James Gunn‘s last-minute changes to Superman movie have been prompted by the persistent pressure surrounding the film‘s upcoming July 11 release, with the movie set to kick off the new DC Universe. Reports indicate that not everything has gone smoothly, especially after initial test screenings received mixed feedback, leading the production team to reconsider several aspects of the film.
Test Screenings Trigger Significant Adjustments
Early reactions to the film caused concern among executives at Warner Bros. According to sources familiar with the production,
tensions are high at Warner Bros.
—World of Reel, sources close to the production. As the feedback from the first test screenings circulated, the studio responded by initiating a series of notable changes, sparking a rapid chain of modifications behind closed doors.
Major Shifts in Tone and Structure
One of the most significant adjustments was related to the film’s tone. Initially, James Gunn infused the story with substantial comedic elements, similar in style to his previous work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. But these lighter moments were not fully embraced by all Warner Bros. executives, as they questioned whether this level of humor was appropriate for a Superman narrative. The studio requested that Gunn scale back the comedic content, resulting in several humorous scenes and beats being cut.
Alongside the tonal revisions, approximately 25 minutes have reportedly been trimmed from the film’s overall runtime. This shorter version comes after weeks of speculation about how long the movie would ultimately be, with runtime debates fueled by Gunn’s earlier comments suggesting that some rumors were exaggerated. Nevertheless, the final edit is now said to be more concise in hopes of improving pacing and appeal.
Alterations in Editing and Post-Production
Further complicating the situation were changes in post-production personnel. One of the film’s original editors was reportedly removed during the editing process, leading to a reworking of the movie’s structure. This overhaul included relocating specific scenes, introducing new sequences, and reordering elements of the storyline, with the intention of clarifying the narrative and addressing executive concerns.
To assess the updated version, Warner Bros. is planning another extensive test screening. Insiders state that executive confidence has improved, though it remains to be seen if these creative adjustments have made a genuine impact on the film or simply eased worries at the corporate level.
Reactions from Fandom and Industry Insiders
The reshaping of Superman has generated a range of emotional responses throughout the fanbase. Supporters of Zack Snyder may feel reassured that the movie’s humor has been toned down, while longtime fans of James Gunn could be disappointed that his distinctive charm might have been diluted. Meanwhile, other observers express frustration at Warner Bros. executives’ repeated involvement in major DC projects, worried that excessive interference could undermine the fresh vision promised for the new DC Universe.
What the Changes Mean for Superman and the DC Universe
Ultimately, this Superman film was meant to represent the dawn of a new era for DC on the big screen. However, the flurry of last-minute studio decisions and ongoing executive oversight raise doubts about whether genuine change is underway or if old patterns are resurfacing. All eyes will be on the film’s release this July, as fans and industry figures alike hope that these revisions lead to a confident and compelling start for the franchise’s next chapter.
