The highly anticipated Superman film, directed by James Gunn, is not only set to launch a new chapter for DC Studios but is also drawing direct inspiration from an unexpected source—Godzilla Minus One. In a recent interview, Gunn emphasized that the James Gunn Superman movie inspired by Godzilla Minus One will focus on compelling human drama alongside the spectacle fans expect.
Superman’s latest cinematic outing aims to set itself apart by blending beloved comic book elements with innovative storytelling. Director James Gunn, speaking to CinemaToday, referenced the acclaimed 2023 film Godzilla Minus One and highlighted its influence on his creative approach.
“My goal is to make a film like Godzilla Minus One, which depicted Godzilla but also had great human drama,”
—James Gunn, Director. This award-winning kaiju movie was celebrated for its balance of thrilling action scenes with heartfelt character relationships, an equilibrium Gunn seeks to emulate.
Godzilla Minus One achieved both box office success and critical recognition, including an Oscar win for Best Visual Effects. For Gunn, however, what truly stood out was how the film prioritized its human characters even amid the chaos of monstrous destruction. In his words,
“At its core is a human story,”
—James Gunn, Director. He expanded on the interpersonal focus in Superman, stating,
“The relationship between Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and villain Lex Luthor is at the core of the work.”
—James Gunn, Director.
Recent glimpses from the new Superman trailer show city-wide destruction caused by giant monsters, while Superman races to protect civilians, echoing the kaiju action that inspired Gunn. The extent of these monster-filled sequences remains under wraps, but this surprising inspiration hints at a fresh take on superhero cinema.
Warner Bros. executives have already viewed an early version of the film and reportedly believe Gunn fully understands his ambitious assignment. The story centers not just on Clark Kent’s superhero feats but also his ongoing struggle to balance his identity as a Daily Planet reporter with his responsibilities as Superman.
David Corenswet takes on the mantle of Clark Kent, with Nicholas Hoult portraying the formidable Lex Luthor. Rachel Brosnahan joins as Lois Lane, further emphasizing the dynamic at the core of the new story. The ensemble also features Milly Alcock as Supergirl, who will make her debut in this film before starring in her own project, Woman of Tomorrow, slated for 2026.
As the first chapter in DCU’s Gods and Monsters era, this film is poised to deliver both emotional depth and thrilling action, guided by James Gunn’s vision and unexpected influences. Superman is scheduled for a worldwide release on July 11, 2025, with fans eager to see how these new creative choices will redefine the role of the legendary superhero and reshape the future of DC on screen.
