Filmmaker James Gunn has urged audiences to ease up on focusing too intently on film plot holes, suggesting that some story elements are intentionally ambiguous or will be clarified in future installments. This perspective was raised recently alongside director Zach Cregger’s own admission of inconsistencies in his horror film Weapons. Both creators emphasize that while not every detail fits perfectly, the reactions from some fans may be disproportionate.
In early August, Zach Cregger, speaking to CinemaBlend, openly acknowledged that Weapons contains notable timeline and logical discrepancies. He explained that attempts to map out the sequence of events proved frustratingly difficult, highlighting examples such as a police car being present throughout a day without being noticed by a child returning from school. Cregger said,
“there are major potholes all over this. Like the cop dragging the guy in, and then the cop car is there all day, and so the little kid doesn’t see the cop car until he comes home from school. It’s like, how’s that possible? It doesn’t work.”
—Zach Cregger, Director
Understanding Subjectivity in Storytelling Helps Explain Plot Ambiguities
Similarly, James Gunn, in an interview with ScreenRant, responded to criticisms concerning a plot point in Superman where the character Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock, does not recognize the troubling message from Kal-El’s parents. Gunn challenged the assumption that all Kryptonian characters are the same, explaining that this generalization misses the mark and overlooks storytelling intentions. He remarked,
“assuming everybody on Krypton is the same,”
highlighting that diverse character motivations and perceptions are at play.
Zach Cregger also offered insight into the nature of his film’s narrative, describing the characters as unreliable narrators whose subjective viewpoints naturally introduce inconsistencies. This approach reflects real-life situations where individuals recall shared events differently, indicating that these “plot holes” can be a deliberate storytelling choice rather than errors.
How Directors’ Openness to Criticism Fosters a Richer Viewer Experience
While some critics might interpret James Gunn’s and Zach Cregger’s comments as dismissing fan concerns, their openness reflects an acceptance of storytelling’s imaginative and sometimes ambiguous qualities. Both directors suggest that demanding exhaustive explanations for every character action or story detail can detract from the immersive experience films aim to create. The shorter narratives of films like Superman and Weapons also limit the ability to explore every perspective and subtlety in depth, unlike longer TV series.
Crucially, these admitted plot holes do not undermine the overall storylines or themes in either film. In fact, in the case of Superman, the disputed plot moment occurs near the film’s conclusion, making it relatively minor in the larger narrative. Unless such issues compromise a film’s core premise, the emphasis should remain on enjoying the story’s intent rather than perfect logical consistency.
Why Accepting Minor Plot Flaws Enhances Movie Enjoyment
Both Weapons and Superman contain elements that stretch realism, from supernatural horror elements to the portrayal of a nearly godlike superhero acting altruistically. Fans are encouraged to suspend disbelief and engage with the films’ themes instead of fixating on small discrepancies that can cause unnecessary frustration. These films provide entertainment and escapism, and viewers who embrace their imaginative qualities are more likely to appreciate their artistic value.
Currently playing in theaters, Superman stars David Corenswet as the title character and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film centers on the superhero balancing his Kryptonian roots with his human upbringing, embodying ideals such as truth, justice, and kindness in a world that often views these traits as outdated. Both films offer unique storytelling experiences that benefit from audience openness to interpretation rather than rigid logic scrutiny.
