What James Gunn Must Do for Superman to Truly Inspire Kids

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James Gunn’s “Superman” is scheduled for release in theaters on July 11th, and its performance – whether it’s a hit or a miss – will significantly influence the direction of all upcoming DC Universe productions. To state that there’s a great deal of expectation from the movie to perform well is an understatement. Although Warner Bros. Discovery would no doubt relish seeing the film break box office records, the success of “Superman” – and potentially the resurgence of the struggling superhero genre – hinges on something more fundamental: its capacity to captivate and inspire young minds.

Simply put, if this movie fails to inspire even a single child to run around in their yard wearing a homemade cape after watching it, then the DC Universe might as well be considered a flop from the start.

Superhero Movies Should Still Be For Kids

As more superhero content is aimed at adults, it risks pushing away the young fans who traditionally supported these franchises. If children find themselves disconnected from Superman, they might gravitate towards other favorites like Mario or popular YouTubers instead. If not addressed, this trend could signal a significant downturn for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other superhero genres. It’s unfortunate that we have to point fingers at Superman, but he has the potential to inspire a fresh wave of hope and creativity in children, making him truly the Original Hero.

In the ‘Capes n’ Tights’ genre, it seems there’s a growing disinterest that isn’t simply “superhero burnout,” but rather an exhaustion from the trend of grim, realistic portrayals and deconstructions. What we really need are fewer troubled vigilantes and psychologically complex superheroes, and more heroes who embody justice with unwavering optimism. Essentially, instead of focusing on darker, brooding narratives like Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” we should aim for the uplifting spirit of Richard Donner’s “Superman: The Movie.

Superman: The Movie Turned a Whole Generation of Kids Into Superman Fans

Back in 1978, Superman: The Movie was an enormous box office hit that still resonates today, particularly among those who were kids at the time. Instead of focusing on its financial success, it’s important to note the profound influence it had on a large number of young viewers. If you grew up in the ’80s, chances are you played dress-up as Superman at least once by wearing a makeshift cape (a blanket or towel) around your neck. This was a common practice among Xennials similar to spinning a flashlight for a pretend lightsaber, mimicking Star Wars sounds, or running through the sprinkler on a hot day.

As a film enthusiast, I must clarify that Superman wasn’t exclusively for kids, but its focus seemed geared more towards the younger crowd compared to blockbusters like National Lampoon’s Animal House and The Deer Hunter in 1978. While both Superman and Star Wars may have attracted audiences of various ages, it was clear that Superman was tailored for the enjoyment of 10-12 year olds.

It turns out that those kids aged from 10-12 years old. As they matured, their tastes evolved, yet their initial interests remained due to nostalgia fueled by capitalism. Consequently, grown-up Batman fans found themselves disliking the cheerful reruns of Adam West’s portrayal that they adored as children, instead seeking a more serious and adult version of the character. Hollywood was all too willing to satisfy these ‘grown-up kids’ and their disposable income, even if it meant neglecting real children in the process.

The Snyderverse Doesn’t Have a Kids Section

It’s common knowledge that the trend of creating more mature superhero movies extended to even the most innocent heroes, like Superman. Now, it’s important to note: While there are certainly devoted fans of Zack Snyder’s darker portrayal of Superman, it’s unlikely you’ll hear a fifth-grader asking for the “Snyder-cut.” Also, I doubt elementary school kids are discussing the latest episodes of shows like Andor or The Penguin during recess.

Superheroes such as Deadpool and Batman can often be portrayed in a more mature way, but Superman should forever remain suitable for children. At this time, there are not just one, but two live-action R-rated Superman films: Zack Snyder’s Justice League and the director’s cut of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In our opinion, that’s two too many. If your Superman film requires an R-rating from the MPAA, it suggests that something has gone astray in the production process.

Based on the trailers for the 2025 Superman film, it seems James Gunn might change the current trend, but we’ll have to wait and see. While Gunn does use a more vibrant color scheme than Snyder, he still primarily focuses on adult audiences, if not more so than his predecessor. To be fair, Snyder did create that CGI Owl movie, which is more family-friendly. The most kid-friendly film Gunn has made might have been the first Guardians of the Galaxy, and even that movie had a joke comparing Star Lord’s ‘romantic moments’ to Jackson Pollock’s art.

There’s Nothing Kids Love More Than Dogs and Robots

It’s possible that James Gunn has toned down his typically humorous style, considering the footage from the set of Superman where David Corenswet is seen with children. This shift might be due to the fact that the film marks the live-action introduction of Krypto the Super Dog and Superman’s robot butlers, which seem more geared towards a youthful sense of amusement rather than an adult’s more “down-to-earth” sensibilities.

It seems we won’t know until July 11th if Superman will connect with younger audiences. Until then, we hope with a touch of apprehension that James Gunn can guide the original superhero in rekindling his influence among children worldwide.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to find a safety pin and a red blanket.

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2025-06-06 00:15