James Gunn addresses Snyderverse fans targeting new Superman movie, as a vocal section of Zack Snyder supporters plans to disrupt his upcoming Superman film debuting David Corenswet on July 11. Despite their efforts to impact the film’s reception, Gunn remains unfazed, maintaining confidence in the project and calling for balance among fans and critics.
Snyderverse Supporters Organize Campaign Against Superman
In the days leading up to the release of the new Superman film, a group of fervent Snyderverse fans has plotted to undermine its success. This group surfaced online, with at least one Reddit user encouraging others to take action against the film. Their tactics included plans to share spoilers widely and flood review sites with negative feedback, aiming to lower its viewer ratings and disrupt its box office performance.
James Gunn’s Direct Response to the Online Opposition
When news of the campaign reached James Gunn through social media, he responded candidly, dismissing concerns about the impact of these efforts. In response to the warning, Gunn stated,
“I’m not sure the eight people that listen to that guy (I’m going to go out on a limb and guess it’s a guy) are going to impact the course of events.”
—James Gunn, Director.
His statement reflected a belief that the movement against the Superman film was relatively small and unlikely to harm the movie’s outcome. Gunn’s attitude toward detractors is characterized by a blend of humor and resolve, emphasizing the need to keep perspective amid online negativity.
Gunn Shares Thoughts on Fan Division and Criticism
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, James Gunn addressed the polarized reception from DC fans, including those rooting against his new film. He expressed a sense that having critics, even vocal ones, ultimately benefits a creative project. As Gunn put it,
“I think it’s good. I think you don’t wanna have everybody root for you,”
—James Gunn, Director. Gunn also recounted the story of an actor from Superman deeply affected by public opinions, recalling his advice to view criticism as a normal part of releasing major films.
“I have an actor who reads everything online. I won’t say who it is, but he’ll read this article, and he’ll know who it is. It’s one of the top five in Superman. And this actor gets so upset over things that people say. I said, ‘First of all, you realize that the trailer came out and [reaction] was 97, 98 percent positive. These people help us, because you don’t want everything to seem 100 percent positive.’”
—James Gunn, Director.
He believed facing opposition is natural in the creative industry and can actually serve to ground the process. Gunn said,
“It’s all right to have an opposing force every once in a while.”
—James Gunn, Director. He continued by acknowledging some comments are unreasonable, yet he accepted them as inevitable, urging his team not to engage too much with negative commentary.
“There’s going to be something that people are upset about, and it’s OK,”
—James Gunn, Director. Gunn cautioned,
“But you don’t have to watch their videos where they’re talking about how you’re awful. You can’t be reading it all the time. It’ll f—ing murder you. It’s a terrible thing to do to your soul.”
—James Gunn, Director.
Transition of Leadership and Creative Vision at DC Studios
Zack Snyder previously led DC’s creative vision, directing significant titles like Man of Steel, Justice League, and his own extended cut of Justice League. Following Snyder’s departure, James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed leadership as co-chairmen and CEO of DC Studios, charting a new course for the superhero franchise. Gunn, who directed Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy series, was selected to reboot Superman by writing and directing the new film for Warner Bros.
Collaboration and Respect Between Gunn and Snyder
Despite opposition from part of Snyder’s fanbase, the relationship between Gunn and Snyder has included moments of professional exchange. Gunn reached out to Snyder during the design process for the new Superman suit, particularly regarding the classic issue of whether to retain Superman’s iconic red trunks.
“One of the biggest questions was, ‘Were we gonna have trunks, or were we gonna not have trunks?’”
—James Gunn, Director. Gunn revealed,
“I talked to Zack Snyder, who was like, ‘I tried a billion different versions with the trunks, and at the end of the day, I tried it, but I just couldn’t get there.; And I was feeling exactly the same way… Theoretically, I liked the idea of trunks because it’s the Superman I grew up with.”
—James Gunn, Director.
Gunn eventually found an approach that satisfied his vision for the character, blending nostalgia with a modern perspective for the new era of DC films.
What Audiences Can Expect from the New Superman
The new Superman, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, promises to deliver an original story. According to Gunn, the film draws inspiration from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman while presenting Superman’s efforts to reconcile his Kryptonian origins and human upbringing. The narrative highlights his evolving relationship with Lois Lane, offering both large-scale spectacle and grounded storytelling.
Gunn commented on the film’s tone and creative elements:
“We have robots and monster babies and giant kaiju and all of that stuff,”
—James Gunn, Director. He emphasized the film’s emotional core:
“But that is also grounded around these incredibly real relationships with a couple that has started dating a few months ago, and now they’re really learning the ins and outs of each other.”
—James Gunn, Director.
Superman is set to soar into theaters on July 11, aiming to usher in a new chapter for DC Studios as James Gunn addresses Snyderverse fans targeting new Superman movie. The film’s response could shape the direction of future franchise projects and clarify how fan communities interact with creators in high-profile superhero storytelling.
