In anticipation of the upcoming Superman film debuting next week, James Gunn, co-chief of DC Studios, has collaborated with Spotify to craft unique music playlists that reflect the personalities of key characters. These carefully curated playlists offer fans insight into the musical tastes of Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, Eve Teschmacher, Metamorpho, and The Engineer, with each list personally assembled by Gunn.
Insight into the Soundtracks Reflecting Each Character’s Personality
Gunn selected songs that capture the essence of each character, also providing commentary on why specific tracks were chosen. Clark Kent’s playlist features uplifting and hopeful songs, such as “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, and “Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor’s list leans into iconic and edgy tracks, including David Bowie’s “Fame,” Sparks’
“This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us,”
and Prince’s “Controversy.”
Eve Teschmacher’s playlist showcases pop anthems with a playful edge, such as Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” and Britney Spears’s “…Baby One More Time.” Metamorpho’s selections feature alternative and eclectic sounds, including The Blow Monkeys’ “Digging Your Scene,” Nightmare of You’s
“I Was Never a Normal Boy,”
and Public Image Ltd’s “Rise.” For The Engineer, Gunn chose atmospheric and dark tracks like Nine Inch Nails’ “La Mer,” Burial’s “Archangel,” and Chelsea Wolfe’s “Feral Love.”
Upcoming Playlists and Film Release Details
Playlists for additional characters including Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are set to be released on July 8, with Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern following on July 11. Superman’s theatrical release is scheduled for a week from today, allowing fans to engage with these musical interpretations before experiencing the film.
James Gunn Reflects on the Creative Playlist Process
Gunn expressed enthusiasm about the project, sharing,
“I’m obsessive about music so I am excited to have partnered with Spotify and created a character playlist: What the characters from Superman listen to.”
He also noted,
“I probably had more fun doing this than anything else I’ve done in the past couple of years… I had to really think about who they were as people and imagine what kind of music they’d be into.”
These playlists reveal a thoughtful side of Gunn’s creative vision, highlighting an intimate connection between the characters and their musical world.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer remains significant to him. However, he also identifies as being somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. When Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he committed fully to that company, leaving his work at Marvel Studios behind. He had developed strong relationships with the actors from the Guardians of the Galaxy series he wrote and directed.
