James Gunn on Superman inspired by Godzilla Minus One has become a key topic after the director confirmed that his upcoming Superman film draws directly from the acclaimed Japanese movie. The new Superman film, headlined by David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, and Isabela Merced, launches DC’s new era when it arrives in theaters worldwide on July 11, 2025.
Director James Gunn Discusses Godzilla Minus One’s Influence
In a recent interview with the Japanese publication CinemaToday, James Gunn acknowledged that Godzilla Minus One significantly influenced his creative choices for Superman. Gunn explained that the spectacular visual effects of Godzilla Minus One motivated him to aim for similar technical achievements in his own film. Audiences will see this inspiration play out with the introduction of a Kaiju monster that Superman is set to battle, as showcased in early trailer footage.
“I was influenced by special effects. I tried to fuse elements like giant monsters, robots, flying dogs, other superheroes.”
—James Gunn, Director
Blending Epic Action and Deep Human Storytelling
Gunn emphasized that his vision for Superman extends beyond action and spectacle. Reflecting on the dramatic qualities that made Godzilla Minus One a standout, Gunn said he aims to root his film in authentic human drama. This approach seeks to ensure that, despite the presence of colossal monsters and high-stakes battles, the film remains anchored in the personal challenges and emotional journeys of its characters.
“My goal was to make a film like Godzilla Minus One, which depicted Godzilla but also had great human drama. There is a human story at the root.”
—James Gunn, Director
Presenting Superman with Traditional Values in a Modern World
Even with numerous portrayals of Superman in cinema history, Gunn revealed his intent to highlight the hero’s long-standing virtues amid a world that may not value them as it once did. He stressed the importance of depicting Superman’s core qualities, including empathy, hope, and the belief in humanity’s potential for good.
“with goodness, kindness, compassion, and an attitude that values human life.”
—James Gunn, Director
“I portray a character with optimism and hope that we associate with Superman. However, the world he lives in is one in which these things are no longer as important as they used to be. There is some overlap with the real world we live in.”
—James Gunn, Director
The Significance of Godzilla Minus One’s Success and Its Impact
The film Godzilla Minus One, cited as a major inspiration by Gunn, garnered international praise and earned an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Its blend of eye-catching action sequences and powerful character-driven storytelling set a new standard for genre films, which Gunn now aims to bring into the DC Universe with his Superman adaptation. As excitement builds for the movie’s release, James Gunn’s creative choices may redefine how iconic characters like Superman are brought to modern audiences, blending blockbuster spectacle with deeper emotional resonance.
