During the first stop of the James Gunn Superman movie press tour in Manila, James Gunn addressed the film’s ambitious casting choices and new direction for the iconic hero. As he met with press including Esquire Philippines, Gunn explained his creative vision, detailed his approach to Superman’s character, and compared his movie’s scope to other recent blockbuster ensembles.
James Gunn’s Vision for a Flawed Superman
James Gunn, both writer and director of the upcoming Superman film, spoke candidly about reimagining the Man of Steel for a new generation. Rather than a flawless hero, Gunn described Clark Kent as multidimensional and vulnerable, emphasizing his kindness alongside his humanizing flaws. Gunn remarked,
Even though this is a very kind, very good Superman- we see that he can be a little bit stubborn and he can be a little impulsive with his actions. He’s got a really, incredibly complex personality.
—James Gunn, Director
The director also touched on Superman’s early years as a hero, noting he is only three years into his superhero career. Gunn explained that this version of Superman is affected by public opinion and criticism, suggesting the character is still finding his way. Gunn drew a parallel with his own experience, saying,
Me, I’ve been doing this for a long time. You can’t let that kind of stuff get to you. I think it’s true of Superman and I think it’s true for me.
—James Gunn, Director
Addressing Ensemble Cast Comparisons
When asked about the potential challenge of introducing so many familiar and new faces in one film, and whether audiences could follow the story, Gunn expressed confidence. He explained that after screening the film to various viewers, none had trouble understanding the expansive superhero world he presents. He responded to comparisons with other major productions by stating,
I think Oppenheimer has three times as many speaking roles as we do.
—James Gunn, Director
This comment underscores Gunn’s intention to balance an impressive ensemble while keeping the narrative focused and accessible.
A Diverse Array of Heroes and Villains
The cast is led by David Corenswet, stepping into the role of Clark Kent/Kal-El, joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Supporting roles include Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, the hot-tempered Green Lantern; Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; and Edi Gathegi portraying Mister Terrific, a character known as a genius strategist.
The movie also welcomes Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica (better known as The Engineer), and Terence Rosemore as Otis. Wendell Pierce takes over as Perry White, the chief editor of the Daily Planet, while Sara Sampaio appears as Eve Teschmacher, and Anthony Carrigan takes on the unique powers of Metamorpho. Jonathan and Martha Kent, formative figures in Superman’s life, are played by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell.
Milly Alcock will debut as Supergirl, setting up her own solo journey in the broader DC Universe.
Setting a New Direction for the DC Universe
The film, initially announced as Superman: Legacy, both launches the cinematic side of James Gunn’s DC Universe and establishes a new tonal foundation for DC storytelling. Its diverse cast of established heroes and lesser-known characters is designed to rejuvenate the franchise and resonate with longtime fans as well as newer audiences. Gunn’s closing thoughts highlight what sets his Superman apart in the superhero genre:
We all want to have people in power who have our best interests in mind. And Superman is that person; he’s got a lot of power, and he cares about everyone. He cares about looking after the little guy…He represents kindness, and that is such a simple thing.
—James Gunn, Director
With its anticipated theatrical debut just weeks away, Superman promises a dynamic and emotionally grounded restart for the DC Universe under Gunn’s guidance. As stars like David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, and Milly Alcock step into their roles, audiences can expect a fresh but faithful vision of beloved characters, both familiar and newly introduced, shaping the future of DC’s cinematic narrative.
