In the ever-evolving world of superhero cinema, James Gunn is set to redefine one of the most iconic characters of all time, Superman. As anticipation for ‘Superman’ intensifies ahead of its July 11 release, fans have noticed a distinct departure from the traditional invincible image of the Man of Steel.
Trailers and previews have shown David Corenswet’s Superman not just emotionally vulnerable, but physically bruised and bloodied. Very few are fans expected, and even fewer are used to. James Gunn has now finally addressed the question that’s been buzzing around fan communities: Why does Superman bleed?
What Sets James Gunn’s Superman Apart From The Older Versions
During an interview with ScreenRant, James Gunn elaborated on how his interpretation of Superman diverges from previous versions. This especially includes Henry Cavill’s nearly indestructible iteration in the DCEU. Gunn explained that David Corenswet’s Superman is not only physically vulnerable but also emotionally exposed, and that’s very much by design.
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“Yes, it is, both to some degree,” Gunn said when asked if this Superman is more emotionally and physically vulnerable. “Emotionally, for sure, simply because we’re invited into Superman’s personal life… It’s about a person who thinks of himself in a certain way, finds out that it isn’t true, and has to recontextualize who he is.” This is a fascinating shift in how Superman is portrayed.
Traditionally, Superman is seen as the paragon of strength. However, Gunn wants to humanize him. This version of Clark Kent is not just a god. He is a man grappling with identity, truth, and loss. On the physical side, Gunn makes it clear that Superman’s blood is not a sign of weakness but of the strength of his opponents. “He’s fighting an equal and opposite force,” Gunn noted.
“So in some ways, it’s no different than when Superman was fighting the bad guys in Superman II, in Donner’s film.” His enemies are either equally matched in strength or bring uniquely terrifying powers of their own. Unlike the god-tier Cavill version, Corenswet’s Superman has to earn every victory, and he pays for it in blood, sweat, and soul-searching.
Nicholas Hoult Wants To Explore Lex Luthor And Joker’s Team Up
The evolution of the DCU isn’t limited to Superman alone. It’s also about the villains, and one of the most interesting comments ahead of Superman’s release comes from Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor. In a recent interview, Hoult shared a surprising but wish: a team-up between Lex Luthor and the Joker.
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“One of the comics I read in the lead-up to this was a link-up between Lex and Joker. The combination of those two together was really fun to read… perhaps if we are lucky and get to keep making movies, that’s something I’d like to see,” Hoult said. This is a crossover that has rarely been explored in live-action. During Zack Snyder’s DCEU era existed within the same universe but never shared screen time.
Gunn’s more interconnected, character-driven DCU may finally change that. The idea of Lex and Joker working together is as thrilling as it is dangerous. Together, they would be a nightmare for any hero, even one as powerful as Superman. Of course, for this dream team-up to happen, Gunn would need to cast a new Joker.
