George R.R. Martin, the architect of Westeros and the notoriously deliberate scribe behind “A Song of Ice and Fire,” has stepped out of his complex narrative labyrinth to deliver a verdict that`s sure to send tremors through the superhero movie landscape. In a surprising personal blog post, Martin proclaimed James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film not just good, but potentially “the best Superman film… in history.”
An Unexpected Endorsement from a Master Storyteller
Why does the opinion of a fantasy novelist, even one as revered as Martin, carry such weight in the realm of cinematic superheroes? Perhaps it`s precisely because of his unique perspective. Martin, a master of character development, intricate world-building, and the slow burn of monumental sagas, brings a discerning eye to storytelling. His endorsement isn`t merely a casual thumbs-up; it`s a critical stamp from a connoisseur of saga and character. When he diverts attention from his own decades-long literary epic to laud a superhero flick, people listen.
Martin’s enthusiasm for the new Superman seems rooted in what he perceives as a return to the character`s fundamental essence. He found himself reminded of the hero he grew up reading about: “a strange alien from another planet, appearing on Earth with powers beyond the reach of ordinary men.” Martin even noted the character’s timeless allegory, adding, “(And yes, innocent, of course, he was always an immigrant. And an illegal one, if you think about it).” This focus on the classic, somewhat innocent, alien immigrant narrative signals a refreshing pivot from the often brooding, deconstructed hero narratives prevalent in modern cinema, aligning more with the hopeful idealism that originally defined the Man of Steel.
A Cast That Soars: High Praise for Luthor and Lane
Beyond the film`s thematic direction, Martin heaped considerable praise upon James Gunn’s casting choices, particularly highlighting the two key supporting roles.
Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane was described as “simply amazing,” prompting Martin to declare her on par with Margot Kidder for the title of the best Lois Lane. This is high praise, given Kidder’s iconic status in the role from the classic Christopher Reeve films.
However, it was Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor that truly seized Martin’s attention. He unequivocally stated, “Nicholas Hoult is the best Lex Luthor in history, a truly terrifying villain.” This is a powerful commendation, especially considering the character`s storied cinematic history. A truly menacing and well-executed Lex Luthor is often seen as foundational to a compelling Superman narrative, and Martin’s emphatic approval suggests Hoult has delivered on this crucial front.
And for those wondering about the hero himself, Martin affectionately referred to David Corenswet’s Superman as “the boy in the cape,” confirming that he too was “excellent.” Martin even expressed his hope that this iteration of Kal-El will star in “a dozen more films,” a ringing endorsement for the actor and the long-term vision of the new DC Universe.
Implications for the Reborn DC Universe
This early, enthusiastic seal of approval from a figure like Martin provides a much-needed shot of confidence for James Gunn and Peter Safran`s nascent DC Universe. After years of mixed reception and disjointed narratives for the DC cinematic universe, the new Superman film, slated for release on July 11, 2025, marks a critical fresh start. Martin’s review, delivered well over a year before the film`s premiere, acts as an unexpected pre-emptive boost, signaling a promising trajectory for what DC hopes will be a coherent and compelling new chapter.
Whether Superman lives up to such lofty praise remains to be seen by the general public, but George R.R. Martin has certainly lit the fuse for anticipation. His discerning eye, often associated with dragons and political intrigue, has now focused its considerable critical acumen on the Man of Steel, and the verdict is, surprisingly, nothing short of stellar.
Finley Holt