Since its release last Friday, James Gunn’s Superman movie has garnered positive reactions from both critics and audiences. Despite this acclaim, some DC fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the film’s post-credit scenes due to their departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) style of cliffhanger setups that tease future projects. Gunn’s approach in the new DC Universe film deliberately avoided these typical hooks, prompting further discussion.
Insights from James Gunn on Post-Credit Scene Decisions
In an interview with ScreenRant, James Gunn explained his reasons for steering clear of traditional post-credit cliffhangers that connect Superman directly to upcoming DC Studios initiatives. Drawing on his experience working with Marvel, Gunn expressed a desire to avoid promising developments that might never materialize. He noted that during his Marvel tenure, his most popular post-credit scenes were often those that did not set up major plot points.
Well, I found in my time at Marvel that, first of all, the post-credit scenes of mine at Marvel that people liked the best were the stupid ones. So, with Howard the Duck at the end of Guardians and Stan Lee at the end of Guardians 2,
Gunn shared.
And I really have found — and I’ve said it before — but I’ve set up things in the post-credit scenes, and Marvel has set up things in the post-credit scenes that never pay off. Unless it’s really for sure going to pay off . . . like if we were making — we know what the Supergirl movie is — So if it was a payoff at the end of the credits that had to do with something in the Supergirl movie, I would be open to that. We know that’s happening.
The Role of Superman’s Post-Credit Scenes Without Cliffhangers
Although the Superman post-credit scenes do not end on a suspenseful note or directly foreshadow future storylines, Gunn designed these moments to still offer fans an enjoyable conclusion. The scenes feature David Corenswet as Superman, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and the character Krypto, giving viewers additional glimpses into the DC Universe without creating unresolved plot threads.
But I don’t want to set up stuff just because it’s a shocking post-credit scene that we’re never going to pay off. However, I do like giving the audience something for having stuck around through the credits and seeing who all the hardworking people are on the film. And so giving them something, I think, is fun. And that’s what I did. So we put Terrific at the end.
—James Gunn
What This Means for the Future of DC Studios
Gunn’s choice to forgo traditional cliffhanger post-credit scenes in the Superman movie signals a cautious but thoughtful approach in building the new DC Universe. By avoiding setups that may remain unresolved, Gunn maintains the integrity of the story while still rewarding loyal viewers who stay through the credits. This method could influence how DC Studios handles interconnected stories going forward, focusing on clear and meaningful connections rather than uncertain teases.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn lost his job at Marvel because old tweets with inappropriate jokes about serious topics like pedophilia and abuse went viral. The public was very upset by these tweets.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu was the inspiration for the new CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still values prayer. However, he has also expressed that he is somewhat opposed to organized religion.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as “somewhat against religion.”
