As comic book enthusiasts eagerly await the release of DC Studios and James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman movie, starring David Corenswet, the buzz surrounding the film is undeniable. Set to release this week, the film has already garnered mostly rave reviews and is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Projections indicate that it could make at least $200 million globally during its opening weekend, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
In a recent Q&A session at the HMV Store in London, Gunn revealed an intriguing backstory about his involvement with the Superman franchise. He disclosed that he was initially approached to direct a Superman film back in 2018 but ultimately turned down the opportunity. “I was daunted by the task,” Gunn admitted. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it. Also, if you remember, there was other stuff happening with Superman at the time.”
The “stuff happening” that Gunn referred to includes the notable cameo of Henry Cavill’s Superman in the post-credits scene of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Black Adam. This cameo hinted at a continuation of Cavill's interpretation of the iconic Kryptonian, which ultimately did not materialize. As DC Studios underwent a significant reboot, many beloved characters, including Cavill's Superman, were left behind.
Gunn’s decision to decline the Superman project was influenced by the political climate at the time. “They didn’t want it to be politically messy,” he explained. Consequently, Gunn opted to direct The Suicide Squad, a project he was more familiar with and thoroughly enjoyed. This decision came after a tumultuous period in his career, which saw him briefly ousted from Marvel due to resurfaced problematic tweets related to his political commentary on the Trump administration.
Despite initially turning down the Superman pitch, Gunn revealed that the character had remained on his mind. “I kept thinking about Superman; I couldn’t get it out of my head,” he shared. His contemplation revolved around how to modernize the hero for today's audience. When DC Studios reapproached him three years ago with the opportunity to write a new Superman movie, Gunn enthusiastically accepted.
Today, as the release date approaches, critics are largely in agreement that Gunn has crafted a successful film for DC Studios. Reviews highlight the movie’s emphasis on “truth and justice” and hope, distinguishing it from previous interpretations that focused on “the American way.” io9 praised the film, stating, “this Superman movie somehow both feels like a big deal and also a breezy, popcorn blockbuster. It’s a delight, and if this truly is the beginning of a brand-new DC Universe, it’s in good hands both behind the camera and in front of it.”
Superman is set to release on July 11, 2023, and fans are eager to see how it will shape the future of the DC Universe in both film and television. For those interested in more news from the world of entertainment, stay tuned for updates on the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as insights into the future of Doctor Who.
