One Jimmy Olsen scene in Superman was H๏τly debated, according to James Gunn, who delved into the details in a new interview about the DCU’s inaugural movie. The final decision was probably for the best, however, as Superman is soaring as one of the most critically acclaimed adaptations of the Man of Steel.
One of the main reasons for Superman being so celebrated is the movie’s cast, with the movie’s leads, David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult, being particular standouts. The supporting cast of Superman has also earned ample praise, including Skyler Gisondo’s fan-favorite Jimmy Olsen, who is characterized as a prolific charmer who even wins the affections of Lex Luthor’s girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher.
After convincing Eve to help bring Luthor down, the two share a hug towards the movie’s conclusion, which James Gunn revealed in an interview with The New York Times was nearly a much more frosty interaction. Calling the moment “H๏τly debated,” Gunn revealed that certain sH๏τs included Gisondo’s Olsen looking “miserable,” stating:
“We have versions where Skyler is looking miserable, and honestly, that was my first inclination.”
After showing the sH๏τs to fellow director Drew Goddard, however, Gunn was convinced to use a sH๏τ in which Jimmy Olsen smiles, calling the moment “sweet.” Regarding that interaction with Goddard, Gunn states:
“He said, ‘It’s funny that he doesn’t smile, but it’s not that movie.’ And I’m like, ‘You’re right. Let’s put the smile in, it’s sweet.’”
What James Gunn’s Comments On Superman’s H๏τly Debated Jimmy Olsen Scene Mean
Jimmy Olsen And Eve Teschmacher’s Relationship Could Flourish
Jimmy Olsen spends much of Superman reluctantly entertaining the affections of Eve Teschmacher as part of a scheme to find dirt on Lex Luthor. His apparent aversion to Teschmacher flies in the face of the notion that Lex’s girlfriend is considered beautiful by others, bringing humor to their dysfunctional relationship.
Then again, Olsen’s response could have been more surface-level.
Nevertheless, this aversion doesn’t seem to carry through to the end of Superman when the two are reunited after Lex Luthor is brought to justice and sent to Belle Reve, and Teschmacher is freed from his pocket universe prison. Instead, Olsen enhances the impact of the moment as his relief supersedes his initial distaste for Teschmacher.
Eve Teschmacher was created for 1978’s Superman.
James Gunn might have telegraphed at this moment that Jimmy Olsen and Eve Teschmacher’s relationship would persist into a potential Superman sequel. Now that Teschmacher has established herself as an opponent to her ex-boyfriend, Lex Luthor, it stands to reason that she would ally with the heroes against whatever scheme Lex Luthor might cook up next.
Then again, Olsen’s response could have been more surface-level. Despite relenting to Teschmacher’s affections in this moment due to the intense relief the protagonists must have felt, he may continue to recoil at Teschmacher’s advances down the line.
Our Take On James Gunn’s Comments On Superman’s H๏τly Debated Jimmy Olsen Scene
James Gunn Made The Right Choice And I Hope We See More Of Both Characters
I think the future of Jimmy and Eve’s relationship could go either way, and I trust James Gunn to handle the implications as capably as he did in Superman. On the one hand, it might blossom into a heartwarming relationship in a future DCU installment. On the other hand, we could be treated to more hilarious interactions between the two.
Whatever the case, I think James Gunn was right to follow Goddard’s advice. The climactic moments in Superman were particularly nail-biting, with the fate of the world being threatened by the rift caused by Lex Luthor’s pocket universe, and it ultimately makes sense that Olsen would crack a smile after victory is clinched.
Source: The New York Times
