The recently leaked salaries for James Gunn’s Superman film have stirred up debate online — not because of how high they are, but because of how surprisingly low they seem for a tentpole film rebooting the entire DC Universe. According to multiple insider reports, here’s what the three primary cast members are earning:
- David Corenswet (Superman): $750,000
- Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane): $750,000
- Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor): $2 million
All three are said to have back-end bonuses tied to box office performance, which could significantly boost their earnings if the film becomes a hit. While these upfront numbers seem modest by superhero movie standards, they actually follow a well-established playbook — one that prioritizes long-term franchise growth over splashy first-film payouts.
Why These Numbers Make Perfect Sense
At first glance, paying Superman himself less than $1 million might feel off — especially in an era where stars can make eight figures for a single role. But Corenswet is a relatively new face in the blockbuster world, and his salary falls right in line with how Hollywood typically handles the “first film in a new franchise” approach:
- Chris Hemsworth made between $150K and $500K for 2011’s Thor.
- Chris Evans received around $300K for Captain America: The First Avenger.
- Henry Cavill reportedly earned just $350K for Man of Steel in 2013.
In contrast, Robert Downey Jr. made $500K for Iron Man, but walked away with over $50 million after bonuses and backend deals — after the film launched a mega-franchise. Corenswet could be in the exact same position if Superman succeeds. These low base figures are often structured to incentivize performance — both in terms of the movie’s reception and box office performance.
Why Nicholas Hoult Got More
Nicholas Hoult’s $2 million paycheck stands out, but there are clear reasons why he commands more:
- He’s a more established name with decades of film experience (The Favourite, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Menu).
- Hoult is playing Lex Luthor, arguably the most iconic villain in Superman’s rogue gallery.
- This role may set him up for multi-film appearances, either in Superman sequels or crossovers with Batman, Supergirl, or the broader DCU.
Hoult was also in the final running to play Batman in The Batman (2022) before Robert Pattinson got the nod. Giving him the main villain role in Superman is not only strategic casting, it’s a recognition of his value.
The Bigger Picture: Zaslav and Gunn’s Long-Term Play
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav was described as “downright giddy” during the premiere of Superman. That’s not just hype — it’s an indication that early cuts of the film are testing well and that the studio believes in its future.
James Gunn’s reboot is not just a one-off. It’s the beginning of the new DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, and DC leadership is betting that Superman will succeed where past attempts stumbled. With Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow on the way (starring breakout star Milly Alcock), casting for a new Wonder Woman reportedly underway, and Jason Momoa rumored to appear as Lobo, the universe is quickly taking shape.
By keeping salaries low but building in success-driven bonuses, DC can focus its spending on world-building and longevity — not just throwing money at big names up front. This allows the studio to mitigate financial risk while creating incentive structures that reward success organically.
Looking Ahead: The Paydays Will Come
If Superman takes off — critically or commercially — expect massive pay bumps in the sequels. That’s exactly what happened at Marvel:
- Chris Evans reportedly made $15 million for Avengers: Endgame.
- Gal Gadot jumped from $300K in Wonder Woman to $10 million for WW84.
- Even The Batman’s Robert Pattinson landed a hefty sequel raise after the first film grossed over $770 million globally.
For David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, this film could be the launching pad for major roles, renegotiated contracts, and full-blown superstardom in the DCU.
Final Thought
These leaked salaries aren’t a sign of undervaluing the cast — they’re a signal that DC is playing the long game. The studio is focused on building something sustainable, scalable, and financially sound. Superman is just the first domino. If it flies, everyone — from the actors to the studio to the fans — stands to win big.
The Best Animes to Watch Right Now
Looking for the next anime to binge-watch? The world of anime continues to evolve with exciting new releases and timeless classics that deserve your attention in 2025. From action-packed series like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Attack on Titan” to newcomers such as “Kaiju No. 8” and “Dan Da Dan,” there’s something for every taste in today’s vibrant anime landscape.
The best anime shows combine compelling storytelling, unique art styles, and memorable characters that stay with viewers long after the credits roll. Popular series like “Demon Slayer” and “One Piece” continue to dominate viewership charts, while cult classics offer deeper dives for seasoned anime fans. With streaming services making anime more accessible than ever, now is the perfect time to discover your next favorite series.
As we move through 2025, the anime industry keeps delivering fresh content alongside new seasons of beloved shows. Whether you’re drawn to supernatural battles, slice-of-life stories, or epic adventures, today’s anime offerings represent some of the medium’s finest achievements and most innovative storytelling approaches.
