James Gunn Defines What His Superman Should Be

In the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 red carpet, writer-director James Gunn got asked to describe his upcoming Superman in the DC Studios. It isn’t a secret that GOTG Vol 3 is the filmmaker’s last instalment to the Marvel Studios franchise. Furthermore, fans and followers know that he is working on a new Superman while being the competition’s new co-CEO.

Since the concluding movie of the band of intergalactic misfits have arrived, people are now celebrating and looking forward to future projects. Actors that belong in the current movie are even expected to land a role in the new projects that Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran are brewing with the new DC slate.

While many are noting the tendency of Gunn to cast favorite talents and more often than not friends and family, particularly his wife and brother, the projects have yet to announce official casting. However, Gunn has stated that the pre-preparations are underway. In any case, many are looking forward to the developing series and movies.

James Gunn Describes DC’s New Superman

READ MORE: James Gunn Says JJ Abrams’ Superman Movie Is Still Happening

James Gunn reveals what he's looking for in the next Superman at the premiere of #GuardiansoftheGalaxyVol3. https://t.co/G3QElsKbUh pic.twitter.com/GkWRmVy5Pq

— Variety (@Variety) April 28, 2023

Amidst the festive mood for Marvel Studios’ new Phase 5 movie, Variety got a few information from Gunn about his vision for DC Studios’ new Superman. When asked about the developing project and how he envisions the last Son of Krypton, the writer-director immediately answered:

It’s hard but we’re looking and we actually have some really great choices which I’m excited about. It has to be somebody that has to have all the humanity that Superman has but he’s also an alien.

It’s gotta be somebody who has the kindness and the compassion that Superman has and has to be somebody that who you want to give a hug.

All of the Supermen have been good. So we just have to add to that story.

In his recent tweets, Gunn has been excited about the development of Superman Legacy. He even shared a photo of the script’s first page. This strictly follows his rule that they will be developing movies with a script that is already completed.

I’m honored to be a part of the legacy. And what better day than #SupermanAnniversary Day to dive fully into early pre-production on #SupermanLegacy? Costumes, production design, and more now up and running. pic.twitter.com/TJYpCRmdsf

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 18, 2023

It maximizes and optimizes the allocation of budget and scheduling of production as it will limit re-shoots and changes in the story. Something that was evident in DC’s other productions like the upcoming The Flash starring Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle and Michael Keaton, as well as Aquaman 2 starring Jason Momoa showing this December.

It seems that fans are now amenable to the idea of a new Man of Steel as people are more curious as to the developing project as days go by. Some comments that they are still sad that Henry Cavill lost his chance at becoming the Superman that he wanted to be.

But at the same time the same people are hopeful knowing the new Superman will be highly influenced by Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman. The series published in 2005 and 2008 has, according to fans’ opinion, one of the best Superman stories ever.

By emphasizing that his Superman has to have all the humanity the character has while being an alien encapsulates how the Man of Steel was depicted in the comic book series. Thus this brief chat with the filmmaker gave another glimmer of hope for DC fans.

James Gunn Wants DC’s New Superman To Be Huggable

Credit: DC Comics

READ MORE: Snyderverse Wonder Woman Has Kryptonian Origin

It’s been so long since I recalled myself looking forward to the ultimate DC’s superhero movie. I wished I could have seen Henry Cavill as Kal-El again and I also missed that chance to seeing him in the big screen last year. What’s just disappointing was that the happiness I felt at the time was quickly snatched by the news that Cavill is no longer the character.

Still, we do understand the need for a reboot. Starting the franchise afresh would open doors to more characters under the DC library of heroes and villains.

Credit: Shutterstock

Gunn’s idea for the character will not only include what he stands for but also all his struggles balancing his life as a superhero, as someone who loves Lois Lane, as someone who grew up in Smallville, as a mild-mannered reporter of the Daily Planet and him just being Clark Kent

When asked to confirm if it isn’t Chris Pratt, Gunn answered in a heartbeat:

It’s not Chris Pratt. If he was a few years younger, maybe.”

Suddenly I am trying not to imagine Pratt in the blue suit with a red cape bearing a symbol that is not an S.

What do you make of James Gunn’s description of his Superman? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

What do you make of this story? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages! And if you enjoy listening to film podcasts, why not check out our podcast, The Small Screen Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts!