James Gunn Calls Superman His First Superhero Movie (Is He Right?)

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James Gunn, known for directing several well-received comic book adaptations, considers Superman as the first superhero film he’s directed throughout his career. During a recent interview with IGN while promoting the upcoming DC Universe reboot, Gunn, who is also co-head of DC Studios, reminisced about his work in both Marvel and DC franchises. He noted that his previous projects, such as the indie classic Super, might be categorized as superhero movies by casual viewers, but they don’t actually fit this description. Gunn’s past works have focused on characters who are not always selfless or altruistic.

One aspect that intrigues me is that despite being known for creating superhero movies, I’ve never actually made one in the traditional sense. For instance, in Super… it’s a man in a costume who uses a wrench to fight people. He’s not really a superhero. After making the Guardians series, which are more about space exploration, and The Suicide Squad, where the characters are villains, I can now say that Superman is my first genuine superhero film.

In a fresh turn for director James Gunn, Superman signifies another milestone in his journey, marking the commencement of a new phase in his career. It’s the inaugural film of the revamped DC Universe franchise, aiming to launch a series of successful adaptations based on DC Comics. The reboot seems promising so far, with Superman receiving rave reviews and expected to perform well at the box office during its opening weekend.

Before the premier of “Superman”, I, as a movie enthusiast, can’t help but ponder over its aftermath. I’ve hinted at penning a sequel of sorts for this iconic character and I’m also spearheading the creation process of other films centered around DC superheroes. In progress are “The Brave and the Bold”, a fresh take on Batman, and a new chapter in the story of Wonder Woman. As a producer, I am poised to expand my resume with more captivating stories of these beloved superheroes.

Gunn offers a unique take on his comic book adaptations that fans may not have previously pondered. While the characters in his previous films have performed heroic deeds, such as Task Force X defeating Starro and the Guardians of the Galaxy battling Thanos’ forces during the Battle of Earth, it’s important to note that figures like Star-Lord, Rocket, Bloodsport, and Harley Quinn don’t conform to the classic superhero mold akin to Spider-Man or Superman. Task Force X is composed of criminals. Before they banded together, Rocket and Groot were mercenaries, and Star-Lord was a pirate. Given their morally questionable backgrounds, it’s understandable that Gunn might hesitate to label these characters as “superheroes.

It seems that Gunn’s success with Marvel and DC adaptations might be due to his exceptional ability to grasp each character’s unique traits. For instance, instead of a traditional superhero story, Gunn transformed Guardians of the Galaxy into a space opera about building an uncommon family, given Star-Lord’s space adventurer nature. He didn’t hesitate to portray Task Force X’s aggressive tendencies in The Suicide Squad. Furthermore, his Superman embodies light and hope, resonating with the character’s essence. Known for shining a spotlight on lesser-known comic characters and infusing them with his signature style, Gunn has proven himself capable of making everyone from Superman to Polka Dot Man stand out. In essence, if he can continue to tap into what makes each character unique and memorable, the DCU is in good hands.

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2025-07-09 00:14