspiration
06:00 The pacing: breakneck or just fast?
08:00 World-building without handholding
10:15 How the movie blends nostalgia with freshness
12:50 Corenswet’s Superman: emotional, grounded, and inspiring
16:30 Lois Lane: Rachel Brosnahan steals scenes
19:00 Jimmy Olsen gets an update
20:30 Justice Gang rundown:
  – Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
  – Hawkgirl’s limited impact
  – Mr. Terrific becomes a standout
26:30 Lex Luthor’s highs and lows
30:00 Metamorpho and Ultraman
34:00 Final thoughts on setup, future, and what’s next

Key Takeaways:

• Superman (2025) plays like flipping through comic issues—non-linear but cohesive

• The world feels lived-in, not freshly built

• David Corenswet brings emotional depth and relatability to the character

• Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois is fierce, intelligent, and balanced

• Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) is a breakout star, both visually and tonally

• Justice Gang adds layered intrigue but not every member hits the mark

• Lex Luthor needs more time to fully land

• The film leans into camp without losing sincerity

Memorable Quotes:

• “This feels like the most comic book movie I’ve ever seen.”

• “Every time Lex, you get it wrong—because I keep going even when I’m afraid.”

• “Mr. Terrific? Show stealer. Straight up.”

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Apple Podcast Tags:
superman 2025, james gunn, dcu, david corenswet, lois lane, geek culture, comic book movies, dc comics, movie reviews, geek freaks podcast

In this episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank and Thomas revisit the pilot of Superman & Lois as hype builds for the upcoming 2025 Superman movie. They discuss the show's unique approach to the Superman mythos, focusing on Clark Kent as a father, the chemistry between Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, and how the series compares to previous adaptations like Smallville and the Arrowverse. They break down what works, what feels fresh, and how this series set a new bar for live-action Superman storytelling.

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 – Welcome and Superman hype
00:39 – Why Thomas chose Superman & Lois
01:20 – Arrowverse fatigue and show expectations
02:01 – Berlanti's production value and tone shift
03:18 – Tyler Hoechlin’s journey from Supergirl to leading man
04:48 – Pilot breakdown and plot highlights
07:08 – Casting discussion and character chemistry
09:11 – Bitsy Tulloch’s Lois Lane: A grounded force
12:19 – The Superman-Lois dynamic in action
14:11 – Comparing Clark Kent portrayals
16:32 – Realism vs timeline confusion
17:38 – Why the pilot works for newcomers
18:50 – Smallville nostalgia and smart subversions
20:11 – Balancing teen drama and superhero stakes
21:05 – A mysterious new villain and smart writing
22:41 – Lex Luthor’s long game and Arrowverse cameos
24:15 – The brothers’ relationship and moral grounding
25:27 – Kryptonite variations and Smallville as a character
26:52 – Standout supporting characters
28:34 – Visual effects and practical moments
30:27 – Effects, legacy references, and clever tricks
33:16 – Streaming success and budget juggling
34:13 – A Superman show for the whole family
35:46 – Mature storytelling and grounded characters
36:38 – Fun facts and homage to Action Comics #1
38:06 – Fastest Arrowverse renewal
39:06 – Superman's mass appeal beyond comic fans
40:47 – Lois Lane’s costume nods to comic history
42:05 – Crisis retcons and Arrowverse canon talk
44:05 – Final thoughts: Elevated writing and legacy

Key Takeaways:

• Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman feels sincere, grounded, and emotionally compelling.

• Lois Lane, played by Bitsy Tulloch, grows into the role as a strong partner and mother.

• The show smartly balances superhero action with heartfelt family dynamics.

• Practical effects and tight writing make the pilot especially rewatchable.

• While connected to the Arrowverse in spirit, the series confidently stands on its own.

• This show works just as well for longtime fans as it does for newcomers.

Memorable Quotes:
🗯️ "This is the most human Superman we've ever gotten on screen."
🗯️ "Sometimes the small things are what prove Superman is Superman."
🗯️ "This isn’t just about Kryptonite anymore. It’s about family, failure, and finding your way."
🗯️ "He doesn’t just want to save the world—he wants to be a good dad."

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Apple Podcast Tags:
Superman and Lois, Arrowverse, DC TV, Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, DC Comics, Superman pilot, Superman review, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted podcast, Superman 2025