If you haven’t caught wind of the latest buzz surrounding comic book films, you’re in for a treat. This week, DC Studios is set to release director James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman movie, with David Corenswet donning the iconic cape. The film has been receiving outstanding reviews and is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s projected to launch with at least $200 million globally on its opening weekend. Interestingly, Gunn disclosed that he was approached to direct a Superman film seven years ago but declined.
During a Q&A session at the HMV Store in London, as reported by ComicBook.com, Gunn revealed that in 2018, he was initially offered the chance to helm a Superman film. “I was originally offered to direct Superman back in 2018, and I said no,” he explained, expressing his feelings of being daunted by the task and uncertainty about how to approach the character amidst the chaos surrounding the DC universe at that time.
As noted by GamesRadar+, this chaos included Henry Cavill’s cameo in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Black Adam, which suggested more from his take on Superman that sadly never materialized due to a major reboot in the franchise.
“They didn’t want it to be… It was going to be politically messy,” Gunn shared. “So I said no, and I took The Suicide Squad, which was more a familiar type of group to me.” He reflected positively on that decision, mentioning how enjoyable that project was.
While some of Gunn’s remarks have drawn media scrutiny—especially with outlets like Fox News labeling the upcoming film “Superwoke” due to its immigrant narrative—it’s helpful to consider the context. This timeline coincides with Gunn’s dismissal from Marvel after past problematic tweets resurfaced, leading to a fallout with Disney. Nevertheless, DC brought Gunn on board to direct The Suicide Squad, and after completing his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, he was appointed to head DC Studios with producer Peter Safran.
Interestingly, despite initially turning down the Superman project, Gunn admitted, “But I kept thinking about Superman, I couldn’t get it out of my head.” He began pondering how he would approach the character and how a modern narrative could resonate with today’s audience. This contemplation led to his eventual agreement to write the script for the new Superman film three years ago.
Now, as the film releases, critics largely agree that Gunn has successfully revitalized the Superman story. This new adaptation emphasizes “truth and justice” and hope rather than just the classic notion of “the American way.”
In io9’s review, it was noted that this new Superman “somehow both feels like a big deal and also a breezy, popcorn blockbuster.” The film has been described as a delightful start to what hopes to be a transformative DC Universe.
Superman hits theaters on July 11, and fans everywhere are eager to witness this fresh take on a beloved character.
What elements differentiate the new Superman film from previous adaptations? This film presents a distinctive viewpoint that focuses on modern issues while staying true to the character’s core values.
How did James Gunn’s experiences shape his approach to directing Superman? His past involvement with DC and the timing of events allowed him to develop a unique vision for the film, combining his perspective with the character’s legacy.
Is Superman a reboot or a continuation of the DC Universe? This film marks an essential restart, aiming to redefine the narrative landscape of the DC Universe moving forward.
How does the new film’s political commentary reflect broader societal themes? The film draws from current events and societal issues, making Superman’s classic message relevant in today’s world.
This engaging journey reveals the evolution of Superman in cinema and sets the stage for the future of the DC Universe and its characters. Dive deeper into related news and updates by checking out more content at Moyens I/O.