Superman may be the first movie in the new DC Universe (DCU), but director and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has made it clear that the franchise will not stick to one uniform tone. Unlike the bright and somewhat family-friendly atmosphere seen in David Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent, each DCU project will have its own distinct style. This approach highlights Gunn’s goal to ensure every installment feels fresh and different, even while existing within a shared universe.
Gunn explained to IGN that he is committed to giving each film a unique voice. He emphasized that the Superman movie will not set the tonal precedent for others.
“It’s really important to me that every project has its own stamp on it. This movie is very different from the R rated movie we’re making, a body horror movie with Clayface. It’s very different from the Sgt. Rock movie we’re developing. It’s very different from Supergirl, which is a space fantasy — Craig Gillespie just walked by here a second ago, who directed that. So every one of these movies is completely different,”
Gunn stated.
Inspiration from DC Comics’ Varied Storytelling Styles
James Gunn draws inspiration from the creative freedom historically enjoyed by DC Comics writers and artists, who have often delivered diverse and individualistic narratives. Gunn pointed out that iconic stories like The Long Halloween, All-Star Superman, Dark Knight, and Watchmen vary greatly in tone yet share the same universe of characters.
“What I love about DC Comics and the graphic novels is that they allowed the individual artists and writers to create their own projects, and they each had their own voice,”
Gunn commented.
“The Long Halloween, All-Star Superman, Dark Knight, Watchmen, those things have very little tonally in common with each other, except for they’re a part of the set of communal characters that are in the DC Comics universe. And now, we’re doing that same thing in the DCU.”
How Varied Tones Might Affect DCU’s Shared Universe
The decision to embrace such a wide tonal range presents both creative opportunities and potential challenges. Although Marvel Studios films also exhibit tonal differences across their slate, they tend to maintain enough consistency so that characters like Doctor Strange fit smoothly into ensemble films such as the Avengers series. For the DCU, Gunn’s strategy could lead to a more diverse viewing experience, but coordinating crossover events might require careful handling to balance contrasting styles.
The Clayface Film: A Deep Dive into Horror
Among the upcoming DCU projects, the Clayface movie is expected to be a striking departure in tone, diving fully into the horror genre. Gunn described it as intensely psychological and body horror-oriented, stating,
“[it’s] pure f***ing horror, like, totally real. Their version of that movie, it is so real and true and psychological and body horror and gross.”
This approach contrasts sharply with the Superman film’s warmer and more optimistic style.
Cast and Characters Leading the New DCU
The Superman movie stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Additional cast includes Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell appear as Ma and Pa Kent, while Milly Alcock’s Supergirl is set to debut ahead of her own movie titled Woman of Tomorrow.
Gunn expressed heartfelt gratitude after wrapping production last year, highlighting the passion and creativity of the cast and crew. “And that’s a wrap,” he shared.
“God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life. I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much. And the goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered on a daily basis on the set has inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own.”
He continued,
“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honor. The destination has been Superman, but the journey has been the toil and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we’ve shared together on set – and for that I am forever grateful.”
What to Expect from the New Superman Film
In describing his take on Superman, Gunn emphasized a balance of epic action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. A synopsis highlights that this version of the iconic superhero is driven by compassion and a deep belief in humanity’s goodness. Fans can anticipate a portrayal that blends classic heroism with emotional depth and warmth.
“In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind,”
the synopsis states.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer still holds significance for him. However, he also describes himself as somewhat against religion.
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. Once Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he focused only on that brand, leaving Marvel Studios behind. He had built strong connections with the actors of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy he wrote and directed.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up in a Catholic family in Manchester, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. He has five siblings: Sean, who is an actor; Matt, who acts and writes about politics; Brian, who writes screenplays; Patrick; and Beth. His father’s family were Irish immigrants, so he has Irish roots.
