The DCU
has a mᴀssive challenge ahead with reintroducing arguably the most famous superhero on the planet, Superman
, but I really believe James Gunn has a handle on who and what the character represents. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the DCEU, there were things that I felt were really strong. One of them being Henry Cavill as a version of this huge, powerful Superman. The actor is a huge nerd, and he clearly loved the character, but due to a number of issues, the portrayal of Superman in the DCEU was not ideal.

But when Gunn announced the brand new DCU, and the fact that actors like Cavill would not return, that hurt. I was excited to see new cast announcements, and keep up to date with developments for Superman, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have any concerns. However, despite this, seeing the way Gunn is handling the character, the engagements with fans online, and recent comments from a press event that Screen Rant attended, I think this could finally be the version of Superman I’ve always wanted to see on the big screen.

James Gunn Explained Superman Is “Not A Fascistic Power Fantasy”

James Gunn Is Creating A Modern Version Of The Classic Superman

Gunn may be a divisive figure, especially considering the fact that he came to DC and was essentially given the power to wipe out the Snyderverse and start over from scratch. Anyone who had a positive experience with those movies, myself included, felt like that was a major loss, despite the flaws and difficulties that arose during the DCEU’s time. But, one thing that Gunn needs to be given credit for is his ability to create stories and compelling characters through his writing and direction. And I think that comes from Gunn having an in-depth understanding of the characters and who they are while he works.

““We do have a battered Superman in the beginning. That is our country. I believe in the goodness of human beings, and I believe that most people in this country, despite their ideological beliefs, their politics, are doing their best to get by and be good people — despite what it may seem like to the other side, no matter what that other side might be. This movie is about that. It’s about the basic kindness of human beings, and that it can be seen as uncool and under siege [by] some of the darker voices are some of the louder voices… We all felt like we were doing something good, both in terms of quality and in terms of actually something that’s not a fascistic power fantasy. I’m not saying that about other hero movies in general. But it felt good to be doing something that was about a person’s kindness.”

When it comes to Superman, Gunn shared the above comment about how excited he has been working on the movie, and it feels like Gunn just gets it. Rather than a dark superhero story where Superman beats the heck out of the villain, flies away with the girl, and is purely a symbol of power, Gunn wants to push that idea of hope and kindness to the forefront. Gunn is creating a version of Superman that should be looked up to not because he hits harder and is invincible, but because he is the embodiment of hope and kindness.

James Gunn Is Right About Superman

James Gunn Has Done His Research

The thing is, Superman was invented and introduced to the world in 1938, at a time when the world needed a symbol for something more than human brutality and violence. As the world descended into the period of World War II, Superman was used as the symbol of human hope. He was not a human himself, in fact, he was an alien, but this alien became the icon that people could look to in order to see the idealistic version of what mankind ought to be. His story was never about just pounding the other guy into the ground, it was about doing what was right, for the right reasons.

Yes, sometimes that means fighting, and sometimes it means standing back up when you get knocked down, and sometimes, it means saving a cat in a tree. Superman is for everyone, and he is meant to be that symbol and idea of hope for everyone. So, when James Gunn says that this is not a fascistic power fantasy, I believe that points to this movie going beyond a simple good versus evil fight. And it goes beyond the superhero beating the bad guy with no real effort or consequences. The focus isn’t on displays of outrageous unmonitored power, it’s highlighting what Superman represents.

I’m Even More Excited For Superman Knowing James Gunn Understands The Character

The DCU’s Superman Looks Like The Most Authentic Take In Decades

Of course, Superman has been adapted plenty of times, and each version brings something new to the table. Whether the movie is trying to highlight his strength, his determination, his unwavering stability, or even his anger, all of these are valid takes. But, I believe at his core, Superman is so much more simple, and so much more meaningful. As the first superhero, he is the embodiment of truth, justice, and a better way. He gives hope to the hopeless, and he inspires others to stand up for themselves.

And I think Gunn is taking the character back to his roots. Yes, the Kryptonian has spectacular powers that usually mean it takes a lot to make him bleed, but even when Superman is stripped of his powers, he isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right, and tries his best to protect others. Ultimately, I think these stories, where Superman struggles, gets knocked down, and needs to exert extreme effort to get back up are the best and most accurate versions of what the character was intended to be. And seeing how Gunn is handling Superman so far in the DCU, I think he truly gets how important that symbolism is.

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

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  Superman

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  July 11, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

  Release Date

  
  June 26, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Batman Part II

  Release Date

  
  October 1, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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