James Gunn has revealed that the upcoming Superman film draws inspiration from Godzilla Minus One, with a focus on balancing grand spectacle and personal, human storytelling. Citing the way Godzilla Minus One blends its monster drama with meaningful character arcs, Gunn aims to center his Superman project on the connections among Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor.
Gunn’s Vision for Superman Influenced by Godzilla Minus One
In a recent interview, Gunn shared that he hopes his new Superman film will capture the same balance found in Godzilla Minus One, merging superhero action with a strong emotional core. The concept draws on how the Godzilla franchise, particularly Takashi Yamazaki’s recent entry, integrates the monster and human elements, striving for depth in the relationships at the heart of the story. Gunn explicitly stated:
“My goal is to make a film that depicts Godzilla like Godzilla Minus One but also has a great human drama,”
—James Gunn, Director
“Superman and the flying dog (Krypto) also appear in this film, but at its core is a human story. The relationship between Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and (villain) Lex Luthor is at the core of the work.”
—James Gunn, Director
Human Drama at the Center of Superhero Spectacle
The film’s trailers hint at this melding of action and intimacy, revealing a major kaiju-like antagonist for the Man of Steel as well as scenes highlighting the complex ties between Lois, Clark, and Lex. One notable moment shows Lois Lane interviewing Superman, with the conversation taking on an uncomfortable tone, spotlighting personal dynamics alongside world-saving heroics.
Godzilla films traditionally focus on human stories while keeping the title monster mostly in the background, but audiences are sometimes left wanting more action. Takashi Yamazaki’s approach in Godzilla Minus One stood out for its deeply developed human characters and their compelling arcs, a quality credited for the film’s critical and commercial triumph. This creative achievement brought Toho a global hit and the first Oscar for special effects in a Godzilla movie.
Box Office Stakes and Creative Ambitions
Unlike Toho, which quickly recouped investments from their surprise hit, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are taking a much bigger financial risk on Superman. With a production budget surpassing $200 million, estimates suggest the film needs to make between $700 and $800 million at the box office just to break even. This financial pressure adds to the intensity surrounding the project, especially as reports suggest parts of the movie have been trimmed to adjust its tone, raising questions about audience reception.
While the film isn’t necessarily in trouble, there’s a consensus that Superman must overcome a steeper climb to achieve the kind of success seen by Godzilla Minus One. Still, the fate of the DC Universe (DCU) does not ride exclusively on this film, as plans for future projects will continue regardless of its outcome.
Mixed Reactions and Reflections from Japan
Yamazaki, whose work on Godzilla Minus One reinvigorated the long-running franchise, is already developing a direct sequel. He was reportedly moved upon learning Gunn viewed his movie as a model for Superman’s emotional storytelling. As Yamazaki heard Gunn’s comments, he confessed, “Yeah, I’m a little teary-eyed,” expressing gratitude for the cross-cultural recognition.
Toho has signaled satisfaction with Yamazaki’s direction, seeing long-term creative opportunities and new ambitions for the iconic kaiju series.
The Broader Impact of Gunn’s Creative Choice
By drawing lessons from Godzilla Minus One, James Gunn seeks to set a new standard for blockbuster superhero cinema, one that gives as much weight to its characters as its action set pieces. The response to his Superman film will likely influence both the direction of the DCU and how other franchises integrate heartfelt storytelling within high-budget productions.
