James Gunn, writer, director of the new Superman movie, and co-CEO of DC Studios, recently detailed his vision for the character’s vulnerability and unexpected qualities in an extensive interview. David Corenswet’s portrayal of Kal-El showcases a Superman who endures more physical hardship than usual but ultimately rises above it, an approach resonating strongly with audiences and reflected in the film‘s impressive box office momentum. Gunn highlighted this success, stating,
“Those weekday numbers have been incredible.”
Following a global press tour, Gunn spoke to Rolling Stone via Zoom in a conversation loaded with spoilers that revealed key plot elements and hinted at the DC Universe’s (DCU) future directions. Anyone not yet familiar with the movie’s story was cautioned to avoid the discussion to prevent unintentional spoilers.
The True Meaning Behind Superman’s Punk Rock Spirit
At the heart of the film lies an unusual take on Superman’s essence described by Gunn as the “real punk rock.” He emphasized the film’s core message, expressing how central this punk rock attitude is to the film’s identity. Gunn noted that casting David Corenswet was essential to convey the nuances of this theme, choosing an actor who could give a line imbued with such rebellious, heartfelt energy authenticity.
The crafting of a particular scene, taking place during a battle with a mysterious dimensional imp alongside the Justice Gang, serves as a vital example of this tone. Gunn explained that he wanted to contrast moments of magical chaos with ordinary reactions, drawing a parallel to a scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 with baby Groot’s carefree dancing amidst intense conflict. Unlike the lighthearted Guardians scene, however, this one mixes romance with dramatic stakes, aided significantly by John Murphy’s evocative score, which Gunn praised for setting the perfect tone.
Clarifying fan speculation about the imp, Gunn dismissed the idea that it represented the comic book trickster Mr. Mxyzptlk, clarifying,
“Oh, no. He’s just a stupid basic imp. He’s nowhere near as powerful as Mr. Mxyzptlk.”
The Influence of Music and Pop Culture in Shaping the Film’s Ending
A memorable element of the film’s climax is tied to a punk rock song that gained new spotlight amid the movie’s release. Gunn shared how the track “Punkrocker” by the Teddybears, featuring Iggy Pop, entered the project unexpectedly through his Spotify recommendations. An anecdote revealed that director friend Jason Reitman had long dreamed of using that song in a film, which matched perfectly with Gunn’s newfound appreciation for it.
The film’s closing weaves different narrative strands, underscoring how Superman’s genuine punk rock nature springs from his parents’ love—a point Gunn illustrated emotionally, remarking on the final shot of Clark’s father helping him fly as a profound moment symbolizing that the hero’s strength is rooted in family care and connection.
Creating the Fictional Pop-Punk Band: Mighty Crabjoys
The fictional band Mighty Crabjoys adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia in the movie, featuring prominently as a poster in Clark Kent’s childhood bedroom and serving as the inspiration for the end credits song. Gunn described the band and song’s origins as organic moments that evolved from his writing process and personal relationships.
Initially, the band was a simple detail to evoke Clark’s youth, but the song was created last-minute with help from Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam. Gunn humorously recalled,
“I literally wrote that song and sang it into my phone the first thing in the morning. It took five minutes and I sang it, and then Eric turned it into the fun song that it is.”
He also noted that one of the band’s members depicted on the poster is his godson Mason, who happened to be visiting during filming, and another is Lou Lou Safran, the daughter of DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, who is a real-life musician.
Supergirl’s Role and Connection to Krypton’s Legacy
Addressing questions about Supergirl’s knowledge of Kal-El’s parents, Gunn acknowledged common misconceptions. He pointed out that not every Kryptonian would share the same level of awareness and that, given her younger age, Supergirl would not necessarily possess detailed information about Clark’s parents.
Gunn confirmed that Supergirl’s character and tone in the upcoming film are grounded in the graphic novel Woman of Tomorrow, which was a primary inspiration for her role. The character is portrayed as rougher and more rebellious than in the comics, with actress Ana Nogueira capturing that edge effectively. He also explained the decision to make Krypto, traditionally Superman’s dog, Supergirl’s companion in this version, a change inspired directly by the graphic novel.
Explaining Krypton’s Inhabitants and Alien Life Theories
In a discussion about Kryptonian biology, Gunn shared insights that came from conversations with scientists about extraterrestrial life. He mentioned how humanoid aliens and their pets might evolve in parallel ways, proposing that it is plausible for land-based Kryptonians to have animal counterparts similar to Earth’s species. Gunn humorously referenced other Kryptonian animal companions like Beppo the Super-Monkey, Comet the Super-Horse—who was actually a centaur transformed into a horse—and Streaky the Super-Cat, distinguishing their origins and magical or biological traits.
Thoughtful Details Behind the Hall of Justice Mural
The Hall of Justice mural visible in the film drew significant attention for its inclusion of numerous classic heroes. Gunn revealed that the mural was carefully curated with a great deal of thought, selecting characters that reflect the wider DC Universe. Although not all depicted heroes are guaranteed to appear on screen soon, many are involved in upcoming projects in various forms. When asked specifically about Ultraman’s future appearances, Gunn coyly responded, “Maybe,” leaving room for interpretation.