Here’s the latest on the best animes to watch right now:
New Netflix Big-Budget Anime — Leviathan
Netflix just released Leviathan, a visually stunning steampunk-meets-monster anime set during a reimagined World War I. The story follows a young woman disguising herself as a man to join an elite air force unit. Expect gritty trench warfare, massive mechanical monsters, and emotional stakes—all backed by sweeping orchestration and a cinematic production style. It’s already gaining buzz for being one of the most original anime debuts this year.
Horror Thriller — The Summer Hikaru Died
This slow-burn psychological horror anime premiered in early July and is already being hailed for its creepy atmosphere and subtle dread. Instead of typical jump scares, it leans into eerie silences, uncanny character behavior, and supernatural ambiguity. Fans of horror manga and series like Higurashi will find this one deeply unsettling in the best way.
Hiromu Arakawa’s New Series — Daemons of the Shadow Realm
From the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, this brand-new supernatural anime features twin siblings drawn into a dark world of spirits, secrets, and strange powers. It’s the anime adaptation of Yomi no Tsugai, and early footage shows the same strong narrative and emotional depth fans loved from Arakawa’s past work.
Summer 2025 Anime Lineup
Anime Expo 2025 revealed an impressive lineup for the summer season:
- Kaiju No. 8 returns with Season 2 in mid-July.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Re:Zero Season 4, The Apothecary Diaries, Beastars, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Black Clover Season 2, and Mushoku Tensei are all continuing or returning.
- New entries include Gachiakuta, Lord of Mysteries, Nyaight of the Living Cat, and Sakamoto Days Part 2.
The mix of returning heavy-hitters and fresh experimental titles makes this one of the strongest summer anime seasons in recent years.
Critically Acclaimed and Award-Winning Titles
Solo Leveling dominated this year’s anime awards season, racking up multiple wins including Anime of the Year. Its slick animation, high-stakes worldbuilding, and protagonist evolution have made it a global hit. Other must-watches include the second season of Dandadan, which continues to blend paranormal action with heart and humor.
Top Picks You Can Watch Right Now
| Category | Title | Why to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| New Releases | Leviathan, The Summer Hikaru Died, Daemons of the Shadow Realm | High production quality, compelling stories, fresh genres |
| Ongoing Favorites | Solo Leveling, Kaiju No. 8 S2, Dandadan S2 | Fan favorites returning stronger than ever |
| Modern Classics | Frieren, Violet Evergarden, Demon Slayer | Emotional depth, stunning animation, and top-tier storytelling |
| Timeless Greats | Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, Evangelion | Legendary status, still rewatchable and relevant today |
📊 Anime’s Worldwide Growth
Anime viewership has exploded in 2025, with over half of global streaming audiences now watching anime regularly. Platforms are investing heavily in new productions, and anime’s influence continues to grow across film, gaming, and pop culture worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Current top anime include “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Demon Slayer,” and “Attack on Titan” with newcomers like “Kaiju No. 8” gaining popularity.
- The best anime series feature unique art styles, compelling characters, and storytelling that resonates with viewers.
- Streaming platforms have made anime more accessible, allowing fans to discover both new releases and classic series more easily.
Top Anime Classics and Must-Watch Series
The anime world has produced countless masterpieces that have shaped pop culture globally. These timeless works combine stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and memorable characters that continue to influence new generations of creators.
Legendary Series and Their Creators
Dragon Ball and its sequel Dragon Ball Z stand as pillars of anime history, created by the legendary Akira Toriyama who revolutionized the shonen genre. His distinctive art style and character designs have influenced countless series that followed.
Naruto and Bleach formed part of the “Big Three” anime that dominated the 2000s, each featuring epic storylines about young heroes developing their powers while facing increasingly dangerous threats.
Ghost in the Shell and Akira are groundbreaking sci-fi anime films that gained international acclaim for their mature themes and stunning animation. Both works explored complex ideas about technology and humanity that were ahead of their time.
Older classics like Ranma 1/2 and Slayers helped establish anime conventions we still see today, with their blend of comedy, action, and distinctive character designs.
My Hero Academia represents the new generation of classic anime, building on traditions while adding fresh perspectives to the superhero genre.
Studio Ghibli’s Impact on Anime
Studio Ghibli transformed anime filmmaking under the vision of directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Their works are known for breathtaking animation, environmental themes, and complex characters.
Films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind showcased Miyazaki’s environmental concerns and featured strong female protagonists, setting a new standard for character development in animation.
Ghibli’s accessibility helped introduce anime to global audiences. Movies like Ponyo charmed viewers with their magical storytelling and beautiful hand-drawn animation at a time when most studios were moving toward digital techniques.
