When Superman landed on screens on July 11, 2025, directed and written by James Gunn, it marked a hopeful reboot of the Man of Steel. David Corenswet stars as Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. For its musical heart, Gunn tapped composers John Murphy and David Fleming, who began composing even before the script was complete. Their score both honors John Williams’s iconic 1978 theme and carves out a bold new sound for a new era.
Crafting Superman Soundtrack: Nostalgia Meets Fresh Emotion
Murphy and Fleming struck a balance between past and present. They begin with a nod to the classic “Superman March”, then expand with original compositions:
- “Last Son” – An emotional cue representing Superman’s alien origins and his internal journey.
- “LuthorCorp” – A synth-driven, menacing theme that reflects Lex Luthor’s intellect and menace.
- “Lois & Clark” – A gentle, romantic piano-and-strings piece for the central relationship.
- “Justice Gang vs. Kaiju” – High-energy action music that showcases team dynamics and blockbuster scope.
The score was recorded with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, blending traditional orchestration with modern textures—split strings, layered guitars, and subtle electronic elements—to create something both timeless and emotionally current.
Superman’s Licensed Songs: Setting the Tone
While James Gunn is known for song-heavy soundtracks (Guardians of the Galaxy), Superman (2025) uses only a few licensed tracks—but each makes a statement:
- “Bring Me Sunshine” by Sophie Madeleine – Plays from a radio as Superman is captured; its ironic cheeriness adds emotional weight.
- “5 Years Time” by Noah & The Whale – Used during Mr. Terrific’s desert-base fight; it’s upbeat and oddly fitting for the chaotic battle.
- “Punkrocker” by Teddybears feat. Iggy Pop – Ends the film on a rebellious but warm note, reinforcing Superman’s optimism and relatability.
Superman Soundtrack Playlist
The official soundtrack playlist contains over 200 tracks, including orchestral cues, licensed music, and alternate takes. It’s available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Fan Reactions: A Mix of Nostalgia & Critique
The reception has been largely positive. Many fans and critics praise the emotional depth, the respectful use of Williams’s motifs, and the originality of new cues. Some, however, feel certain moments lean too heavily into generic “trailer music” tropes or lack the iconic power of earlier Superman scores.
FAQs
Q. What song plays during Mr. Terrific’s fight scene?
“5 Years Time” by Noah & The Whale plays during the desert rescue mission, giving the intense scene a quirky, vibrant edge.
Q. What song plays when Superman is captured?
“Bring Me Sunshine” by Sophie Madeleine can be heard faintly on a radio as Superman is taken into custody—an ironic and emotional moment.
Q. What closes the film and credits?
“Punkrocker” by Teddybears featuring Iggy Pop. It’s loud, joyful, and reinforces Superman’s human charm and rebellious kindness.
Q. Does the score include nods to John Williams’s 1978 theme?
Yes. Motifs from the original score are interwoven into key tracks like Home, Last Son, and the main trailer cue—honoring legacy without imitation.
Q. Where can I listen to the full soundtrack of Superman?
It’s available on all major music platforms under titles like “Superman Official Playlist” and “Superman (2025) Soundtrack.”
Warner Bros. Pictures‘s Superman (2025) soundtrack is more than background music—it’s a thematic backbone. Murphy and Fleming have created something that respects Superman’s mythos while energizing him for a new generation. Whether through sweeping orchestral moments, indie-pop irony, or punk-infused optimism, the soundtrack helps define what this Superman stands for: hope, resilience, and heart.