James Gunn’s SUPERMAN: Blending Cinematic Legacy, Comics, and a Fresh Vision

James Gunn has made it clear that his Supermanfilm isn’t a retread of what’s come before and it’s something both familiar and new.

During a recent set visit interview with CB, Gunn discussed his creative process and the influences guiding his take on the Man of Steel. While tipping his hat to filmmakers like Richard Donner and Zack Snyder, Gunn emphasized that his Superman is uniquely his own, and it’s rooted deeply in the character’s comic book legacy, particularly Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman.

Gunn admitted: “I think that all previous DC media influenced me.” He was quick to acknowledge the shadow of Richard Donner’s iconic Superman: The Movie (1978) while making it clear this isn’t a rehash. “The original Donner movie influenced me, but there’s also a lot of things that — this isn’t like I’m just making a Donner-type movie. It’s very different from that.”

For Gunn, honoring Superman’s history means incorporating a mix of the old and the new. While he also recognized Snyder’s modern vision for Superman and his contributions to the character, Gunn’s approach leans heavily into DC’s vast comic book history.

“Zack did some excellent stuff,” Gunn acknowledged, before diving into his primary inspiration… the pages of All-Star Superman.

Gunn revealed: “There’s a lot of stuff from the comic books above and beyond anything else, All-Star Superman, that influenced me more than anything.”

Morrison’s celebrated run, known for its hopeful tone and Silver Age callbacks, informed Gunn’s desire to bring a sense of wonder and classic science fiction back to the character.

He explained: “I wanted to take that sort of Silver Age feel, that sort of science fiction approach to it with gadgets.”

This retro-futuristic vibe doesn’t just apply to Superman but extends to one of his greatest adversaries, Lex Luthor. Gunn hinted that Luthor’s portrayal will reflect this blend of modern storytelling and vintage influence, reimagining the villain in a way that feels fresh while still honoring the character’s roots.

At the core of Gunn’s Superman, however, lies the human connection between Superman (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan).

Gunn teased that this relationship will break new ground for the superhero genre. “The relationship between David and Rachel’s [characters] on screen is something I don’t think we’ve seen in – I hate to say stuff like this – but I don’t think it’s something we’ve ever seen any superhero movie ever.”

Gunn’s Superman promises to be more than just a tribute to past interpretations or a faithful adaptation of any single source. Instead, it’s a collection of influences, Donner’s hopeful tone, Snyder’s visual flair, Morrison’s mythic storytelling, molded into a film that reflects Gunn’s distinct vision. “Everything [influenced me], and then it’s just something that’s completely us,” he concluded.

Superman will tell the story of “Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas.

“He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.”

"It's set in a world very different from ours and far removed from the DCEU. Heroes have been around for ages, and we'll see how it affected this world's history and has shaped the DCU."

Superman stars David Corenswetas Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane; Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor; Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern; Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific; Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen; María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica, aka The Engineer; Sara Sampaio, as Eve Teschmacher; and Terence Rosemore as Otis.

Superman will launch the movie part of DC Studios’ Gods and Monsters: Part 1. It’s scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025.