James Gunn’s adaptation of Superman for the DC Universe (DCU) was notably influenced by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s celebrated All-Star Superman series. When the 2025 Superman film debuted in cinemas, Morrison praised it as potentially the finest Superman movie to date. Despite this high regard, Morrison expressed reservations about certain creative choices Gunn made in his portrayal of the Last Son of Krypton, signaling a conflicted response to the film’s direction.
Concerns Over Superman’s Portrayal as Vulnerable and Often Defeated
During an interview on Half the Picture, Morrison addressed his discomfort with how frequently Superman appeared to be overwhelmed and beaten without active resistance throughout the movie. While understanding Gunn’s motivation—intended to make the character more relatable—Morrison voiced a desire for a stronger, more assertive Superman. He suggested that the persistent victimization might undermine the character’s heroic essence.
“It became the closest to capturing what Superman feels like. I had a few things I didn’t like about it. [James] made specific choices that I think were made for dramatic reasons that were understandable…in order to make him seem more relatable, he had him getting beaten up an awful lot. I want to see him stop getting beaten up and fight back.”
This view taps into a broader fan debate, especially among admirers of Zack Snyder’s portrayal of Superman, performed by Henry Cavill, which emphasized the character’s godlike strength. Morrison’s unease reflected a tension between presenting Superman as a flawed, humanized figure and maintaining his mythic stature within the superhero pantheon.
The Controversy Around Superman’s Mission to Earth
One of the most debated elements of Gunn’s narrative involved the decision to depict Jor-El and Lara sending Superman to Earth not solely to save but to conquer it. Morrison expressed a clear preference for a version of Krypton portrayed as a lost utopia, destroyed by nature or its own neglect, rather than a source of conquest-driven intentions. He found the idea of Superman’s morality rooted in fragile wish fulfillment both troubling and less impactful.
“I didn’t like it because I prefer wit hen Krypton’s this lost utopia. I like the idea that there was something amazing, and nature just wiped it out. Their own lack of attention to detail allowed them to be wiped out. I think there’s something much more poignant about that. The thing I found almost upsetting in it was that it felt like Superman’s morality was quite fragile. It was just based on this wish-fulfilment bullsh-t.”
Morrison suggested that this approach diminished the depth of Superman’s ethical core, contrasting with the traditionally enduring moral compass associated with the character. Despite his criticisms, he acknowledged that this interpretation fit within the context of Gunn’s broader universe, even if it conflicted with his own worldview.
Moments of Strength Amid Concerns Over Clark Kent’s Fragility
Although Morrison was worried about Clark Kent’s vulnerability in several pivotal scenes, he expressed relief when Superman displayed resilience and moral fortitude, particularly during his climactic speech to Lex Luthor following the final battle. Morrison noted the creative risk involved in portraying Superman with such fragile humanity but praised the outcome when the character maintained his integrity.
“They put him in a position where I was concerned that he would break down, lose his compass,”
Morrison said.
“The fact that he didn’t was just nice to see.”
This moment of strength acted as a counterbalance to the perceived weaknesses earlier in the film, underscoring a nuanced take on Superman’s complexity in the DCU. It revealed how Gunn’s vision, while contested, also sought to explore new emotional layers of the iconic hero.
Implications for the DC Universe and Fan Reception
James Gunn’s Superman adaptation sparked intense debate among fans and creators alike, illustrating the challenges of reimagining a character as legendary and beloved as Superman. Morrison’s insights highlight the varied perspectives on how the Last Son of Krypton should be portrayed—whether as an invincible godlike figure or a more vulnerable, relatable human being.
This ongoing discourse is significant not only for how it shapes the reception of the 2025 film but also for the future trajectory of the DCU. As Gunn continues to helm projects within the universe, his creative decisions about Superman’s character will remain under scrutiny, with fans and creators monitoring how these choices evolve in forthcoming installments.
