The highly anticipated soundtrack for the upcoming film Superman, directed by James Gunn, merges traditional orchestral elements with a punk rock flair. Set to be released alongside the film on July 11, 2025, the score features compositions from Gunn’s long-time collaborator John Murphy and David Fleming, known for their work on films like Dune: Part Two and Wonder Woman 1984.
Gunn’s vision for the soundtrack aims to pay homage to the classic scores of the past while establishing a unique identity for the new iteration of the iconic superhero. Murphy’s sweeping, emotional compositions are designed to evoke a sense of heroism, while only two songs are included in the extensive 33-track playlist: “5 Years Time” by Noah and the Whale and “Punkrocker,” featuring Iggy Pop, from Teddybears.
While Gunn is known for his eclectic taste in music, especially seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, the Superman soundtrack reflects a more traditional approach. He expressed during a press event that he wanted to incorporate the beloved Superman theme from the 1978 film directed by Richard Donner. “I said, ‘I want to use a version of the Williams theme, but I want to do our own version of it,’” Gunn shared with various outlets, emphasizing the need to blend nostalgic elements with fresh sounds.
Curated Playlists Enhance Character Depth
In addition to the official soundtrack, Gunn has created curated playlists on Spotify that reflect the personalities of key characters in the film. For instance, Lois Lane‘s playlist features songs such as “I Was a Teenage Anarchist” by Against Me and “DVP” by PUP. Meanwhile, Clark Kent’s selections include upbeat tracks like “The Underdog” by Spoon and “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World.
Even Lex Luthor‘s girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher, has a playlist filled with contemporary pop hits, showcasing a diverse range of musical influences that resonate with the film’s themes. Songs such as “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift and “bad idea right?” by Olivia Rodrigo highlight her character’s modern sensibilities.
The balance between the sweeping orchestral score and the punk-inspired elements reflects Gunn’s unique vision for the film, aiming to create a Superman that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences. As anticipation builds for the film’s release, the soundtrack promises to play a crucial role in defining the emotional landscape of the story.
Listen to the score and curated playlists to dive deeper into the world of Superman and experience the blend of traditions and modern influences that Gunn has crafted for this new adventure.
