James Gunn's office at Warner Bros. is hard to miss; a massive, illuminated Superman “S” symbol shines brightly from the entrance wall, easily visible through the glass door. At 58 years old, Gunn is now in his third year as co-CEO of the newly formed DC Studios, sharing the role with Peter Safran, who manages the business components of the operation. Together, they are building a new superhero universe around classic characters, with the goal of making Superman and his entourage truly competitive against the currently unstable Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Gunn himself is a notable figure in this transition. He previously made waves in the Marvel universe with his work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which premiered in 2022. The upcoming Superman movie, set for release on July 11, is poised to be the first feature film in the new DC Universe (DCU) and is seen as one of the most significant films in modern superhero cinema, although Gunn prefers not to frame it that way. His journey to becoming a studio executive is anything but typical; he spent his formative years exploring every creative avenue available—whether it was fronting bands, crafting comic strips, or performing monologues in bars.
After receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia, Gunn published his debut novel, The Toy Collector, and found his true calling when Lloyd Kaufman, co-founder of the cult film company Troma Entertainment, hired him to write a screenplay for Tromeo and Juliet. This opportunity opened the door for Gunn to move on to larger projects, including big-budget films like Scooby-Doo and Dawn of the Dead. His unique blend of humor, visual style, and emotional storytelling set the stage for his breakout success with the first Guardians of the Galaxy film in 2014, making him a sought-after director in Hollywood.
In his office, which once belonged to Frank Sinatra, Gunn displays a full Superman costume worn by the late Christopher Reeve alongside a Lex Luthor bathrobe once donned by Gene Hackman. As he relaxes on his couch, surrounded by action figures of Superman and Aquaman, the coffee table is cluttered with various DC Comics, including a notable copy of the first Marvel-DC crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man: The Battle of the Century.
As production wraps up on Supergirl, set to release next year, Gunn reflects on his limited involvement on set. "I was really involved at the script stage," he admits, crediting director Craig Gillespie for successfully bringing the vision to life. He also discusses the evolution of titles for these projects, noting how Superman: Legacy was simplified to just Superman to better align with their forward-thinking approach.
Gunn acknowledges that his perspective on filmmaking has transformed significantly over the years. "My life and career have been a gradual softening of the edges," he explains. "I used to like provoking. But in my heart, I'm pretty sentimental." This realization, he believes, has enabled him to connect with Superman on a deeper level, moving away from the urge to mock the character. Instead, he aims to portray Superman's inherent goodness and strong moral compass.
He describes a pivotal interview scene between Lois Lane and Clark Kent as a significant departure from his previous work, focusing on character dynamics rather than humor. "There’s funny stuff that happens in that scene, but it’s all situational," he notes, emphasizing the importance of emotional authenticity. This grounded approach highlights the evolution of Gunn as a filmmaker, showing his ability to embrace tenderness without relying on comedic relief.
As the first major project from DC Studios, Superman bears high expectations. "I just go, 'That’s their business,'" Gunn states, indicating his focus on creating a quality film rather than succumbing to external pressure. "I’d be very happy with a double," he adds, contrasting the film’s potential impact with the more relaxed approach he takes to its reception.
With the recent challenges faced by Marvel, Gunn is mindful of the lessons to be learned. "We have to treat every project as if we’re lucky," he reflects, emphasizing the importance of quality storytelling over quantity. "Nothing goes before there’s a screenplay that I personally am happy with," he insists, highlighting his commitment to ensuring that every aspect of DC's production meets his standards.
Looking ahead, Gunn is already developing new material, including a DC film that he is currently writing. He recognizes the challenges of balancing multiple projects while striving to maintain creative energy. "If I do exhaust my well, then I’ll go raise goats," he jokes, demonstrating his passion for storytelling and his determination to keep pushing creative boundaries.
As he navigates the intricacies of the DC Universe, Gunn remains focused on creating a unique and engaging Superman story, one that resonates with audiences and revitalizes the legacy of this iconic character. "I did Superman because I loved the character," he concludes. "I was excited about writing that movie." With this enthusiastic mindset, the future of the DC Studios seems promising, as Gunn prepares to usher in a new era for the beloved superhero franchise.
