James Gunn Reveals the Surprising Reason Behind the Number 3 in Superman’s Opening Scene

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In a blockbuster, one method for setting up a comprehensive big-screen superhero continuity from the get-go is by skillfully employing the number three. This approach mirrors the initial scroll in Star Wars to some degree. For instance, in the opening scene of Superman, there’s a concise timeline presented via on-screen text that outlines the canon history – dating back three centuries (when metahumans first arrived on Earth), fast-forwarding to three years ago (when Superman unveiled himself to the world), and finally catching up to just three minutes ago (when Superman suffers his first defeat in battle).

This intro offers a concise yet grand overview of the DC Universe’s history. Ever wondered how it all started? We’ve got exclusive insights straight from the pen of the writer, director, and co-CEO of DC Studios for you! As Superman prepares to hit the big screen this weekend, let’s delve into the story behind the story.

The Number Three Isn’t Specific; It’s Just The Number That Happened To Fit Best

In the opening of Superman, you might assume that the recurring number three has a particular meaning behind it. Maybe it’s connected to the DC Trinity (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman)? However, during a recent interview with James Gunn, TopMob’s Jeff McCobb discovered that the inspiration for this intro came from a specific source, but there’s no deeper significance attached to the number selection. Instead, Gunn drew inspiration from this unique source when creating the opening scene of the film.

To begin with, the number three isn’t significant for any particular reason. Many others have asked about this before, and it’s actually a device used by Alan Moore in his work, involving the repetition of specific numbers. In this case, three was simply the best fit. It serves as a marker, signaling the start of our journey within the DC Universe. Essentially, it sets the stage for us to understand that we’re delving into a world where superhumans, or what we commonly refer to as superheroes, exist.

Regarding the “match,” it seems that out of all the events in the timeline, only two points required precise details. It wouldn’t make a difference if metahumans were discovered on Earth four centuries ago or Superman lost his first fight minutes before the introductory scene. However, there is less room for adjustment when considering A) the exact time Superman arrived on Earth and B) the moment he presented himself to the planet as the last son of Krypton. The former determines the title character’s age, while the latter reflects his connection with humanity.

While this modification may slightly diminish the enchanting quality of the initial text, it effectively sets up the chronology of the world in a clear and concise manner.

More Than Just Providing Background On The DC Universe, It Instantly Tells The Audience About The Story That Is About To Be Told

This timeframe at the beginning of the film effectively sets expectations for viewers, ensuring they understand that this “Superman” blockbuster offers something new. Director James Gunn emphasized the importance of avoiding any confusion with a repetition of the origin story.

For those who might be unaware, Superman hails from the planet Krypton, having been sent there as an infant. This is information we can share without delving into his origins, as we aim to skip over that part in this narrative and focus on more recent events instead. We believe our audience is already familiar with this backstory.

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James Gunn found it straightforward not to retell the traditional Superman origin story once more, but it proved challenging to immerse viewers directly into a critical juncture in the character’s life. Moreover, the initial scene also swiftly informs viewers about a global emergency where Kal-El decides to intervene, which is quite a lot of information to deliver within the first few moments of the movie.

James Gunn shared that it was challenging to bring his vision to life accurately, yet he’s incredibly pleased with the end result.

It was challenging to strike a balance in the narrative, as I was eager to jump straight into the action and reveal his damage from the start – he had just lost his first battle. Yet, it was essential to manage the story carefully to avoid overwhelming readers with too much information at once. After much effort, I believe we’ve found an appropriate equilibrium now.

As a die-hard cinephile, I must say, the climactic moment is nothing short of spectacular, and it’s available for your viewing pleasure right now! After decades of anticipation and production, Superman has finally graced the big screen in cinemas across the nation.

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2025-07-11 15:38