James Gunn confirms Superman movie runtime amid rumours, sharing that the highly anticipated Superman reboot will run for 2 hours and 9 minutes, and has denied recent reports of studio interference. The director’s comments address both fan excitement and concerns as Superman prepares for its cinema debut on July 11, 2025.
James Gunn Sets the Record Straight on Superman Runtime
James Gunn, the accomplished director and writer, has officially revealed the runtime for his upcoming Superman film, dispelling speculation that Warner Bros executives were demanding drastic cuts to the final version. In a public statement, Gunn insisted that the film’s duration, including both opening and closing credits, will be 2 hours and 9 minutes.
This runtime makes Superman a slightly shorter experience compared to Gunn’s own 2021 film, The Suicide Squad, which lasted 2 hours and 12 minutes, and a notable reduction from the previous solo Superman feature Man of Steel, which clocked in at 2 hours and 23 minutes. Gunn’s explicit clarification was aimed at quashing persistent rumors of behind-the-scenes disputes over how long the movie should be.
The New Superman and an Ensemble Cast
The forthcoming Superman reboot features David Corenswet, known for his roles in Twisters and Hollywood, stepping into the iconic role of Clark Kent. Opposite Corenswet is Rachel Brosnahan, acclaimed for her work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, who will play Lois Lane, the renowned journalist. The cast also includes Nicholas Hoult of The Menu and Nosferatu portraying the formidable antagonist Lex Luthor, delivering a fresh take on Superman’s classic rival.
The film’s narrative is being closely guarded, but early indications suggest it will focus on Clark Kent’s internal conflict as he manages the responsibilities of his Kryptonian roots alongside his life with his human family.
Rumors of Studio Interference Addressed
Speculation had grown online that James Gunn was engaged in a dispute with Warner Bros executives, reportedly over requests to alter the film’s length. In response, Gunn issued a clear denial, reinforcing his creative independence at DC Studios and asserting that Warner Bros could not interfere with the final edit,
even if that’s something they wanted to do
. —James Gunn, Writer-Director
Gunn’s comments underline the autonomy of DC Studios, a division which has recently been restructured to spearhead a revitalized DC Cinematic Universe. This new iteration started with the animated Creature Commandos series, laying the groundwork for a cohesive universe of future stories.
Future Projects and Plans for the DC Cinematic Universe
Beyond Superman, DC Studios is pressing ahead with other major projects, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which will star Milly Alcock of House of the Dragon, and a Green Lantern-focused series called Lanterns for HBO Max, featuring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. These forthcoming titles illustrate the studio’s ambition to introduce a diverse range of DC heroes to audiences in coming years.
With James Gunn’s leadership, the renewed focus is on building a universe that brings together classic heroes like Superman and introduces new faces to the screen. As July 11, 2025, draws closer, anticipation for Superman continues to build, with fans eager to see how this new vision will unfold under Gunn’s supervision.
Superman’s return to cinemas marks the beginning of a reinvigorated era for DC, promising audiences a fresh take on the legendary Last Son of Krypton and a new chapter for the DC Cinematic Universe.
