James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ marked the start of a new era in the history of superhero cinema. It reintroduced the most recognizable superhero of DC, and a film that carries the responsibility of a whole universe on its shoulders. What it almost was, however, is a little more surprising: a film featuring a beloved member of Gunn’s own family, his cat.
Being the first theatrical chapter of the DCU, ‘Superman’ came under severe criticism. Each moment was broken down, discussed, and compared with the previous ‘Superman’ movies. Gunn was in a challenging position. Inevitably, that meant some creative sacrifices had to be made. Among the most unforeseen victims? A cameo of Gunn and his cat, Emily.
Hidden ‘Superman’ Scene That Never Saw The Light Of Day
On X, James Gunn disclosed that ‘Superman’ had initially featured a touching scene with Daily Planet employee Steve Lombard. Lombard, as a comic book character, is the loudmouth of the newsroom who loves sports. He is not necessarily a character that the audience would want to see in a vulnerable situation. However, the original script that Gunn had provided him with precisely that, a surprising show of emotion that was connected to his cat, Penelope.
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“A moment where Steve Lombard cried over his cat, Penelope, was cut from the film due to pacing as was sadly my cat Emily’s cameo,” Gunn shared. That little clarification instantly reshaped how fans understood Lombard’s role. The theatrical version still gives us hints of his gentler nature. However, the emotional undertone never comes into view. And right alongside that lost moment was a cameo from Gunn’s own cat.
On the face of it, it is a lovely notion. Gunn has a personal style that is familiar to fans: he enjoys bringing human warmth and weird humor to massive genre narratives. The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ films are full of such emotionally offbeat touches. A Daily Planet sports columnist crying over his pet? That is classic Gunn. However, ‘Superman’ was not just any project. It’s the narrative foundation for an entire cinematic universe, and every decision weighs heavily.
Why James Gunn Made The Painful Cut
Fans might be saddened by the missing cat cameo and the heartwrenching Lombard scene. However, the decision to delete the scene was a clever one. ‘Superman’ Was the initial big test of the DCU and not just a standalone movie. It needed to: Present a new incarnation of Clark Kent, create an optimistic, realistic atmosphere, establish the Daily Planet team, and nod to broader DC lore.
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That is a tall order for any film, let alone one rebooting a character audiences feel deeply protective about. Pacing is difficult when a film carries that much narrative burden. Each second has to sharpen the emotional core of the film and drive its momentum. And even though a touching cat scene tells more about Lombard, it does not further the story of the film. ‘Superman’ had to focus on emotional clarity.
Gunn does not make Superman cynical. So, a comic-sad animal scene would have easily broken that flow. Even a delightful one. And the decision was proved right by the final film. The findings are self-explanatory: ‘Superman’ was the biggest-grossing superhero movie of 2025. It received good reviews, and critics liked its emotional sincerity and pacing. The optimistic mood of the film was also welcomed by fans. Gunn’s instincts, once again, served the narrative.
