James Gunn is set to redefine the Superman narrative in his upcoming 2025 film, addressing past criticisms with a fresh portrayal of the iconic hero.

At a time when the Marvel Cinematic Universe had just aired The Avengers on the big screen and laid claim as the best interconnected comic universe to date, DC Studios came up with its own iteration just a year later. In 2013, Zack Snyder kick-started the DC Extended Universe with his Man of Steel starring Henry Cavill as the titular lead. However, instead of competing head-to-head with the Iron Man producing studio, it went down with sweeping division.

A determined Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel by Zack Snyder

Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel by Zack Snyder | DC Studios
A set of decisions taken by the 300 director completely altered the latest 21st-century live-action appearance of the red cape. All of it eventually led to critical and box office failures that led to the entire lore crumbling down with 2017’s Justice League. Finally, in October 2022, Peter Safran and James Gunn took over as the co-chiefs of DC Studios and announced a complete reboot with the latter’s Superman, starring David Corenswet, set to kick things off, all while throwing shade at the former outing.

James Gunn seemingly mocks a Zack Snyder Man of Steel decision

The Suicide Squad director is moving ahead at full pace to have his Superman movie meet its deadline of a July 2025 release. Yet that does not prevent James Gunn from interacting with his fans. In the latest set of conversations, shared by DC Film News on X (formerly Twitter), the filmmaker responded to a question asking if Jonathan Kent will be alive in the movie with “Well, I don’t think I’d hire Pruitt to play a dead person for an entire film”.
Kevin Costner in an emotional scene as Jonathan Kent in Man of SteelKevin Costner as Jonathan Kent in Man of Steel | DC Studios
The answer soon started trending as fans quickly called it back as a reference to the infamous scene in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, where Pa Kent sacrificed himself during a tornado sequence. Stretching his hands outward to gesture a firm denial, Kevin Costner’s character did so apparently to protect his adopted son’s true identity. However, fans argued that Superman would have saved his dad in the blink of an eye without even anyone getting a whiff of it.

Regardless, several defenses and explanations for the scene have popped up, ranging from talks of Superman then being in his teenage and thus, inexperienced and unable to fly to the moment serving as a catalyst for the character to embark on his pursuit of truth, hope, and justice. However, it did little to close the seeping divide and the derailed critical appraisal.

Fans believe David Corenswet’s Superman will right the wrongs of Henry Cavill

David Corenswet in a firm look as Superman in Superman by James GunnDavid Corenswet as Superman in Superman by James Gunn | James Gunn via Instagram
Several rights flew in as Henry Cavill soared up as Superman in Man of Steel. From an intricately designed suit that ditched the iconic red briefs for a modern appeal to cinematic shots making up for a big chunk of the movie, Zack Snyder did get praised for his outing. However, unjustified creative decisions such as the death of Jonathan Kent dampened its reception.

Now, with James Gunn regularly throwing updates that point at him having learned from Snyder’s missteps, fans believe that the new director will surely do justice to the character. As such, a large section of social media users sided with him on his take on Pa Kent. Furthermore, many also pinned their hopes that the movie will explore the dynamics of the father-son bond as in several comic storylines where the former stays alive to witness his son becoming Superman.

 


 

 

 

 

In the meantime, David Corenswet has also suited up for the role. The recent preview glimpse offered a look at his suit that incorporated the best of all before it, including the return of the red briefs. Finally, the title change from Superman: Legacy to Superman and production in full swing, have fans all the way excited for the film’s release.