When James Gunn walked into our interview, he didn’t bring a Hollywood entourage dripping with attitude. No flashy ego. Just his wife and a publicist—quaint, almost disarming for a man rebooting one of pop culture’s most iconic superheroes. But don’t be fooled by the humility. Behind that easygoing demeanor? A guy with a plan—and some serious confidence in his casting instincts.
And honestly, who can blame him?
Gunn’s got a knack for pulling unexpected stars out of relative obscurity and launching them into superstardom. “Guardians of the Galaxy” anyone? Remember when people scoffed at Chris Pratt playing a space rogue? Now, the dude has a Hollywood star and a leading-man résumé. Gunn is trying to capture lightning in a bottle again—this time with Juilliard-trained actor David Corenswet, his new Superman.
👉 “I think David Corenswet is the biggest movie star in the world and people don’t know it yet,” Gunn said with a smile that hinted at more than just optimism. It was the kind of grin you give when you know you’ve made the right bet.
But casting Corenswet wasn’t just about good looks and acting chops (though the guy’s got both in spades). Gunn sees something deeper—an essence of Superman that balances gravitas with charm, strength with vulnerability. And Gunn would know. He’s not just directing this film; he’s also co-writing it and serving as co-CEO of the newly-formed DC Studios.
So yeah, there’s a lot riding on this.
A Universe on His Shoulders
This isn’t just another superhero flick. “Superman” is the first official launch pad of the DC Universe reboot—an entirely new cinematic world Gunn and partner Peter Safran are crafting from scratch.
Let that sink in: this isn’t just a movie. It’s the movie that sets the tone for an entire slate of upcoming DC films—Supergirl, Batman, you name it. That’s pressure, even for a seasoned pro.
🧨 “This is the hardest movie I’ve ever made,” Gunn admits. “I’ve never felt this much weight. But I also love this character too much to not get it right.”
For Gunn, the story runs deep. Long before he was calling the shots at DC Studios, Gunn was a kid flipping through comic books, eyes wide with wonder, slowly learning to read as he pieced together stories from colorful illustrations. That emotional thread runs straight through this film.
Superman Meets the Modern World
Gunn isn’t just rebooting Superman—he’s reshaping him for the modern world.
This version of Clark Kent isn’t just wrestling with identity. He’s navigating a society skeptical of his alien origins, plagued by media spin, social media noise, and political manipulation. Sound familiar?
🎯 “It’s really just coming from a place of—what if this stuff was real?” Gunn said. “How would the world really react to someone like Superman?”
And the world in the film reacts harshly. Doubt, fear, conspiracy theories—it’s a minefield. All while a familiar enemy lurks in the shadows.
Enter Lex Luthor.
The New Lex: Tech Bro Edition
Let’s talk villains. Gunn didn’t just dust off Lex Luthor and slap on a new suit. He reimagined him—modernized him.
Played by Nicholas Hoult (who, fun fact, also auditioned for Superman), this Lex is less mad scientist and more tech mogul. Think Wall Street bravado meets Silicon Valley ruthlessness.
💼 “Corporations have become so powerful, they might even be more powerful than governments,” Gunn said. And Luthor? He’s the face of that unchecked power.
Hoult, it turns out, didn’t land the Superman gig—but Gunn couldn’t get him out of his head. “This guy’s Lex,” he kept repeating to himself. “And when he actually got into the role, he brought even more than I imagined. He nailed that classic comic book Luthor vibe—but with a 21st-century twist.”
Krypto, Wit, and Classic Gunn Charm
Don’t worry, though—it’s not all doom and existential dread.
This is a James Gunn movie, after all. And that means snappy dialogue, heartwarming moments, and… a superdog. Yep, Superman’s best friend Krypto shows up, providing levity and chaos in equal measure.
🐶 “We feed the canine, but he is unruly,” a robot deadpans after Krypto trashes the Fortress of Solitude. If that doesn’t scream classic Gunn, what does?
Early audiences are loving Krypto, and Gunn’s thrilled. “People definitely like Krypto a lot,” he laughed.
It’s that balance—humor, emotion, action—that Gunn does so well. He’s not trying to erase the darker tones of past Superman films, but he’s definitely steering this one toward hope and inspiration.
A Fresh Vision for the DC Universe
Ask Gunn what excites him about the future of the DC Universe, and he lights up. Especially when it comes to the dynamic duos.
👊 “We’ve never really seen Superman and Batman as true best friends on the big screen—at least not the way they are in the comics,” he said. “That’s where I’d love to take it.”
Imagine that. A Superman and Batman who aren’t constantly at each other’s throats, but actually working together—sharing screen time, camaraderie, and maybe even jokes. It’s a departure from the brooding battles of past DC films, and Gunn knows fans are ready for it.
Keeping His Feet on the Ground
Even with all the hype, Gunn keeps his expectations in check. Sort of.
His wife, he says, helps calm his nerves. “She does her best,” he laughed. “But it’s hard not to get caught up in it. I try to live with a stoic philosophy and not get too attached to the highs or the lows.”
That’s easier said than done when your movie could make or break an entire cinematic universe.
Still, Gunn’s got one advantage few filmmakers have: genuine passion.
💬 “I made Guardians of the Galaxy out of love for cinema,” he said. “But I’m making Superman out of love for comics.”
And you can feel that love baked into every frame. From the character design to the storytelling themes, this Superman is personal for Gunn. It’s not just a project. It’s a tribute to the stories that shaped his childhood—and a gift to fans who’ve been craving something fresh but familiar.
Final Thoughts: Can Gunn Pull It Off?
That’s the big question, right?
Can James Gunn successfully launch a new Superman, ignite a fresh DC Universe, and win over fans and critics alike? It’s a tall order. But if anyone can thread that needle—balancing heart, humor, action, and nostalgia—it’s Gunn.
💥 This isn’t just Superman. It’s his Superman. A hopeful symbol in a messy, modern world.
“I hope it speaks to other people as much as it speaks to me,” Gunn said. “It’s about someone who’s really good in a world that isn’t always good. And I find that part of it… beautiful.”
Key Takeaways:
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James Gunn’s Superman opens July 11 and kicks off the new DC Universe.
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David Corenswet is the new face of Superman—handpicked by Gunn.
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Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor with a modern corporate villain twist.
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Expect heart, humor, and even Superman’s dog, Krypto.
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Gunn’s vision includes a future Superman-Batman friendship arc.
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