Director James Gunn is set to reshape the DC cinematic landscape with his upcoming Superman film, drawing from a diverse array of inspirations that span decades of comic book and on-screen history. Revealed through his introduction in the book
“Superman: The Art and Making of the Film,”
Gunn discusses how his approach connects with both modern and classic interpretations of the legendary superhero, making his admiration for the wider Superman legacy clear. In the process, the focus keyword, “James Gunn Superman influences,” comes to the forefront as the central theme shaping his vision for Superman in 2025 and beyond.
Blending Legacy and Innovation for DC’s New Era
As James Gunn helps launch a new phase for the DC Universe, he faces the challenge of honoring the rich tradition of Superman while setting the stage for a fresh era of storytelling. The debate over different ages of DC films has been ongoing, but Gunn’s project marks a deliberate effort to bridge these generations. Through his work, he reflects a careful understanding of past influences and how they inform the direction of Superman’s character as he takes on new forms and narrative roles in an interconnected cinematic universe.
Gunn’s detailed acknowledgements, shared in his introduction for the book, signal his respect for the artists, writers, and filmmakers who helped define Superman across mediums. By referencing both the influential work of directors like Zack Snyder and the original comic book creators, Gunn embraces a comprehensive approach to shaping the new Superman. This approach is designed to appeal to longtime fans and newcomers alike, providing an accessible entry point into the revitalized world of DC’s superheroes.
James Gunn Salutes Film and Television Pioneers
In preparing for Superman (2025), James Gunn looked back at the vast on-screen legacy of the Man of Steel, paying tribute to numerous trailblazers in both film and television:
“And, yes, thanks to the Superman film and television creators that came before me—especially the original Superman cartoon creators, Max and Dave Fleischer, the original Superman: The Movie director Richard Donner, Superman: The Animated Series creators Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett, Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder, and Superman and Lois’s Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti. These are all stories I adored and added to the look and feel of Superman (2025).”
– James Gunn, Director
This quote highlights a deep appreciation for pioneers such as Max and Dave Fleischer, whose early animated cartoons shaped Superman’s visual language; Richard Donner, who defined Superman for a generation with his 1978 film; and Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett, whose work on “Superman: The Animated Series” brought depth and nuance to the character in the medium of television. Gunn also acknowledges Alfred Gough and Miles Millar of “Smallville,” Zack Snyder for the modern, cinematic take in “Man of Steel,” and the duo of Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti from “Superman and Lois.” By referencing these visionaries by name, Gunn weaves together a tapestry of artistic contributions that have helped Superman endure as an icon.
Of particular note is Gunn’s specific mention of Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel.” Gunn not only credits Snyder among his inspirations but openly states his fondness for the film, ensuring audiences that each of these prior storytellers played a substantial role in influencing his direction for Superman (2025).
Finding Direction in Graphical Storytelling: All-Star Superman’s Impact
Gunn’s journey to define Superman for a new generation began with uncertainty but quickly found purpose in a celebrated chapter from the comic world. He explains:
“When I first took on Superman, I had no idea what I was going to do. Not visually, not in terms of story, not anything. But, as I pored over all my old Superman comics, I know things really started to coalesce when I reread one of my favorite comic book series*—All-Star Superman. I loved it as much as I did when the comics were first released—a lot of that was Grant Morrison’s wonderful writing, but also Frank Quitely’s pencils and the inks and colors of Jamie Grant.”
– James Gunn, Director
This pivotal reread of “All-Star Superman,” created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely with Jamie Grant’s color work, was instrumental in shaping Gunn’s take on the character. The team’s distinctive approach to storytelling reignited Gunn’s creative vision and allowed him to form the heart of his Superman. The themes, tone, and artistry present in “All-Star Superman” became core references for Gunn’s design in the 2025 film.
