Elliot Page James Gunn Super fans often recall their collaboration on the 2010 film Super, a cult favorite that marked an early point for both talents. Directed by James Gunn, the film stars Rainn Wilson as Frank, a disenchanted man who takes on the persona of a crimefighter, with Page playing Libby, a comic book store clerk who becomes his reluctant sidekick. Though not a blockbuster, the movie has earned a dedicated following, particularly among those who admire Gunn’s distinctive style. Page recently reflected on the experience while discussing the project with fellow X-Men actor James McAvoy during Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast.
Elliot Page’s Fond Memories of Filming Super
Page described the set as an environment filled with enjoyable energy and collaboration, where everyone was committed to telling an unconventional tale. The actor praised the trust placed in Gunn as a director, highlighting his confidence in Gunn’s ability to manage the film’s tonal challenges.
“It was so fun. Such an enjoyable set to be on. Such a nice vibe and energy. Everyone there had to just work together to tell this crazy story, and [it was] such a fun, full-blown character to play. With someone like James, you really trust him when you are pushing it and going far, that he’s gonna sort it out tonally. That was definitely one of my favorite characters to play for sure,”
Page said.
James Gunn’s Rising Career and Its Impact
When asked about Gunn’s impressive career growth, from directing Super and the horror-comedy Slither to now overseeing the DC Universe alongside co-CEO Peter Safran and directing high-profile projects like Superman and its sequel Man of Tomorrow, Page expressed admiration mixed with a hint of surprise. He commented,
“Yes, for sure. But, you can see how well those qualities and those strengths have fed into and made these great projects.”
James Gunn’s Early Impressions of Elliot Page
Before Super’s release, Gunn shared his respect for Page in a 2011 CinemaBlend interview, highlighting the actor’s intellectual grasp of the role and their shared artistic vision. Gunn mentioned the quick pace of the production and his need to trust the cast, saying,
“[In] meeting [Elliot], I loved [him] as a person, and that was a very important thing because we were going to move so fast that I couldn’t have somebody who I didn’t trust. But I really thought [he] understood the role intellectually. And [he] didn’t audition, I didn’t have that luxury, but I thought [he] understood it intellectually, and I knew that [he] knew the kind of movie I was trying to make, because we talked a lot about the different films that influenced me, which are films that most people don’t think of—Lucas Moodysson’s films out of Sweden, or [he] turned me on to this movie called Ratcatcher, which is a great movie. And that was the kind of film style we were doing, so [he] understood what I was making. I had a trust that [he] was going to be able to do it.”
Career Milestones Since Super for Both Page and Gunn
Since their collaboration on Super, both Page and Gunn have advanced significantly in their careers. Page reprised his role as Kitty Pryde in the X-Men franchise, appearing in the 2006 film X-Men: The Last Stand and later in the 2014 sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past. He has also become widely recognized for starring in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy and is set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, slated for release in 2026. James Gunn similarly expanded his influence by directing the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy for Marvel Studios before taking on leadership at DC Studios and directing the recent Superman film, preparing to helm its sequel.
The Lasting Influence of Super on Fans and Creators
Despite remaining under the mainstream radar, Super has maintained its status as a beloved cult film that showcases early collaborative creativity between Page and Gunn. Their work together laid a foundation for later success and growth, illustrating how smaller projects can leave lasting impressions. Fans continue to cherish the film for its unique tone and characters, while both Page and Gunn have moved forward to influence the superhero genre in significant ways.
