In July 2025, DC Studios released their latest take on the iconic hero Superman. Director James Gunn put a new spin on the classic characters, with a focused angle on Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s careers as journalists. Ultimately, the superpower that saves the day in this film is Lane’s pursuit of truth, and commitment to share it with the world.
Reporting and truth in “Superman”
In a blog published by DC, the impacts of Gunn’s decision to concentrate on the journalistic aspects of Kent’s character are discussed.
“Though [Kent’s] reporting has been a consistent part of his story, the focus on the actual rigmarole and process of being a journalist is at the heart of what makes the recent ‘Superman’ so great,” DC writes.
With Kent and Lane’s relationship as a major part of most “Superman” adaptations, and the pair meeting in the newsroom of The Daily Planet, journalism is nearly inseparable in most iterations of the story.
“I think that people who are relentless in pursuit of the truth— the actual truth— are heroes, and it’s something I admire greatly,” Gunn said.
This is evident through watching his iteration of the iconic superhero’s story, but this heroic quality is not best illustrated through the titular character. Instead, his love interest is the one who demonstrates these attributes, making for an interesting story.
Kent writes despite conflicts of interest
Of course, Kent is just the public-facing identity of Superman— he is also a metahuman from Krypton who fights crime across borders. As Kent, he serves as the beat for Superman-related stories, meaning he is the direct point of contact for interviews and articles.
“He's the Daily Planet’s chief Superman correspondent thanks to his incredible ability to secure softball quotes from himself,” The Vulture reads.
While pessimistic about the pursuit of journalism, The Vulture makes great points about Kent’s violations of journalism ethics. Kent has a direct conflict of interest, since he is writing about himself— making him inherently biased.
At the movie’s start, Lane and Kent have been dating for three months, and she already knows about his hidden identity. Early in the film, Lane confronts Kent about this, and he offers to give her an interview as Superman.
“When their flirty banter gives way to an impromptu grilling, it takes Clark a beat to realize how seriously Lois is taking this,” the Vulture wrote. “Clark was clearly not expecting tough treatment.”
Lane asks how he responds to allegations of broken laws and other negative repercussions to his involvement in foreign nations. Kent, an optimist, focuses on the lives he saved, so he does not write about these aspects in his own articles— even in a nuanced way.
Lane asks Kent about his public perception, causing Kent to eventually storm out of the interview, showing the flaws of him “interviewing” Superman; highlighting his questionable morals as a reporter, and Lane’s commitment to Gunn’s value of finding the actual truth.
While Superman portrays superpowers— and lots of important moral moments outside of his day job, such as turning himself in to find Krypto— Lane matches real-world heroism.
Lane takes the cape
In CBS News’ interview with Rachel Brosnahan, Lane’s actress, she discussed this commitment to finding the truth as a defining trait of her character.
“[Lane] has very strong beliefs about ethics in journalism, her own journalistic integrity and she's unwilling to compromise it, even for somebody that she loves,” Brosnahan said.
While this commitment causes tension early in the film, it also saves the day at the end of the movie— all due to Lane’s strength of character.
“She's somebody who's completely capable, she can rely on her own smarts and instinct, but sometimes you need someone to help you, whether it's a Superman or someone else and that doesn't make you less strong,” Brosnahan said.
Through the film, Lane goes to great lengths in pursuit of truth, putting her life on the line many times. Using her resources and fellow journalist friends, she learns of the existence of pocket universes— and that Superman is being kept in one— and exposes it with publication.
Eventually, Lane enters the pocket universe, and her friend’s source gives enough information to write a full piece. This hits the public and changes everything about Superman’s perception.
“The exposé is as instrumental for taking down the film’s antagonist as any superheroics; sentiment quickly turns against Luthor as a direct result of the article, and he faces immediate legal consequences,” The Vulture wrote.
While Superman’s flight and laser eyes all play a role in the stitching the world back together and defeating Lex Luthor, Lane was just as instrumental with two feet on the ground— and she maintained ethical journalism, too.
Conclusion
While superstrength was important in fighting the tear between universes, there are other, more tangible powers that can make an equal impact on society.
Learning and sharing the truth is the purpose of journalism; allowing facts and other peoples’ experiences to share the story. This is what Lois does, and the narrative shows how that is rewarded by exposing the truth of Superman and Lex Luthor.
Kent is a great role model for anyone with special abilities, or people in criminal justice. However, if you are interested in journalism, try to emulate Lane, instead. And, reach out to The Wright State Guardian at guardian1@wright.edu.
To learn more about Brosnahan’s preparations for the role of Lane, read Brosnahan talks playing Lois Lane in "Superman" with CBS News.
There are also a few quotes on her research in DC’s blog, Why Journalism Had to Be at the Heart of “Superman”, along with statements from Gunn and other cast members.
For the Vulture’s full commentary, go to Superman Is A Pretty Good Journalism Movie.
