James Gunn, the writer, director, and co-head of DC Studios, has opened up about some of the most significant spoilers from the new Superman movie, which premiered last weekend. The film, part of the revitalized DC Universe, has already garnered $177.7 million in domestic box office revenue and surpassed $300 million globally. In an interview, Gunn delved into the Ultraman reveal, how the film ties into the storylines of Peacemaker, and the themes behind some provocative reactions to the film, including the “Superwoke” backlash.
Gunn concluded a press tour spanning multiple continents this week, accompanied by stars like David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Kal-El), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor). Now back in Atlanta with his wife Jennifer Holland, known for Peacemaker, and their pets including Ozu, the rescue dog who inspired the movie’s Krypto, Gunn shared insights into Superman’s creative process and his thoughts on the film’s larger role in shaping the DC Universe’s future.
Insights into Ultraman’s Character and Inspirations
The interview revealed details about the decision to cast the same actor for both Superman and Ultraman. Gunn explained that while the actor needed to be skilled, the qualities sought in Superman were more nuanced, involving humor and emotion, especially important for intense scenes like the prolonged interview sequence with Lois Lane. Ultraman, by contrast, was meant to be a more comical and distorted reflection of Clark Kent.
Gunn cited multiple influences for Ultraman’s portrayal, noting elements reminiscent of Bizarro from the comics and a nod to Nuclear Man from Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. Gunn reflected on the layered nature of Ultraman’s character:
“He’s all those things, but also just kind of this f—ed-up version of Clark.”
He also mentioned that while some sadder narrative elements originally planned for Ultraman were cut due to time constraints, details like prosthetics applied to Corenswet’s portrayal gave Ultraman distinctive features such as a protruding chin and asymmetrical eyes, suggesting he was
“taken out of the oven a little too quickly.”
Regarding the scene of Ultraman’s fall back into the pocket universe, critics saw echoes of General Zod’s exile in Superman II, though Gunn did not consciously draw from that. He expressed intrigue in where Ultraman’s story will develop next, emphasizing the fluid nature of creative influences.
The Role of the Pocket Universe in the Broader DC Universe Storytelling
Gunn confirmed that the concept of the pocket universe is central to the larger narrative unfolding across the DC Universe, linking Superman’s story to the Peacemaker series. He described Lex Luthor’s version of the pocket universe as “much jankier” compared to Peacemaker’s more refined Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC), underscoring Lex’s use of this space to perform illicit scientific experiments free from legal constraints.
The origin of this idea was grounded in theoretical science and an affinity for Lex’s Silver Age incarnation, where his intelligence verged on the magical. Gunn explained that the pocket universe offers a compelling narrative tool by allowing Lex to operate beyond conventional boundaries and laws.
Fans speculated about a potential multiverse link when they spotted Peacemaker’s doppelgänger in season 2 teasers. Gunn clarified that Peacemaker is less about the sprawling multiverse popularized over recent years and more a focused exploration of a single alternate dimension, likening it to Philip Roth’s The Counterlife rather than the multiverse-heavy Spider-Man: No Way Home or Deadpool/Wolverine crossovers.
John Cena’s Role and the Importance of Story-Driven Cameos
Addressing John Cena’s cameo, Gunn stated Cena’s appearance was planned regardless of the connection to Peacemaker, imagining Cena’s character as one of the provocative personalities found on incendiary talk shows. Michael Ian Black’s role as Cleavis Thornwaite, a minor antagonist, was highlighted as a favorite, particularly since the character reappears in Peacemaker.
Clarifying Gorilla Grodd’s Origin in the DC Universe
Gunn dispelled any notion that the monkeys seen escaping Luthor’s pocket universe were an origin story for Gorilla Grodd, emphasizing that Grodd is an ape, not a monkey, and that he has separate plans for the character. The recurring monkeys serve as a background element in Metropolis, likened humorously to flocks of parrots in Los Angeles that originate from escaped pets, providing ongoing mischief in the city’s landscape.
