During a packed screening of the new Superman film, the scene generating the largest reaction was a fleeting two-second sequence where Superman rescues a squirrel amidst a massive kaiju battle. Set in the chaotic backdrop of Metropolis, this brief moment reveals Superman (played by David Corenswet) shielding the tiny animal from danger with a swift, compassionate gesture. This subtle act captures the essence of James Gunn’s interpretation of the hero, emphasizing kindness even in the face of overwhelming destruction.
The Humor and Heart Behind the Squirrel Rescue
The squirrel-saving sequence is presented humorously, combining sharp timing with a stark contrast between the vast monster fight and a fragile creature’s safety. The joke plays on the idea that this Superman’s good-natured, almost naïve kindness is both adorable and slightly awkward. Contrasting with his tremendous powers, he is portrayed as endearingly dorky—enjoying cheesy pop-punk music, tolerating a dog’s bullying, and fumbling social cues with his girlfriend. Yet, this silliness is balanced with genuine warmth, making the audience’s laughter affectionate rather than derisive.
Corenswet’s performance, combined with James Gunn’s warm directorial tone, ensures that the character’s scrupulous goodness stands out amid other metahumans, marking Superman as uniquely sincere and heartful.
An Intentional Contrast with Previous Superman Portrayals
James Gunn’s film subtly critiques earlier Superman adaptations, particularly Henry Cavill’s version under Zack Snyder’s vision in 2013’s Man of Steel. Unlike that portrayal, which showed Superman permitting a devastating battle with General Zod to ravage Metropolis with grievous consequences, Gunn’s Superman refuses to sacrifice even the smallest life during catastrophe. Rescuing a single squirrel becomes symbolic of this philosophy, positioning compassion as a defining trait and distancing this story from the darker tones of the Snyderverse.
This moment also nods to classic superhero cinema, echoing the humorous challenges faced by heroes from earlier eras, like the 1966 Batman film where Batman dodges various obstacles while trying to handle a bomb. Here, Gunn pays homage to lighter, more innocent storytelling traditions by blending humor and heroism.
A Deeper, More Serious Core at the Film’s Heart
Beneath its comedic surface, the squirrel scene carries profound emotional weight and reveals the film’s core ideals. James Gunn’s Superman repeatedly uses his powers to save individuals rather than focusing solely on grand-scale battles. Within the larger Justice Gang’s fight against the kaiju, Superman’s efforts center on limiting damage and protecting lives, displaying mercy even toward the monstrous opponent by carefully lowering it to the ground without harming nearby buildings.
This focus on individual rescue rather than mass spectacle is echoed later in a stunning sequence where Superman prevents a collapsing building from crushing citizens on a bridge. The shot frames a single mother escaping peril, underscoring the personal nature of Superman’s heroism instead of emphasizing crowds or faceless masses. This intimate portrayal deepens the emotional resonance of his actions.
Visual Storytelling Highlights the Importance of Every Life
The film’s original trailer also captured this intimate heroism, showing Superman protecting a young girl from falling debris in slow motion during the kaiju battle. This dramatic moment closely mirrors the squirrel rescue, but instead of comedy, it conveys awe and gravitas. These parallels reinforce the theme that for Gunn’s Superman, each life—human or animal—is invaluable.
Compassion Extends Even Toward Villains
Superman’s empathy reaches beyond innocent bystanders to his adversaries as well. In a confronting scene with Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), Superman speaks with anger but also with compassion, believing that even a villain needs saving. This outlook characterizes Superman not just as a global savior but as a guardian who values and protects every individual soul, no matter how flawed.
Why This Interpretation Matters in Today’s Superhero Landscape
James Gunn’s version of Superman rejects dark cynicism, instead embracing a heartfelt sincerity and individual compassion that feels rare in contemporary superhero films. By portraying a hero who cannot ignore a single creature in peril—even as a city is under siege—this film offers a reminder that true heroism is both grand and minute, powerful yet tender. It asks audiences to recognize the importance of small acts of kindness amid chaos, defining Superman not just by his strength but by his unwavering moral heart.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic home and still finds prayer significant in his life. However, he has also expressed being somewhat against organized 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 feared his career might be finished. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, allowing him to work on a new superhero project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The redesigned, CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important. However, he has described himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
