James Gunn looks at the differences between making the Superman movie for the DC Universe and the Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel Studios. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a closed chapter for Gunn after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, his time in the superhero genre is set to continue, as the creator is now serving as the co-CEO of DC Studios. Gunn is also bringing the Man of Steel back to the big screen this summer, with the DCU’s Superman movie being one of 2025’s most highly anticipated events.

Gunn recently appeared on the DC Studios Showcase Podcast, where he looked back on his time with the MCU as well as his efforts taking on Superman as his first DCU movie under DC Studios. During his episode, Gunn highlighted some of the key differences in making his Guardians of the Galaxy movies in comparison to rebooting Superman for the big screen, as he shared the following:

So it’s really important, for instance, when we’re making Superman, we’re making a movie for everybody. Whereas that was pretty true with Guardians, but every once in a while, there’s like this dumb thing in there that I’m like, ‘I’m going to put that stupid thing in, even though nobody wants me to.’ It’s subtly different, but it’s still basically the same. I mean, I still feel like it’s always been, you know, the only thing I can do is just make the best movie I can.

And I try to do that, no matter what the case. And I’m also– I am responsible to whoever is putting up the money that you know we’re staying under budget with every project. So, you know, those things are pretty much… It’s always been part of my personality to be accountable, to be responsible, to care about, you know, the well-being of the movie, both from an artistic standpoint and from a commercial standpoint.

I check myself a lot. I’m a really careful person. Like I… You know, when I make a film, I’m not that guy that’s like, ‘Oh, I believe this is it.’ I really have to run it past other people, get opinions, get a real audience’s opinions. As much as all that process is incredibly painful, I do everything I can to make sure that it’s a movie that speaks to people–that works.

Because when you create a movie, especially a big spectacle film, you’re creating a giant machine that’s supposed to have an effect. […] And I like telling a personal story within a spectacle. I find it’s incredibly effective. I think it’s rare. But at the same time, you’re creating this giant machine that needs to work on an audience in a specific way. And if it isn’t working in certain ways, you’ve got to go in there and tune up and chop off and chisel and figure it out until you can make it work the best it possibly can.

What James Gunn’s Guardians Of The Galaxy & Superman Comments Mean For The DCU

One of the most fascinating aspects about Superman when it comes to Gunn’s involvement is how he went from helming one of the MCU’s most successful trilogies to now tackling an entire franchise across TV and film for DC. While Gunn had a great run with bringing some of Marvel’s more obscure characters into the MCU, this is obviously very different to bringing the Superman cast and characters together. When looking at Gunn’s commentary, it’s also worth remembering that he isn’t just a person who wrote and directed a Superman film; he is also one of the driving leaders of DC Studios, putting him in a unique filmmaking position.

Juggling the roles of studio executive and filmmaker at the same time comes with double the amount of responsibilities, particularly for a major IP like Superman, as the Man of Steel’s 2025 installment will be crucial for the DCU going forward. However, having worked on the Guardians of the Galaxy movies for as long as Gunn did, along with his long history of working in Hollywood, is definitely a major advantage for him as he tackles the DCU. That will likely also be crucial for Gunn going forward, since he is helping develop the DCU’s Batman and Wonder Woman movies, marking two more DC icons under his responsibility.

Our Take On James Gunn’s Guardians Of The Galaxy & Superman Comments

Hearing Gunn being as open as he is about his experience going from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies to not only rebooting Superman, but also DC’s live-action brand, is refreshing, as it’s definitely easier said than done. As DC Studios has been actively marketing Superman, so much of Gunn’s DCU is already looking incredibly promising. When Superman arrives in theaters in just a few weeks, it will be fascinating to see how the movie does differ from Gunn’s prior MCU movies, and what this might mean for the rest of the DCU.

Source: DC Studios Showcase Podcast/YouTube