Reflections on Online Trolls and Broader Political Commentary
When asked if the monkey bots represented a direct commentary on Gunn’s experiences with online trolls, he said that while the idea was incorporated because it was entertaining for the story, he also considered foreign governments using bots to influence public opinion in the United States. Gunn admitted that he noticed parallels between some of the anger he sees online and the idea of keyboard monkeys spreading negativity, a phenomenon he had recently observed following a comic writer’s social media post.
Addressing the ‘Superwoke’ Backlash and Core Themes of Kindness
Gunn tackled the debate over whether Superman is “woke,” noting that the criticism came from various political angles, especially from ultra-right media outlets. He expressed curiosity about what specific aspects of the film were deemed woke, emphasizing that his focus was on kindness as the central theme. He recalled a statement by Jonathan Dean of The Times that Superman was an immigrant story, created by sons of immigrants, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and agreed that kindness stands at the heart of this narrative.
“That’s the thing we can all act upon, is kindness,”
Gunn said, reflecting on how kindness once was a widely shared American value but seems less prominent now. He linked kindness not only to personal behavior but also to social and political outcomes, emphasizing it as the movie’s emotional core.
Gunn found it ironic that a scene featuring Lois Lane interviewing Superman, with hashtags satirizing political attacks, mirrored real-world reactions, noting that truth can be stranger than fiction.
Humanizing Superman Through Realistic Interactions
Gunn shared his perspective on portraying Superman as a believable person with genuine thoughts, feelings, and flaws, anchored by the question: “What if Superman was real?” Rather than a comic-book caricature, Gunn’s Superman embodies a complex human aligning with moral imperatives and empathy. He described the dynamic between Lois and Clark in the interview scene as a fascinating exploration of their psychology and how they deal with real-world political tension where Superman’s actions sometimes conflict with government agendas.
Notable Voice Cameos and Gunn’s Distinct Approach to Character Appearances
The film features numerous voice cameos, including familiar collaborators like Pom Klementieff and Michael Rooker from Guardians of the Galaxy, who voice robots, and Michael Rosenbaum who voices a Raptor. Gunn revealed some cameos, such as Bradley Cooper’s, might be so subtle that many viewers have missed them. He reiterated his philosophy that cameos should serve the story rather than exist as fan service, praising the practice as fun for brief moments, but objecting when characters appear without narrative reason.
Supergirl’s Brief but Impactful Introduction
Gunn expressed special fondness for Supergirl’s cameo portrayal by Milly Alcock, which he described as short yet effective in conveying Kara’s personality within the DC Universe. He explained that her appearance symbolizes Superman’s sense of responsibility, extending beyond himself even to caring for a dog he did not choose. Superman’s empathy shines here, especially in the tender moment when he responds to Lois’s dismissive comment about the dog:
“Yeah, not even a very good one, but it’s probably scared,”
he said, highlighting Superman’s compassionate nature. This detail enriches Superman’s character depth and emotional complexity.
Justice League Formation and Future Hints
Finally, Gunn teased the emergence of the Justice League’s first members by the film’s end. The “Justice Gang” operates out of the Hall of Justice and includes Metamorpho, who joins their ranks with Guy Gardner’s endorsement. Gunn described this as “first kernels” of the Justice League within the DC Universe, though he cautioned that the formal Justice League formation is not imminent but part of a gradual build-up.
The Justice League’s evolution reflects Gunn’s intent to build stories that grow organically rather than rushing into team assemblies. This measured approach can set the stage for future installments that develop character relationships and group dynamics thoughtfully.
Looking Ahead for the DC Universe
As Superman continues to play in theaters, James Gunn’s revelations and reflections offer a roadmap for fans anticipating the DC Universe’s future stories. His intricate blending of character development, innovative sci-fi concepts like the pocket universe, and thoughtful responses to cultural discourse reflect a steady and balanced approach to revitalizing these iconic characters. By integrating personal empathy and broad narrative ambitions, Gunn sets a foundation that balances entertainment with meaningful themes, promising rich storytelling ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still important to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After the director was removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, Gunn felt his career might be finished. However, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, allowing him to work on new superhero projects.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The redesigned, CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman film was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important. However, he has also expressed being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