The Golden and Silver Age Roots of Gunn’s Superman
One striking influence cited by Gunn is the bold, science-fiction-inspired style of the Silver Age comics. He elaborates on how these stories impacted the direction and visual tone of the movie:
“It was brash Silver Age science-fiction fantasy, with over-the-top-yet-simultaneously grounded machines and costumes, and a bright yet restricted color palette. I also loved the chest-forward, overconfident, and unstoppable Superman, the always curious Lois Lane, the narcissistic Lex Luthor, and, dare I say, arrogant Jimmy Olsen. I didn’t take much from the story but in terms of the feel and the look of our Superman, and some basics about the characters, we owe Grant, Frank, and Jamie more than anyone. And the All-Star Superman team were only the tip of the iceberg—because our Superman owes nearly everything to comic books. First and foremost, his creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, but also Otto Binder, Curt Swan, Edmond Hamilton, Wayne Boring, Elliot S. Maggin, Cary Bates, Neal Adams, José Luis García-López, George Pérez, John Byrne, Dan Jurgens, Roger Stern, Jerry Ordway, Mark Waid, Jeph Loeb, Geoff Johns, Ed McGuinness, Tim Sale, Jorge Jiménez, and so many more—those were our guiding lights.”
– James Gunn, Director
This emphasis on the “brash Silver Age” underscores Gunn’s desire for Superman to embody a sense of optimism, vibrance, and confident heroism. The quirky yet sincere traits of classic characters like Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Jimmy Olsen remain central, making the film’s world feel vivid and emotionally charged. Gunn ensures that legendary creators such as Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster—alongside giants like Otto Binder, Curt Swan, and Neal Adams—are acknowledged as essential to his process. These names populate the very DNA of the new Superman, providing the grounding, attitude, and aesthetic for the character’s next chapter.
Comparing James Gunn’s Superman with Zack Snyder’s Version
James Gunn’s appreciation for Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” is unmistakable, but his vision of Superman introduces significant philosophical differences. Snyder’s film established Superman in a world entirely unaccustomed to superhuman phenomena, using the idea of a first encounter with an alien as a metaphor for fear, uncertainty, and the threat of the unknown. The sense of geopolitical crisis and isolation defined Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the superhero during the Snyderverse era.
Gunn takes a different route, imagining a DC Universe where heroes such as Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner already exist and operate openly when Superman makes his entrance. The world is not shocked by his powers or suddenly confronted with the reality of an alien savior—rather, Superman stands apart through his actions and principles in a society already populated with extraordinary individuals.
This shift in context means Gunn’s iteration focuses less on loneliness and existential weight, and more on the pursuit of moral leadership amidst peers. Instead of being burdened by abilities, Gunn’s Clark Kent delights in his identity, aiming to embody the idealistic “Boy Scout” hero that has defined the character for generations. The internal struggle shifts from accepting powers to setting the example of what it means to be a hero within a thriving community, navigating fame, responsibility, and legacy.
Key characters such as Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Jimmy Olsen remain central to the narrative, with Gunn carving out distinctive roles for each that reflect both homage and innovation. The new take seeks to provide audiences with a Superman who, while shaped by the past, steps confidently into the future as a leader among heroes.
The Road Ahead for Superman and the DC Universe
Gunn’s transparent appreciation for the legacy of Superman, both in comics and previous adaptations, signals a dynamic new era for DC’s flagship character. By drawing upon the creative energies of influential figures like Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Otto Binder, Curt Swan, and Geoff Johns, as well as key visual visionaries including Frank Quitely and Jamie Grant, the 2025 film aims to honor the past while charting a bold new course. The inclusion of heroes like Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific indicates a wider universe ready for development, setting the groundwork for interconnected stories and shared adventures.
For viewers and fans, the anticipation lies not only in how Superman will be presented but also in how James Gunn’s influences and wide-ranging reverence for comic book artistry will shape the tone, style, and themes of the DC Universe’s latest chapter. With an energetic and optimistic approach, Gunn is poised to deliver a Superman story that resonates with the character’s core ideals and reintroduces him as both a product of history and a beacon for the future.