Peacemaker Season Two and Managing the DC Multiverse
Turning attention to the Peacemaker series, Gunn addressed fan theories about multiversal involvement in season two. While the show’s storyline focuses on two parallel dimensions, he clarified it’s not simply a division between the previous DCEU and the new DCU timelines but something more nuanced. He mentioned a podcast with series actors Steve Agee and Jen Holland, where he detailed what elements from season one remain canon, emphasizing that most of it is intact, with a few exceptions like Aquaman references being non-canon.
Influence of Comic Book Runs on Key Plot Twists
James Gunn acknowledged inspiration from iconic comic runs, such as John Byrne’s Superman, which portrayed Krypton as cold and sterile, leading Clark to embrace Earth as his true home. Gunn admitted he also drew from the Birthright series when developing the film’s notable Jor-El and Lara storyline, grounding it in established comic lore.
He firmly rejected any hopes that the film might reveal Jor-El and Lara as anything other than strict and distant figures, stating, “They’re shit out of luck!” This creative choice supports the movie’s emotional arc, emphasizing Superman’s journey to defining his own morality rather than living under parental decree. Gunn elaborated that while Jor-El and Lara are not purely evil, their mindset places humans as inferior beings, maintaining Kryptonian genetic survival as their primary goal.
Kindness as the Driving Force Behind the Film’s Message
Discussing the film‘s broader themes, Gunn aligned the movie with George Lucas’s original spirit for Star Wars: creating positive, meaningful stories for young audiences. He explained that while many label the movie “hopecore,” his focus was more on kindness and compassion rather than hope alone. Gunn articulated that hope implies future change, sometimes diminishing the value of the present moment, whereas the film places love, kindness, and compassion at the core of its message as fundamental human necessities.
The Controversial but Meaningful Squirrel Scene
One scene that sparked debate was Superman’s rescue of a squirrel, which Gunn revealed faced resistance from test audiences and even some crew members. Despite objections and considerations about pacing and geography in the film, Gunn insisted on retaining the scene, stating,
“I really miss the squirrel. He’s gotta save the squirrel.”
The scene symbolizes Superman’s care for all forms of life, enhancing the character’s depth.
Deliberations on Film’s Pacing and Narrative Rhythm
Gunn reflected on the film’s pacing, noting it veers towards being fast rather than slow, a challenge common in test screenings. He confessed to prioritizing streamlining over indulging in extended emotional moments. His aim was to present a story that mimics the vibe of picking up a comic book for the first time, filled with the immediacy and energy of characters immersed in extraordinary events, a contrast to his more measured approach in the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
A Glimpse at the Sequel and Upcoming Projects
The filmmaker was noncommittal but playful about confirming a sequel to Superman, saying,
“It follows Superman. What am I gonna say? I don’t know what to say.”
He revealed that audience reactions—especially the love for characters like Mr. Terrific and Krypto—will likely inform future DCU projects but insisted on following the story organically rather than shaping it solely based on fan response.
Differentiating Supergirl and Her Edgier Tone
Gunn differentiated the tone of the forthcoming Supergirl movie from Superman, emphasizing that the former is a
“way more rock & roll film”
with a tougher and edgier main character. He also discussed cutting a scene where Ultraman hits Krypto because it unsettled test audiences, underscoring how the Supergirl project will explore grittier territory distinct from the broader, family-friendly tone of Superman. Although Gunn admitted he had not yet seen the final cut of Supergirl, he expressed enthusiasm for the film’s progress.
The Potential of the Legion of Super-Heroes and Science Fiction Limits
Regarding the broader DCU, Gunn reflected on the possible inclusion of the Legion of Super-Heroes. He expressed some reservations about time travel, teleportation, and similar science fiction concepts, emphasizing his preference for dimensional travel over teleportation due to its more grounded explanation and less problematic portrayal.
Domestic Success and Challenges in International Markets
The film’s reception varies internationally, with the movie performing exceptionally well in markets such as Brazil and the U.K., although overall domestic box office figures remain stronger. Gunn attributed some difficulties abroad to Superman’s comparatively lesser recognition versus characters like Batman, as well as prevailing anti-American sentiments influencing market performance. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the movie’s growing global presence and describes the successful launch as “the seed of the tree” he and Peter Safran have been nurturing over the last three years.
Reaching a Wider Audience Beyond Traditional Fans
Gunn highlighted how Superman has attracted diverse viewers including older adults and children, surpassing typical superhero demographics. He recounted a story about a group of 80-year-olds attending a screening, applauding at key moments, with some fans even older than the original Superman film’s debut audience. This widespread appreciation, including genuine applause at midnight screenings in New York, excites Gunn, who views such responses as the true measure of the film’s impact.
Plans for Wonder Woman and Other Upcoming DC Projects
Responding to rumors about accelerating the Wonder Woman film, Gunn clarified that while it remains a priority, the term “fast-tracking” was misleading. The focus is on moving the project forward efficiently, ensuring strong writing teams who can deliver scripts without excessive delays. Additionally, Gunn hinted at other near-ready endeavors within DC, such as an upcoming prestige TV series involving Bat-Mite, to be greenlit soon, jokingly describing its budget as “$150 million an episode.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and says that prayer is still important to him. However, he also describes himself as “anti-religion” in some respects.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After the director was removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise in 2018, Gunn feared his career might be finished. Fortunately, in 2022, both he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, giving him a chance to work on a new superhero project. At that time, Toby Emmerich from Warner Bros. approached him.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. The new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie was inspired by Ozu. Gunn, who grew up in a Catholic family, says prayer is still important to him. However, he has also described himself as opposing certain aspects of religion.
