James Gunn, known for his inventive take on superhero tales, is bringing new attention to James Gunn Superman adaptations with the arrival of ‘Brightburn’ on Netflix in December. This 2019 film explores a darker side of the Superman mythos, offering viewers a chilling perspective on what could happen if a super-powered child did not become a hero.
Before Gunn took the reins to reinvent Superman with a brighter, more optimistic vision, he helped produce ‘Brightburn,’ a film directed by David Yarovesky and penned by Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn. This intense movie tells the story of a boy from an alien world who, instead of following Clark Kent’s heroic path, chooses a violent, destructive route—evoking the fears of characters like Lex Luthor. While ‘Brightburn’ received a mix of reviews and moderate box office returns, its unique premise left many curious about possibilities left unexplored.
A Fresh Perspective on the Superman Narrative
‘Brightburn’ was not the first creative reinterpretation of the Superman origin. Mark Millar’s comic ‘Superman: Red Son’ takes Superman’s iconic landing and flips it, having his spacecraft crash in the Soviet Union rather than on a Kansas farm, turning him into a Soviet symbol. In ‘Brightburn,’ Elizabeth Banks and David Denman portray the boy’s adoptive parents, who must confront their son’s frightening abilities as the story unfolds. The film, created with a reported budget of up to $12 million, grossed $33 million worldwide and currently holds a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Although Brightburn doesn’t fully deliver on the pitch-black promise of its setup, it’s still enough to offer a diverting subversion of the superhero genre.
– Critics, Rotten Tomatoes
Gunn’s Continued Influence on Superhero Films
During the same period, James Gunn was involved in other genre projects, including the horror-thriller ‘The Belko Experiment,’ which also had modest box office results. Despite these smaller projects, Gunn was simultaneously establishing himself as a powerhouse in mainstream superhero cinema with Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise, later directing both its sequels. His move to DC Studios marked a new chapter, debuting with ‘The Suicide Squad’ before overseeing the broader DC Universe as co-CEO.
Gunn’s latest Superman film, which kicked off this new era for DC Studios, garnered over $600 million worldwide, earning a warm reception from fans and critics. The studio has already set its sights on a follow-up titled ‘Man of Tomorrow,’ anticipated to arrive in theaters in 2027. This signals a continued commitment to exploring different facets of Superman and the superhero genre at large.
Returning Interest in ‘Brightburn’
With ‘Brightburn’ arriving on Netflix, both newcomers and long-time fans of James Gunn Superman adaptations have the opportunity to experience a darker twist on the superhero origin story. Whether viewers are curious about Elizabeth Banks and David Denman’s take as the struggling parents, or keen to see how the character differs from Clark Kent, the film’s presence on the streaming platform is likely to spark renewed discussion around its bold premise.
The film’s cast features notable names such as Steve Agee and Emmie Hunter, further adding interest for genre enthusiasts. As the DC Universe continues to evolve under James Gunn’s guidance, projects like ‘Brightburn’ provide a reminder of how flexible and surprising superhero storytelling can be.
As the release draws near, anticipation is building to see how a new Netflix audience responds to this unsettling vision of superhuman potential gone astray. ‘Brightburn’ not only complements Gunn’s mainstream Superman efforts, but also broadens the conversation around what these stories can become in the hands of creative filmmakers.
