Author George R.R. Martin recently expressed high praise for James Gunn’s Superman, describing it as one of the best Superman films ever made. Writing on his official website, Martin revealed his admiration for both the movie’s fresh perspective and the performance of David Corenswet as the new Superman.
The personal connection and fresh take on the iconic hero
Martin shared a deep personal connection to Superman, saying,
“Supes and I are old friends, and this is one of the best Superman movies in a long time… maybe ever,”
—George R.R. Martin. He elaborated that this version of Superman reminded him of the mysterious visitor from another planet he read about during his childhood, a character with extraordinary powers who arrives on Earth unexpectedly.
“This new Superman reminds me of the version I used to read about when I was a kid, the strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.”
—George R.R. Martin
Reflection on Superman’s identity and cultural meaning
Martin also addressed the controversy over James Gunn’s portrayal of Superman as an immigrant. He reinforced the long-standing symbolism behind the character, stating,
“And yes, an innocent, of course, he’s always been an immigrant. And an illegal immigrant, when you stop to think of it.”
—George R.R. Martin
Commending the film’s cast and character portrayals
The novelist offered strong commendation for the casting choices, highlighting the performances that stood out in the film. He praised Rachel Brosnahan’s role as Lois Lane, comparing her favorably to Margot Kidder’s classic portrayal. Martin also named Nicholas Hoult the greatest actor to play Lex Luthor, describing him as a chilling villain. He shared optimism for David Corenswet’s future as Superman.
“The film looks great, and James Gunn did a great job with the casting. Rachel Bosnahan was terrific as Lois Lane; I’d say it’s between her and Margot Kidder for Best Lois Ever. And there’s no doubt whatsoever for the Best Lex. Nicholas Hoult was far and away the Best Luthor of All Time, a truly chilling villain. The kid in the cape [David Corenswet] was excellent as well. I hope he gets to play Kal-El in another dozen movies.”
—George R.R. Martin
Implications for the future of Superman in cinema
George R.R. Martin’s enthusiastic endorsement not only highlights James Gunn’s distinct vision but also signals strong support for this new era of Superman stories. Given Martin’s stature as a storyteller, his remarks may influence public perception and encourage continued investment in this fresh take. With such critical acclaim and praised casting, David Corenswet’s incarnation of Superman could well lead to a long-lasting franchise under Gunn’s direction.
