For James Gunn, storytelling has never just been about explosions, superpowers, and space-faring oddballs. Whether he’s guiding the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ or stepping into the monumental shoes of rebooting ‘Superman’ for DC Studios, his main focus has always been on human connection.
However, as Gunn himself admits, making ‘Superman‘ is a whole different ball game. And Gunn knows what he’s in for.
James Gunn On Going From The ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ To ‘Superman’
In a candid conversation on the DC Studios Showcase Podcast, James Gunn opened up about the transition from working with Marvel to now becoming the architect of the DC Universe. Having concluded his journey with Marvel’s beloved misfits in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’, Gunn now finds himself not only directing Superman but also co-leading DC Studios.
Moreover, the difference in scale, pressure, and tone between the two universes is immense. And Gunn is more than aware of the weight that comes with it. “When we’re making Superman, we’re making a movie for everybody,” Gunn emphasized. That freedom allowed him to occasionally sneak in “dumb things” that may not have appealed to everyone but satisfied a personal itch.
Superman, on the other hand, demands broader appeal and a more refined emotional resonance. “You’re creating a giant machine that’s supposed to have an effect,” Gunn explained. “And if it isn’t working in certain ways, you’ve got to go in there and tune up and chop off and chisel.” He admitted to being “a really careful person” and someone who doesn’t just trust gut instinct but relies heavily on feedback.
“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.” This commitment to both artistic integrity and commercial viability is a tightrope walk few directors can manage. Additionally, Superman is not just an obscure figure, he’s one of the most iconic and scrutinized superhero franchises of all time. That difference alone changes the stakes significantly.
James Gunn On Handling The Weight Of Rebooting ‘Superman’ And Leading A Universe
Perhaps the most striking contrast between James Gunn’s Marvel and DC experiences lies not in the characters but in the scope of his responsibilities. Taking on Superman isn’t just about writing and directing. It’s also about shaping the very foundation of a revitalized DC Universe. Gunn is fully aware that this ‘Superman’ movie is more than a standalone film, it’s the starting point for everything to follow.
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What sets Gunn apart is how transparent he is about the weight of it all. “You’re creating a giant machine that’s supposed to work on an audience in a specific way,” he says. It’s not just about spectacle. It’s about building something enduring. And yet, even amidst the pressure, Gunn still seeks to tell a personal story. That was always his secret sauce in Guardians, and it’s what he believes makes big-budget blockbusters resonate.
He wants Superman to feel human, relatable, and grounded, despite its larger-than-life narrative. Juggling dual roles as both the film’s director and DC Studios’ co-CEO comes with its own set of challenges. However, Gunn remains unwavering in his mission to deliver. “I am responsible to whoever is putting up the money… We’re staying under budget with every project,” he stated.
