James Gunn nerfs Superman in his new DC Universe, presenting a version of the hero with deliberately lowered power levels for David Corenswet’s 2025 debut as the Man of Steel. Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has clarified that this creative decision stems from a desire to reshape how Superman fits alongside other iconic characters as the new DCU unfolds.
David Corenswet’s Superman is still able to demonstrate impressive feats—ranging from holding up the foot of a gigantic monster to catching falling structures and using his freeze breath for rescue missions. While his abilities remain formidable, Gunn has openly acknowledged that, compared to prior incarnations, this Superman is weaker by design. Gunn’s intent is to provide a Man of Steel who faces real challenges, rather than an invincible force dominating every threat without struggle.
Historical Perspective: Superman’s Shifting Powers Through the Ages
Superman’s power levels have fluctuated dramatically throughout comic book history, an evolution that James Gunn believes is central to the character’s narrative potential. In discussing his decision, Gunn reflects on Superman’s development since his 1938 introduction, when the character began as a strong man able to leap great heights and shrug off bullets. Over the decades, with each new era and adaptation—including John Byrne’s ’80s run and the powerful interpretations seen in works by writers like Grant Morrison—Superman’s abilities have swung from grounded strength to cosmic feats, such as reversing time by spinning the Earth.
Gunn recalls his own feelings growing up in the 1970s, noting that Superman’s ever-rising power sometimes made the character less relatable, even pushing him to personally prefer Batman. The expansion of Superman’s arsenal—from simple strength to heat vision, flight, and near-limitless feats—culminated in moments where the hero felt almost unstoppable.
“Yes, I understand that point of view. Now, there are some writers in the comics like Grant Morrison who took the idea of the all-powerful Superman and told great stories with it. But for me, yes, as a child, the reason I like Batman better than Superman was because Superman was just too strong at times.”
– James Gunn, Superman Director
And as a child in the ’70s, Superman’s powers have ebbed and waned over the years. So, he started out in 1938 as pretty much just a strong guy. Bullets bounced off him, he could jump pretty high, but he wasn’t the Superman we know and love. The radio serial came along and suddenly he could shoot beams out of his eyes and fly. And then all of a sudden, he got stronger and stronger until his peak of his powers when he’s punching planets in half and then the 1978 movie making time go backwards by twisting the world around.”
– James Gunn, Superman Director
Why Balancing Superman Matters for the Broader DC Universe
Gunn’s decision is grounded in the necessity to foster a universe where all heroes have the capacity to shine. If Superman vastly eclipses his allies, characters like Green Arrow could end up feeling redundant on screen. Building a balanced universe ensures that figures like Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) all contribute meaningfully to the narrative action. Gunn is intent on crafting a DCU where the audience can root for each member of the team, regardless of their power levels.
“And then he was brought back down to earth a little bit with John Byrne in the ’80s and he’s always had that sort of ebb and flow of, ‘How powerful is he?’ And I think that this is… We’re building a whole universe of characters and I didn’t want to have one guy who was so much stronger than anybody else that a guy with a bow and arrow didn’t matter.”
– James Gunn, Superman Director
Gunn further explains that Superman’s vulnerabilities—traditionally Kryptonite and magic—remain integral to his character, but his new depiction also emphasizes emotional and situational stakes. Introducing real obstacles gives the audience a reason to invest in Superman’s journey, moving away from previous portrayals where he appeared almost omnipotent.
“Well, we’ve always had Kryptonite… Kryptonite and magic, those are the two things that can affect Superman. But in the comics, he’s faced Doomsday and characters who were of equal and opposing force and has had his ass whooped. So it’s happened. But I do think I thought it was important to show him in a a different angle than we’ve seen him previously in films.”
– James Gunn, Superman Director
Superman Among a New League of Heroes in a Diverse DCU Slate
Corenswet’s Superman is portrayed as the mightiest metahuman, but Gunn is careful to highlight that other major characters share the DC Universe spotlight. David Corenswet anchors the upcoming film, accompanied by Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho. This ensemble ensures that the universe is populated by heroes from various backgrounds, each with unique abilities, personalities, and limitations, which together will drive the interconnected storylines Gunn envisions.
The July 11, 2025 launch of Superman, directed by Gunn, represents the DCU’s new starting point, setting up future projects, such as the second season of Peacemaker and the sequel film Man of Tomorrow. Some cast members are already confirmed to return in upcoming entries, suggesting an ongoing narrative thread that will build upon the events of Corenswet’s initial appearance.
The Reasoning Behind a Weaker Superman for This Generation
Superman’s longstanding status as an overpowered symbol of justice is being recalibrated for theatrical storytelling in the new DCU. Gunn’s approach still acknowledges the essence of the hero, maintaining ideals like
“truth, justice, and the human way,”
but adds nuance by giving Superman clear limitations and room for growth. This design ensures that, even if Clark Kent is recognized as
“the most powerful metahuman of all,”
he won’t overshadow every other character or challenge presented within the universe.
Truth, justice, and the human way.
– Recognized Slogan
the most powerful metahuman of all,
– In-Movie Intro Text
Within the context of the film, even after three years of heroics, Corenswet’s Superman is still discovering his place and potential. This provides narrative space for character development—he can grow stronger, face formidable new adversaries like Lex Luthor and Doomsday, and display greater power in future stories as he matures in his role.
Comparisons with Other Connected Universes and the Path Forward
The DC Studios’ choice to nerf Superman evoked swift reactions among fans and observers, but it reflects a deliberate strategy to prevent any single character from dominating the shared universe. Gunn’s approach stands in contrast to how some Marvel Studios films handle power disparities. In The Avengers, for example, Thor—an actual god—shares the screen with Hawkeye, whose arrow-shooting skills and tactical intelligence prove valuable despite his lack of supernatural powers. This dynamic has encouraged DC Studios to similarly prioritize balance and teamwork in assembling its Justice League, so characters like Green Arrow remain relevant, even next to Superman’s might.
The upcoming Man of Tomorrow sequel is slated to further explore Superman’s progression, potentially introducing more powerful antagonists and scenarios requiring him to push his limits. Corenswet’s portrayal will have the opportunity to grow with each new film, offering audiences an evolving Superman rather than one fixed at the top of the power scale from the outset.
What Lies Ahead for Superman and the DCU
James Gunn’s creative decision to present a nerfed Superman is a calculated move to give every hero in the DCU meaningful relevance and allow the Man of Steel himself to develop across multiple films. As the DCU expands—with new faces such as Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl—fans can expect deeper interactions between heroes, as well as challenges calibrated to their abilities, backgrounds, and evolving dynamics.
With the next movie, Man of Tomorrow, and potential sequels on the horizon, the door is open for Superman to unlock new layers of power as dictated by narrative necessity, adversarial threats, and character growth. This approach ensures audiences witness a Superman who tests his limits rather than always standing at the peak of his abilities, promising a more compelling journey for DC’s iconic hero in a world where every champion matters.
