The release of the latest Superman movie faced unexpected delays, partly due to director James Gunn’s intense fascination with the indie card game Balatro. This popular roguelike title captured attention worldwide last year, affecting even everyday routines as players found themselves hooked during brief breaks, including restroom stops. Gunn’s Balatro obsession, revealed during the press run for the new Clark Kent reboot, shows how the game dominated his limited downtime.
James Gunn’s Passion for Balatro and Its Influence
James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios and the director of Superman, openly expressed his admiration for Balatro in recent interviews. Speaking with IGN, he highlighted his love for poker and card games as the foundation for his enjoyment of Balatro.
Well, I like poker first of all. And then I just like the whole cards thing, so. It’s just really fun.
—James Gunn, Superman Director
Gunn’s interest in Balatro extends beyond casual play; his commitment to mastering the game rivals that of its creator. The game’s developer reported a near-complete achievement status and joked about getting a taste of his own medicine from a game renowned for its difficulty.
146/150 for completionist++ and getting a taste of my own medicine
—Balatro Creator
Balatro’s Dominance During the Superman Press Tour
During the intense Superman press tour, Gunn revealed that most of his free time was spent playing Balatro, balancing work and rest between demanding publicity rounds. The director candidly shared how the game served as a distraction and a source of relaxation amid a relentless schedule.
I pretty much just catch up on work and read and play Balatro and try to sleep when I’m not doing press for 13 hours straight a day,
—James Gunn, Superman Director
Maybe I’ll grab a nice dinner or two with Peter [Safran] and the cast.
—James Gunn, Superman Director
Adding to his achievements with Balatro, Gunn famously posted about reaching an extraordinary score exceeding a billion points during a flight from Manila to Brazil, underscoring his dedication to the game even while traveling.
Got over a billion on a single hand of Balatro for the first time on the flight from Manila to Brazil,
—James Gunn, Superman Director
The Broader Context and Potential Impact of Gunn’s Gaming Fixation
James Gunn’s fondness for Balatro offers a rare glimpse into the offscreen habits of a major Hollywood director during one of the busiest periods of his career. While this intense focus may have contributed to production delays, it also highlights how creative professionals often seek immersive outlets to manage stress. As the new Superman movie continues its global rollout, Gunn’s Balatro obsession stands as an unexpected chapter in its journey, potentially inspiring fans of the game and cinema alike to recognize the intersections between work and personal passions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, Marvel dismissed James Gunn due to old tweets containing inappropriate jokes about serious issues, which caused public outrage. By July of that year, the situation shifted significantly for the director.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation features a new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog, inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still values prayer. However, he has also described himself as being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up as a Catholic in Manchester, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. There are five siblings in his family: Sean, who is an actor; Matt, who acts and writes about politics; Brian, a screenwriter; Patrick; and Beth. His family has Irish roots, with his father belonging to a family that emigrated from Ireland.
