James Gunn’s take on Superman feels like a breath of fresh air, an emotional and symbolic return to the essence of what the character was always meant to be. His version doesn’t just reimagine Superman for a new generation, it reclaims him.
And Gunn’s recent comments about Superman’s old-fashioned nature being “rebellious” couldn’t come at a better time. With the media now portraying superheroes as morally corrupt, the world needed a superhero who was perfect. And now we might just get that.
“Old-Fashioned Is Rebellious”: James Gunn’s Superman Is The Hero We Need Right Now
For fans who’ve grown up with darker interpretations of superheroes, this new approach offers not just a tonal shift, but something that feels more real. We’re no longer talking about a god trying to survive in a world that hates him, but a man choosing to be good in spite of it. That defiance through compassion is what makes Gunn’s Superman the perfect hero for right now.
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James Gunn’s insight into the character taps into something profound. In a recent Entertainment Weekly editorial, he stated: “I think that old-fashioned is something that’s really beautiful and, in its own way, the most rebellious thing about that character.” For a generation that’s grown up watching superheroes fall from grace, betray their ideals, or question their very nature, this feels almost radical.
Superman isn’t just powerful, he’s principled. Gunn’s take flips the modern superhero trope on its head. We’ve seen the anti-heroes, the morally gray vigilantes, the disillusioned gods. Now, we’re getting a Superman who refuses to compromise. There’s a subtle beauty in that. It’s not that Gunn’s Superman is blind to the darkness in the world.
On the contrary, he sees it clearly and still chooses to believe in something better. That kind of defiance, that rebellion through optimism, is exactly what makes this Superman feel timely and urgent. And it’s not just nostalgia. Gunn isn’t copying Christopher Reeve’s portrayal or ignoring the legacy of Henry Cavill’s Superman. Instead, he’s building on it. Where Snyder’s Superman reflected a post-9/11 era of distrust and existential dread, Gunn’s Superman reflects a post-pandemic world craving stability.
James Gunn’s Superman Will Ensure That Hope Doesn’t Become Something Corny
We’re living in an era where superhero media has become increasingly grim. Shows like ‘The Boys’, ‘Invincible’, and even parts of the MCU have leaned into themes of corruption, abuse of power, and the fallibility of heroes. While these stories serve as powerful commentaries, they also mirror a messed-up world. And while darkness has its place, it’s not the only truth worth telling.
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This is where Gunn’s Superman becomes so vital. It’s not just about nostalgia or feel-good storytelling, it’s about resisting the idea that idealism is unrealistic. By giving us a Superman who is openly, stubbornly good, Gunn challenges the prevailing notion that in order to be “real,” heroes have to be broken. Think about the last time a superhero film genuinely made you feel hopeful.
For many, that feeling is a distant memory. Gunn’s Superman promises to bring it back. And let’s talk about the emotional impact. For those of us who once believed that superheroes were supposed to inspire and not reflect the worst parts of ourselves, Gunn’s comments feel like a validation of that belief. So, in the new film, Superman’s kindness becomes his superpower.
