James Gunn Reveals Superman Is About Kindness and Compassion, Not Just Hope

James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has emphasized that Superman’s character in the latest DC Universe film centers more on kindness and compassion than on the traditional theme of hope. Speaking shortly after the movie’s release, Gunn clarified that the Man of Steel’s message goes beyond waiting for a hero to save the day; it highlights the importance of treating others with empathy and care.

During a recent interview with Rolling Stone’s Brian Hiatt, Gunn discussed the thematic underpinnings of the film, revealing that the story is as much about everyday acts of kindness as it is about heroic ideals. This reframing offers a fresh perspective on the iconic character within the current DCU reboot.

The Significance of the Film’s Soundtrack Choice

Gunn explained that the inclusion of Teddybears’ “Punkrocker” featuring Iggy Pop as Superman’s unofficial theme sprung from a personal connection discovered through his Spotify recommendations. He described the song as capturing the essence of the hero’s belief that caring for others is “the real punk rock.”

The director shared a story about the film’s early screenings, saying,

“It just came up on my Spotify through my algorithm. I didn’t know the song. And it just stuck with me.”

—James Gunn

He added how his friend and fellow filmmaker Jason Reitman, known for directing Ghostbusters: Afterlife, expressed enthusiasm about the song’s placement in the movie. Gunn recalled,

“It’s funny because one of my director friends, who I showed the movie to in an earlier cut for notes, was [Ghostbusters: Afterlife director] Jason Reitman, and Jason is like, ‘Oh, that’s one of my favorite songs in the world. I’ve always wanted to use that in a movie.’”

—James Gunn

Gunn connected this choice to a poignant moment in the film that portrays Superman’s origins and his parents’ influence. He reflected,

“…the ending juggled all these different pieces of the movie in a way where we showed that the real punk rock was him, his dad, all the way to the shot of the dad making the baby fly. I’m getting touched now, just bringing it up. He flies because of his parents.”

—James Gunn

The Film’s Focus on Positivity and Human Connection

When asked whether he aimed to craft a positive narrative with the movie, Gunn answered affirmatively and passionately. He described a conversation with the cast before filming began where kindness became his central motivation.

He stated,

“Like, I had a dinner with the cast the night before we started shooting, and that’s exactly what I said, That’s what’s driven me with this movie the whole time, is making something about kindness.”

—James Gunn

According to Gunn, Superman’s story is more about love and compassion than mere hope, which he views as an external longing that can detract from the present. He explained,

“It is about kindness and goodness more than hope to me. It’s about being loved more than about hope. Hope is something outside of ourselves. We have this belief that maybe something will change in our lives. It almost denigrates the present moment, hope. And it’s not about that. It’s about being loving, being kind, and how that compassion is really the answer to everything. That’s a basic human need.”

—James Gunn

Controversy Over Small but Meaningful Details

One of the film’s debated moments involves Superman saving a squirrel during his battle with a monstrous creature unleashed by Lex Luthor in Metropolis. Despite some negative feedback from test audiences who questioned the scene’s relevance, Gunn chose to keep it.

He acknowledged the controversy, stating,

“Yeah [it’s important to the film’s message], although it was probably the second- or third-most hotly debated moment in the movie.”

—James Gunn

He recalled the test audience reactions, with some viewers wondering why Superman spent time rescuing a small animal amid a dangerous situation. Gunn shared,

“Because we showed it to test audiences and some people did not like the squirrel. They’re like, ‘Why the f–k is he saving a squirrel? Why is he taking time out, saving a squirrel?’ There was a cut where I cut it out and I’m like, ‘I really miss the squirrel. He’s gotta save the squirrel.’ In addition, there were also some geographic problems with where he ended up if I didn’t have him fly over with the squirrel. So I put the squirrel back in despite the protestations of some of my people on my crew.”

—James Gunn

Implications for the DC Universe and Superman’s Legacy

James Gunn’s emphasis on kindness and compassion as central themes marks a deliberate shift in the portrayal of Superman within the DC Universe, aiming to deepen the hero’s humanity beyond mere hopefulness. By focusing on these qualities, the film attempts to resonate on a more personal and emotional level with audiences.

This approach may influence future DC projects by promoting characters who embody empathy and moral strength in nuanced ways. It also offers viewers a reflection on the power of everyday kindness, suggesting that heroism includes simple but meaningful actions.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?

A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant in his life. However, he also described himself as “in some ways, against religion.”

Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?

A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director believed his career was finished. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, giving him a chance to work on a new superhero project. Toby Emmerich from Warner Bros. approached him during that period.

Q. What religion is James Gunn?

A. Gunn redesigned Krypto the Superdog for the 2025 CGI-animated Superman, taking inspiration from Ozu. Growing up in a Catholic family, Gunn still values prayer. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”