James Gunn, writer, director, and producer of the new Superman movie, recently shared insights about a fierce debate that took place during the film’s production. On Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn detailed how there was significant contention over whether Nathan Fillion’s character, Guy Gardner, could say “Don’t be such a pussy” to David Corenswet’s Superman at a critical moment in the script. Ultimately, the line in the finished movie was softened to “wuss.” This language debate was one of the most heated clashes during the film’s extensive editing process.
Challenges During Film Editing and Audience Reaction
The conflict over the use of “pussy” sparked a variety of reactions, especially because test audiences found the original line so humorous that it drew massive laughs. Gunn explained that this was the largest argument they encountered among many other creative disagreements. Another notable challenge was deciding how to resolve the storyline involving Jimmy Olsen’s hesitant reconnection with Eve, a selfie-loving whistleblower played by Sara Simpaio. Skyler Gisondo, portraying Olsen, reportedly had to experiment with a wide range of facial expressions in the final scene to capture different emotional responses.
The debates ranged beyond language. Gunn recalled a peculiar dispute about including a scene where Superman saves a squirrel amid a gigantic kaiju fight—some test viewers disliked the squirrel rescue moment, which added to the creative tension during editing. Despite the serious nature of the arguments, Gunn appeared to find the process amusing while confirming the disputes were genuine.
Broader Context of Casting and Studio Decisions
Beyond the film’s language controversies, Gunn also touched on wider issues within the DC franchise. He addressed the awkward situation when he and DC Studios co-head Peter Safran informed Henry Cavill that he would no longer be Superman. This conversation was complicated by Cavill’s prior social media announcement—made the same day Gunn and Safran finalized their takeover—that he had been approved to reprise the role. Gunn tactfully described a “vacuum” at Warner Bros. where other parties attempted to exert pressure to control the character’s future. He expressed sympathy for Cavill, calling the situation a “bummer,” and reiterated his openness to casting Cavill in another role within the expanding DC Universe.
James Gunn’s Candid Reflections on Creative Freedom and Challenges
Gunn’s interview offered a rare glimpse into his candid and unfiltered perspective as a powerful figure within DC Studios. He joked about his close working relationship with Corenswet, referring to the actor as his “personal Krypto” and “prodigal son,” highlighting frequent discussions on how to handle key scenes. Gunn also admitted to missing the connection between Superman’s online controversies and his own experiences with internet trolls. Additionally, he described a particularly darkly comedic scene between Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor and Zlatko Burić’s Vasil Ghurkos that had to be cut, despite its humor leaving him laughing during the editing process.
Significance and Future Prospects for the DC Universe
The debates over even a single word in the Superman movie underscore the complex creative struggles involved in shaping a major franchise film, especially one intended to launch a broader cinematic universe. With Gunn at the helm, the DC Universe stands poised to introduce fresh directions while navigating internal conflicts, audience expectations, and legacy considerations. How these heated discussions ultimately influence the tone and style of future DC films remains an important question for fans and industry watchers alike.
“Anyone who would have greenlit a full season of Robot Chicken got fired.” —Seth Green, Actor and Producer
“There was a vacuum at Warner Bros. that meant certain people were trying to force their way.” —James Gunn, Writer and Director
“It was a bummer for Henry Cavill.” —James Gunn, Writer and Director
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that praying is still important to him. However, he also described himself as “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed as the director of the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, Gunn believed his career was finished. However, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, giving him the chance to work on a new superhero project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The updated CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie drew inspiration from Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still values prayer. However, he has expressed that he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
