James Gunn has described his recent project, Superman, as the most challenging film he has ever directed. In an interview with Variety on the Awards Circuit podcast, Gunn explained that the film is more “comic book-driven” than any of his previous superhero films, highlighting the complexities of reinterpreting a well-known character.
“This was the hardest movie I’ve ever made,” said Gunn, who has also directed the successful Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. He compared the challenge of Superman to that of his first Guardians film, stating, “With Guardians, you were building a corner of the universe that felt completely different from everything else Marvel was doing at the time. Here, I was reorienting something everyone already thinks they understand.” He emphasized that this film is uniquely tied to comic book elements, marking a departure from his previous works.
Insights into the Film’s Themes
The film stars David Corenswet as the iconic Man of Steel and draws significant inspiration from the acclaimed comic book series All-Star Superman. Gunn articulated that the core narrative revolves around the relationship between Clark Kent and his nemesis, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. “I relate to both of them,” Gunn admitted. “I relate to Lex’s ambition and obsession – minus the murder. And I relate to Superman’s belief in people, his Midwestern values. They’re two sides of me.”
Superman has already achieved notable acclaim, having been awarded GamesRadar+‘s movie of the year for 2025. Following this success, a sequel titled Man of Tomorrow is set to release next year, continuing the journey of Corenswet’s Superman and Hoult’s Luthor.
What’s Next for the DC Universe
Before Man of Tomorrow hits theaters, audiences can look forward to another highly anticipated film from the DC Studios lineup. Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie, will introduce Milly Alcock as Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El. This film promises an adventurous narrative as Supergirl embarks on a quest for revenge across the universe, accompanied by Krypto the Superdog. Supergirl is scheduled to release on June 26, 2025.
As the DC Universe continues to evolve, fans eagerly await further details on upcoming films and shows. Gunn’s ambitious vision for Superman sets a high bar for the future of superhero cinema.
