Episode 112: Superman & Superman

Episode 112: Superman & Superman

From Cinema in Context by Cinema in Context

July 26, 2025 · 50 min

About this episode

The hosts discuss and compare the films Superman (1978) and Superman (2025), highlighting key elements such as performances, scores, and connections to the wider superhero film landscape.

1978 and 2025. Sarah Watt, Jeremy Downing and William Chen discuss Superman (1978) and Superman (2025). Our conversation begins with our reactions to 1978's Superman, directed by Richard Donner, with most of the podcast watching the film for the first time in preparation for the podcast recording. We talk about the score from John Williams and how it connects to his other great scores from the 1970s and 80s. We praise the merits of the original film, especially Christopher Reeve as Superman and Clark Kent. We discuss the merits of 2025's Superman, directed by Jason Gunn, beginning by praising the chemistry between David Corenswet's Superman and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane. We talk about the connections between the film and the wider DC Universe films, as well as comparisons to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

People in this episode

Hosts: Sarah Watt, Jeremy Downing, William Chen

Topics covered

  • Superman
  • film analysis
  • DC Universe
  • Marvel Cinematic Universe

Keywords

  • Richard Donner
  • John Williams
  • Christopher Reeve
  • David Corenswet
  • Rachel Brosnahan

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Superman & Superman, Superman

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