David S. Goyer, a notable figure in shaping cinematic superheroes, shared strong views on James Gunn‘s approach to Krypto in Superman reboot, as well as Marvel’s difficulties with the Blade revival. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Goyer expressed excitement over the new direction for Superman, while criticizing the ongoing delays and complications facing Marvel’s Blade project.
Goyer’s Legacy and His Take on New Superhero Reboots
Goyer is well known for his foundational role in superhero films, having crafted the Blade trilogy, worked on Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight series, written Zack Snyder‘s Man of Steel, and also contributed to DC’s Krypton series. His background places him in a unique position to comment on modern reboots and industry trends.
When asked by interviewer Josh Horowitz about the upcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn, Goyer commented on how Gunn’s creative choices set the project apart from previous Superman depictions, especially regarding the use of Krypto, Superman’s canine companion.
“It’s not ‘Man of Steel’ at all,”
—David S. Goyer, Writer and Director
While Goyer admitted he had not seen the entire movie, he highlighted how the inclusion of Krypto brought a sense of joy and freshness to the character.
“Because I came from that world, it would not have occurred to me to use Krypto, but when Krypto shows up, I’ve just got a big grin on my face.”
—David S. Goyer, Writer and Director
Perspective on Marvel’s Ongoing Blade Reboot Troubles
Goyer also weighed in on Marvel Studios’ attempt to reboot Blade with Mahershala Ali, evaluating both the narrative direction and persistent production challenges. Having both written and directed parts of the original Blade trilogy and its offshoots, his insights carry significant weight for longtime fans and industry insiders alike.
“I think ‘Blade’ is a relatively simple story. It’s not complicated. I always think about when you embark on a movie like this, you have to distil down what is the promise of the movie,”
—David S. Goyer, Writer and Director
He further emphasized that Blade should focus on unambiguous storytelling and intense action, rather than becoming overly complex or convoluted.
“The promise of a new ‘Blade’ is that it should have insane ass kicking, it should be pretty scary, might be R-Rated, it doesn’t have to be, and it should not be complicated. It should be a simple story. So, I don’t know why it’s been so hard. I have no idea why. I’m baffled. Mahershala Ali is an amazing actor. I don’t know why.”
—David S. Goyer, Writer and Director
Current uncertainty surrounds Marvel’s Blade, with the previously planned 1920s storyline now scrapped and the production suffering continued rewrites and hesitance to commit to a direction or filming start. Discussions around a potential R rating by director Yann Demange and Marvel’s Kevin Feige have not materialized into concrete updates, leading to further frustration in the fan community and among creatives like Goyer.
The Dilemma with Multiple Versions and Fan Expectations
Goyer also raised concerns about the planned return of Wesley Snipes as the original Blade (The Daywalker) in Deadpool & Wolverine, while Marvel simultaneously attempts to launch Mahershala Ali as the new version in the MCU. He suggested this parallel casting and overlapping characters could confuse audiences already navigating the concept of the Multiverse and variant cameos.
“It’s confusing also if you’re trying to do another one,”
—David S. Goyer, Writer and Director
This highlighted a common issue facing both studios – managing expectations and keeping stories streamlined as the superhero genre evolves and expands with multiple timelines and versions of beloved characters.
What Lies Ahead for Superman and Blade?
James Gunn’s approach to Krypto in Superman reboot signals a willingness to diverge from familiar formulas, a move that has earned the admiration of pioneer filmmakers like David S. Goyer. Meanwhile, Marvel’s Blade reboot remains mired in uncertainty, despite significant talent and anticipation, illustrating the challenges of revitalizing well-known properties in today’s cinematic landscape. As creators, fans, and studios await further news, the evolution of both franchises will continue to be closely watched by those passionate about superheroes and the future of blockbuster storytelling.