The studio’s influence extends beyond their own works. Kyoto Animation and other studios have adopted Ghibli’s attention to detail and emotional storytelling, showing how one studio’s vision can elevate an entire medium.
Emerging Anime Gems and New Adaptations
The anime landscape of 2025 brings exciting new titles alongside anticipated sequels that span various genres from adventure to cyberpunk. These emerging series showcase innovative storytelling techniques and diverse character development that appeal to both new and veteran anime fans.
Recent Favorites and Sequels
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” continues to captivate audiences with its thoughtful exploration of immortality and human connections. The series stands out for its unique perspective on the aftermath of a typical fantasy adventure.
“Demon Slayer” returns with new episodes that further develop the story of Tanjiro and his companions. The animation quality remains exceptional, particularly in the breathtaking battle sequences.
“DanMachi” (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?) has released a new season that delves deeper into the dungeon-crawling adventures of Bell Cranel. Fans appreciate the balance between action and character development.
“One Piece” maintains its position as a powerhouse in anime, continuing to build on its massive world and compelling character arcs despite its long run.
Novel Concepts and Diverse Genres
“The Apothecary Diaries” has gained attention for its unique setting and focus on medicine in a historical context. The protagonist’s analytical approach to solving mysteries offers a refreshing alternative to combat-focused anime.
“Delicious in Dungeon” blends fantasy adventure with cooking in an innovative way. The show’s premise of adventurers cooking monster parts inside a dungeon has resonated with viewers looking for something different.
“A Sign of Affection” represents the growing popularity of romance anime with thoughtful representation, featuring a deaf protagonist navigating relationships in college.
New adaptations of “Berserk” and “Claymore” are generating buzz with updated animation technologies bringing these dark fantasy classics to modern audiences.
The cyberpunk genre sees fresh entries drawing inspiration from classics like “Cowboy Bebop” while introducing contemporary themes and visual styles appropriate for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anime enthusiasts often have specific questions about what shows deserve their attention in the current landscape. These frequently asked questions address the most noteworthy anime series and films that viewers should consider adding to their watchlists.
What are the top-rated animes currently trending?
Attack on Titan: Final Season has continued to dominate ratings charts into 2025. The series conclusion has cemented its place as one of the most impactful anime endings of all time.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s latest season has maintained exceptional viewer ratings, with its combination of stunning animation and compelling storytelling keeping fans engaged.
Chainsaw Man’s second season has also earned significant critical acclaim, with MAPPA studio’s animation quality setting new standards for the industry.
Which anime series have recently been acclaimed as must-watch?
Spy x Family’s newest season has received widespread praise for its perfect balance of action, comedy, and heartwarming family dynamics. Critics have highlighted its accessible appeal to both new and veteran anime viewers.
Vinland Saga’s third season continues the historical epic with thoughtful character development and stunning battle sequences. The series has been lauded for its mature themes and historical accuracy.
Blue Lock has gained significant attention for revolutionizing sports anime with its psychological elements and intense competitive atmosphere.
Which anime movies are highly recommended for viewers now?
The latest Makoto Shinkai film has continued his tradition of breathtaking visuals paired with emotionally resonant storytelling. Critics have praised it as potentially his finest work to date.
Studio Ghibli’s newest release maintains their legendary quality with hand-drawn animation that stands out in the increasingly digital landscape.
The Demon Slayer movie sequel has broken box office records with its spectacular action sequences and emotional character moments.
What are the best new anime releases to watch?
Kaiju No. 8 has made an impressive debut with its unique take on the monster genre. The series combines workplace drama with spectacular kaiju battles in modern Japan.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End continues to captivate audiences with its thoughtful exploration of immortality and human connection. Its deliberate pacing and beautiful animation have earned it significant praise.
Oshi no Ko’s second season has elevated the series with its dark exploration of the entertainment industry and compelling character development.
Which series are considered the greatest anime of this era?
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood still holds its position as a modern masterpiece. Its perfect blend of action, philosophy, and character development continues to set the standard for shonen anime.
Attack on Titan’s complete saga is now viewed as a landmark achievement in storytelling. The series’ complex themes and shocking plot developments have redefined what anime can accomplish.
Demon Slayer’s combination of traditional storytelling with groundbreaking animation has secured its place among the defining works of this generation.
What anime titles on streaming platforms are receiving the most attention?
Netflix’s latest original anime productions have continued to draw significant viewership. Their commitment to diverse anime content has attracted both casual viewers and dedicated fans.
Crunchyroll’s exclusive simulcasts remain essential viewing for anime enthusiasts wanting to stay current with seasonal releases from Japan.
Amazon Prime has strengthened its anime catalog with several high-profile exclusives that have generated substantial buzz among viewers seeking more mature content.
