Superman, the James Gunn Take!
Drawing inspiration from Silver Age comics, Gunn’s Superman exudes an optimistic and lively tone, offering Superman as a ‘noble,’ decency-driven hero. Gunn’s way of re-injecting optimism, ‘basic human morals,’ and qualities that audiences long for in these divisive times.
Relatively, the darker, more realistic tone of Man of Steel, with its heavy visual style and moral ambiguity, brought a more intense and conflicted Superman to the screen. Likewise, Pa Kent’s ambiguity also in MOS left Clark more burdened than inspired—a lingering, unresolved emotional conflict. Comparatively, Gunn’s ‘beacon of hope’ approach appears to be his strongest suit, as it fills a need in the superhero genre that darker stories have neglected lately.
This time around, Superman 2025 puts Clark’s humanity front and center as he’s portrayed as a relatable and emotionally layered character, not an untouchable alien god. Gunn also strengthens Superman’s moral core and emotional center, building a more nurturing foundation.
With regard to Superman’s band of merry men, Gunn introduces a layered world populated by the Justice Gang (Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho) and the Daily Planet’s crew, distancing itself from MOS’ focus on Superman and his enemies, using a more minimalist cast to preserve narrative singularity. Gunn’s version takes a risk with so many characters. Early reports say it works—test audiences described it as “Guardians-level good.”
Judging from the trailers over at YouTube and elsewhere, Gunn’s aesthetic is still under wraps, but he’s known for world-building (as in Guardians). Early trailers show bright, comic-accurate visuals and vibrant color—though some fans worry his shots may not match Snyder’s epic scale. Snyder set the bar high with grand, sweeping visuals—shaking cameras, towering fight scenes, and deep symbolism. Early VFX reviews are largely positive, but still polishing late-stage shots.
The Franchise Going Forward
In this universe, Clark and Lois already know each other, and the world is populated with metahumans. Gunn wants a standalone yet interconnected story. While it’s not weighed down with set-ups, it plants seeds for future DCU films (Supergirl, Batman, Authority, etc.). Gunn’s version is foundational for a “Gods and Monsters” Phase 1 slate, offering both independence and interconnection.
Early test screenings and social media buzz lean to the positive. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy-level good’ and ‘People just want a hopeful, good Superman movie.’ Gunn will deliver.
The Future of the DCU
Superman’s legacy film is meant to both stand alone and seed an expansive universe.
Upcoming projects are already planned, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Lanterns, and Peacemaker S2—all tying into the flags planted here.
Gunn’s Superman is a knock-for-knock departure from Man of Steel. Where Snyder built a brooding, mythic, and often conflicted hero, Gunn brings light, heart, and humanity—a Superman built on hope, moral integrity, and emotional truth. Though not without risk, early responses are strong.
Surely if Superman connects with audiences, it could reset DC’s cinematic reputation, reestablishing it as a hub of hope-driven storytelling. Expect a DCU centered on optimism, empathy, and distinctive character voices—ushering in a bold new chapter that embraces both spectacle and soul.