Zack Snyder, who directed the 2013 film Man of Steel, recently expressed his admiration for James Gunn’s take on Superman. Snyder’s Man of Steel was the foundational film that launched the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) under Warner Bros. Pictures, starring Henry Cavill in the lead role. Since then, Snyder also directed Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and Justice League, which went through a turbulent production and was ultimately released as Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021.
In 2023, the DCEU officially concluded with the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Since then, James Gunn and Peter Safran have initiated a new shared universe known as the DC Universe (DCU) under DC Studios. This new continuity includes projects such as Creature Commandos Season 1, Gunn’s Superman, and Peacemaker Season 2.
Respect Between Two Visionary Directors
Despite differing fan bases that occasionally clash online, both Snyder and Gunn maintain a mutual respect for each other’s work. Speaking with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Snyder praised James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman, describing it as “awesome” and expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming film.
He noted that the original three-movie DCEU trilogy seemed like
“a weed that just won’t die,”
growing independently from Gunn’s new Superman story. Snyder said,
“I wish them all the best… It’s just awesome.”
“…James is singular in his storytelling, his ability to channel sort of mythological pop culture into what I’d consider an iconic and very particular point of view that’s both poignant and funny. All of the things. He’s the best at it that I can think of. He’s a great steward of that world.”
— Zack Snyder, Director
Legacy and Future of Superman on Screen
Both Snyder’s Man of Steel and Gunn’s Superman are currently available for streaming on HBO Max, allowing audiences to compare the two distinct visions. With Gunn and Safran leading the DCU, fans can expect fresh storytelling that honors the legacy of DC characters while charting new directions. The collaboration and respect between these directors highlight an optimistic future for the franchise and its portrayal of Superman.
