James Gunn attributes much of his career momentum to his involvement in one of Zack Snyder’s most acclaimed films, pointing to the remake of Dawn of the Dead as a pivotal moment. Since the release of Superman, fans of Snyder’s Man of Steel have been vocal in comparing and criticizing Gunn’s approach to the DC franchise, but Gunn’s creative breakthroughs trace back to this controversial project that propelled his name forward.
How Early Controversy Shaped James Gunn’s Career Trajectory
Though the idea of James Gunn and Zack Snyder collaborating may surprise some fans, their paths crossed early in Gunn’s career during the 2004 reboot of George A. Romero’s cult classic Dawn of the Dead. Gunn, serving as the screenwriter, faced intense backlash akin to what he later encountered with his DC work. When news broke that Romero’s film would be remade, fans reacted strongly online, launching petitions to halt production and stirring widespread controversy.
“I’d seemed to be at the lightning rod of all this controversy from the beginning, but ‘Dawn of the Dead,’ you know, people found out it was being remade, and there was a petition online to stop the making of ‘Dawn of the Dead’ with hundreds of thousands of signatures.”
— James Gunn, Writer/Director
Despite the uproar, the film is now celebrated as one of the greatest remakes in cinema history, marking a turning point for Gunn’s visibility in Hollywood. This project elevated his status dramatically, bringing him attention that most screenwriters seldom receive, especially after only a single successful script.
“All of a sudden, I’m showing up on Page Six in the New York Post, you know, because of ‘Dawn of the Dead’ as a screenwriter, who, you know, screenwriters, like, aren’t really that well known, especially the guy who just wrote one hit movie.”
— James Gunn, Writer/Director
The Resistance Behind James Gunn’s Redefinition of the DC Universe
Taking on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran, James Gunn encountered fierce opposition from various corners, particularly among fans loyal to the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and the works of Zack Snyder. Expectations that Gunn’s leadership might be smoother were quickly dispelled, as online backlash intensified over the decision to dismantle the DCEU era, which included parting ways with Henry Cavill and moving beyond Snyder’s creative vision.
Opponents of Gunn’s DC approach employed tactics such as sharing out-of-context freeze-frames from Superman, manipulating footage to cast it in a negative light, and amplifying adverse comments on social media platforms like X. Despite this consistent hostility, Gunn’s team has persevered, making noticeable strides toward revitalizing the DC brand and steering it in a new direction amid ongoing debates within the fanbase.
The Impact and Legacy of the Dawn of the Dead Remake
Beyond controversy, the 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake featured a cast that contributed significantly to its success, including Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames. The film’s execution helped set a precedent for how classic horror could be reinterpreted while appealing to modern audiences, a lesson that Gunn has carried into his work with DC Studios.
As Gunn continues to reshape the DC cinematic landscape, his experience from this landmark remake serves as a reminder of how early professional challenges often lay the foundation for future achievements. His willingness to diverge from established expectations, despite opposition, underscores a commitment to creative evolution that may ultimately define his tenure.
