In the ever-evolving world of superhero cinema, James Gunn is proving that the DC Universe is being reborn. As Gunn’s ‘Superman’ prepares for release, the DC Studios co-head is already fielding new pitches for what’s next.
This includes one surprising prospect that has sent ripples through the fandom. According to Gunn, a very, very, very famous actor has pitched an Elseworlds DC film directly to him.
James Gunn Will Only Go Forward With DC Elseworlds Film If The Script Is Good
While James Gunn is keeping names close to the chest, the mere confirmation that such a pitch exists has sparked massive speculation and excitement online. However, for Gunn, it’s all about the story. “If it’s a masterpiece, I’ll make it,” he said. The story broke during an interview with Entertainment Weekly, where Gunn opened up about the status of DC Studios’ ongoing strategy.
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While the main focus remains on the core DC Universe (DCU), which will officially kick off with ‘Superman’ in July, Gunn confirmed that Elseworlds projects (standalone stories outside of the shared universe) are very much in play. “We have a lot of animated projects… and some Elseworlds tales,” Gunn shared. “There’s room for people to tell other stories.”
He went on to describe a recent meeting with a Hollywood heavyweight, an actor whose name commands instant recognition. “It was a very, very, very famous movie actor,” Gunn explained. “I told him, ‘It depends on how the screenplay comes out… If it’s a masterpiece, I’ll make it.’” The actor found Gunn’s desire for perfection funny and went back to the drawing board. “He’s still working on it,” Gunn confirmed. “We’ll see.”
For Gunn, it’s not just about fame or influence. It’s about passion, quality, and a clear vision. “The script still needs to be good,” he emphasized. “We’re not going to make it unless we like the script.” Moreover, this open-door policy with a very high creative bar may just be the right formula for revitalizing DC’s brand.
James Gunn Is Taking Every Fan Backlash Over ‘Superman’ Very Seriously
Meanwhile, in a fascinating example of how engaged Gunn is with both his work and the fanbase, the director has quietly made a key change to his upcoming ‘Superman’ film after fans criticized a flying shot from an earlier teaser. The moment, featuring David Corenswet’s Man of Steel soaring through the sky, struck many as visually “off”.
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Rather than ignore the feedback, Gunn addressed it head-on. “It was a TV commercial, and it wasn’t a finished visual effects shot,” he admitted. “It was a photograph of his face and him flying… a photograph of a drone flying in front of an actual background. All the pieces were real, but it was incorporated in kind of a funky way.”
What’s more, Gunn revealed that the criticized shot isn’t even in the final cut of the movie. “I didn’t love the shot, so it’s not even the shot that’s in the movie,” he said. “Sometimes I forget to look as closely at the commercials as I do the trailers. That one kind of got by me.” Now, an updated version of the shot has emerged in a new TV spot, and it’s a noticeable improvement.
