David S. Goyer, a well-known figure in the DC Universe, has played significant roles in shaping iconic superhero stories. He contributed to Batman Begins and helped craft the narratives for The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Goyer also wrote the scripts for Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, setting a darker tone for Superman’s character. Beyond DC, Goyer’s career includes the Marvel franchise, with writing credits on the Blade trilogy and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, as well as directing Blade: Trinity—projects that often garnered mixed reactions from audiences.
Goyer’s Positive Assessment of James Gunn’s Superman
During an interview with Cinemablend regarding The Sandman, Goyer shared his thoughts on the new Superman movie from DC Studios, directed by James Gunn. This adaptation contrasts sharply with his earlier work on the character, presenting a more hopeful and optimistic Superman that resonates with critics and comic book fans alike. Goyer expressed appreciation for this new vision, stating,
I really liked it. People always assume that because I did The Dark Knight, I wouldn’t like The Batman, but I really enjoyed it,
and he elaborated further,
Each generation gets the Superman they need. It felt like the pendulum with Man of Steel, obviously that was a much darker grounded version, and, and we’re in a very different place, and I love that just the tagline that ‘Kindness is punk rock.’
Highlights of Character Choices and Standout Performances
Goyer also praised specific elements that stood out in Gunn’s film. He mentioned David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman as “incredibly appealing” and delighted at the inclusion of Krypto, the Superman family’s canine companion, which he had not expected. He especially highlighted Mr. Terrific as a scene-stealer and praised the character’s development alongside Geoff Johns, whom he worked with on the Justice Society. Goyer added,
So I was thrilled, I thought Mr. Terrific was awesome. Metamorpho, same. I love seeing a live action Metamorpho, and those are the kind of things that James Gunn can get away with, and God bless him because I love all these those weird quirky tertiary DC characters,
before concluding,
I really enjoyed it and I was rooting for it, so I’m happy it’s been successful.
Challenges Faced by Superman at the International Box Office
Despite positive reviews and strong fan support, the movie has encountered hurdles overseas, where it has struggled financially. Some of this difficulty has been attributed to prevailing anti-American sentiment, a factor linked to the actions of former President Donald Trump. James Gunn acknowledged this issue in a recent interview, saying,
it also affects things that we have a certain amount of anti-American sentiment around the world right now. It isn’t really helping us. So I think it’s just a matter of letting something grow. But again, for us, everything’s been a total win.
Outlook for the DC Universe and Future Superman Projects
Gunn expressed optimism about Superman’s future within the DC Universe, highlighting the success of this film as a critical foundation for upcoming projects. He described the movie’s reception as “incredibly overwhelming” and referred to it as
“just the seed of the tree”
that he and DC Studios co-head Peter Safran have been nurturing over the last three years. Amidst recent setbacks caused by Warner Bros.’ inconsistent handling of the DCEU, the hopeful tone of this Superman film marks a significant shift, indicating a fresh start for the brand.
While Gunn is currently working on the next DC movie featuring Superman, details remain under wraps. It has yet to be revealed whether the new film will focus on World’s Finest, a Superman versus The Authority storyline, or an original concept entirely. As of now, the James Gunn Superman movie remains in theaters, continuing to draw audiences to this reimagined version of the iconic character.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and still finds prayer important in his life. However, he also describes himself as, “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, Gunn believed his career had ended. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios together, giving him a new chance to work on a superhero project. Toby Emmerich from Warner Bros. played a role in this opportunity.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu inspired the updated, CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog for Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation. Gunn, who grew up in a Catholic family, has shared that prayer is still important to him. However, he has also described himself as being somewhat against organized religion.
