This week marks the return of Superman in theaters through a unique and unsettling film produced by James Gunn. Unlike typical portrayals celebrating heroism, this James Gunn Superman movie offers a grim twist, presenting a sinister version of the Man of Steel that diverges sharply from the traditional narrative.
Brightburn, released in 2018 and produced by Gunn alongside his brother Brian Gunn and cousin Mark Gunn, was directed by David Yarovesky. Though it did not achieve major commercial success, the film serves as a disturbing mirror to the hopeful story of Superman, highlighting the darker possibilities of such powers.
The Chilling Performance of Jackson A. Dunn as Brandon Breyer
Jackson A. Dunn plays Brandon Breyer, the young boy at the heart of Brightburn’s horror. Dunn’s unsettling portrayal captures Brandon’s gradual descent into malevolence after discovering his superhuman abilities. Unlike Clark Kent’s heroism, Brandon uses his powers in terrifying ways, harming innocent people without remorse, a stark departure from any moral justification.
Dunn’s performance emphasizes the character’s lack of empathy and twisted emotions, making Brandon a haunting figure whose innocence gives way to devastating cruelty. His portrayal shows how quickly someone with such power can become a threat when removed from ethical grounding.
Elizabeth Banks as the Devastated Mother
Elizabeth Banks plays Tori Breyer, Brandon’s adoptive mother, whose love and devotion frame the film’s emotional core. Alongside David Denman’s Kyle Breyer, she raised Brandon with care and without wrongdoing, making the unfolding tragedy all the more painful. The Breyers’ inability to prevent their son’s transformation adds a layer of heartbreak and helplessness to the story.
Banks’ performance embodies the sorrow and disbelief of a parent watching her child become a monster. Her character remains sympathetic throughout, representing humanity’s vulnerability amid overwhelming darkness.
How Brightburn Reimagines the Superman Origin as Horror
Brightburn takes the familiar origin story of Superman and twists it into a horror scenario where the powers meant for good instead become instruments of terror. Critics have differed on whether the film fully capitalizes on its horror potential, with some feeling it could have pushed its frightening elements further. Still, the depiction of Brandon’s violent misuse of his abilities is enough to unsettle audiences by subverting the superhero genre.
The film suggests that Brandon’s arrival on Earth and his path toward destruction may be fated rather than random, hinting at a darker mythology behind his powers. This undercurrent of inevitability intensifies the sense of dread surrounding his character.
The Stark Contrast Between Hope and Despair
Where Clark Kent represents hope and protection, Brandon Breyer embodies despair and menace, turning the symbol of Superman into something terrifying. The film’s world lacks any figure capable of confronting him, amplifying the fear that his reign of terror is unstoppable. This portrayal challenges audiences to imagine a powerless humanity facing a superpowered threat without a hero to save them.
The unsettling nature of Brightburn is heightened by its refusal to offer redemption or relief. The absence of a sequel leaves viewers with lingering unease about the havoc Brandon might continue to wreak.
Availability and Cultural Impact
Brightburn is currently available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and is streaming on Starz, where it continues to attract viewers intrigued by its disturbing take on a superhero classic. Despite its modest initial impact, the film’s dark portrayal of a familiar icon provokes reflection on the nature of power and morality, contributing an eerie chapter to the superhero genre.
James Gunn’s involvement as a producer and his connection to the broader superhero film landscape add a significant dimension to Brightburn. This film stands as a somber reminder that the line between hero and villain can be perilously thin when faced with unchecked power.
“Brightburn is a very good horror flick, and the lack of a sequel makes it even more disturbing if we let our imaginations picture what Brandon is putting that world through.”
—Critics
“Tori remains sympathetic to the end, and Banks’ performance makes her a tragic figure. She simply can’t believe that her son has become such a monster until it’s far too late.”
—Elizabeth Banks, Actress
“Once Brandon has his powers, he starts using them on people in ways that Superman would never do. There’s not even an argument that could be made that Brandon’s victims deserve what they get.”
—Jackson A. Dunn, Actor
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. James Gunn lost his job with Marvel in 2018 when old tweets he wrote, joking about very serious topics, reappeared and upset many people. This major change in his career occurred in July 2018.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu was the model for the new CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and says prayer still matters to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up in Manchester, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, and was raised in the Catholic faith. He has five siblings named Sean, Matt, Brian, Patrick, and Beth. Sean and Matt are actors, Matt also writes about politics, and Brian is a screenwriter. His father’s family comes from Ireland, making him of Irish descent.
