As a seasoned movie buff who grew up with the original Christopher Reeve Superman movies, I must say that James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film in 2025 has me both excited and a bit skeptical. The use of John Williams’ iconic Superman theme is a brilliant move, but it’s a delicate balance between nostalgia and modernity.
On July 11th, 2025, James Gunn’s Superman film will have its premiere in cinemas, signifying the official launch of the DCU following the precursor animated series Creature Commandos. Gunn’s Superman movie takes inspiration from various sources, notably Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman, as Gunn creatively reintroduces John Williams’ iconic Superman theme song. The initial trailer for Superman showcased music from the film’s score, distinctly featuring parts of the John Williams’ Superman theme. However, instead of being a literal reproduction, Gunn’s adaptation of it in Superman might be the ideal method to introduce it into a contemporary adventure starring the Man of Steel.
The John Williams Superman Theme Is Iconic (But Simply Copy & Pasting It Doesn’t Work)
1978’s “Superman: The Movie” breathed life into the Man of Steel in an unprecedented way and ushered in the contemporary era of superhero films. This groundbreaking status has made John Williams’ “Superman” theme almost synonymous with the character across various media. Yet, even with a timeless score like John Williams’ “Superman”, merely incorporating it into a modern Superman film doesn’t necessarily make it relatable outside of the Christopher Reeve context.
2006’s “Superman Returns” featured the Williams theme and served as a contemporary sequel to the first two Christopher Reeve “Superman” films, but it didn’t achieve the box office success Warner Bros. anticipated, underscoring the challenges of recreating the nostalgia for Christopher Reeve’s Superman in a modern context. The theatrical release of “Justice League” in 2017 made an even greater error by attempting to incorporate the Williams’ theme during its controversial reshoots and revisions, while the favorable response to “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” demonstrates that the Williams’ Superman theme can’t be effortlessly integrated into any Superman movie or series.
Among contemporary adaptations of Superman, the TV series “Smallville” arguably utilized John Williams’ Superman theme most effectively. While developing its own theme and soundtrack, “Smallville” strategically incorporated the Williams theme at significant moments throughout the show. Notably, this was done during Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Dr. Virgil Swann in Season 2, and in the finale of “Smallville,” when Tom Welling’s character, Clark Kent, transforms into Superman. It appears that James Gunn’s use of the Williams’ Superman theme in the trailer follows a similar approach as “Smallville.
Gunn’s Superman Movie Is Putting A Modern Spin On The John Williams Theme
As a movie critic, I must say that the teaser for James Gunn’s take on Superman delivers an intriguing twist on the iconic John Williams theme. Instead of merely rehashing the classic melody, Gunn offers a fresh interpretation by blending guitar chords reminiscent of the original with a more contemporary orchestral arrangement. It’s an exciting blend that promises to breathe new life into the Man of Steel’s musical identity.
Additionally, the music in Gunn’s Superman trailer features some powerful and mystical orchestral tones similar to Hans Zimmer’s Man of Steel motif. Essentially, the trailer shows that Gunn’s movie and its soundtrack draw inspiration from Christopher Reeve’s Superman and John Williams’ Superman theme, but they don’t just replicate it in a modern Superman movie.
Why Gunn’s Reworked John Williams’ Superman Theme Could Work
Previously mentioned, previous attempts to incorporate the Williams theme directly into modern Superman stories have generally not been successful. However, this doesn’t lessen the significance or affection for the theme within Superman fan circles. Given the past difficulties in integrating the Williams theme effectively in recent Superman movies, Gunn’s more thoughtful approach might just be the key to making it work. Unlike its heavy-handed use in “Justice League” 2017, Gunn’s subtle application and particularly his punk rock reinterpretation of the theme gives it a fresh feel while still retaining its iconic status. Its essential themes remain relevant even as times and musical styles evolve.
Stepping away from the iconic Superman theme that defined the Christopher Reeve era is no easy task, as history has shown. However, James Gunn’s unique take on this timeless melody for his upcoming Superman film could potentially be the refreshing twist we’ve been waiting for, if he manages to strike a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
Superman will be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.
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2024-12-25 17:10