When James Gunn unveiled his plans for the new DC Universe, many fans were skeptical, especially when it came to his interpretation of Superman. For decades, the Man of Steel has stood as the gold standard of superhero power.
However, with David Corenswet stepping into the cape and Gunn choosing to make this Superman beatable, bruised, and emotionally exposed, we’re witnessing a bold new direction. And honestly? It might be exactly what the superhero genre needs right now.
James Gunn On Why Making Superman “Weaker” Might Actually Be His Greatest Strength
It’s easy to understand why some fans were taken aback after watching trailers for Gunn’s Superman film. Superman, the so-called “last son of Krypton,” bleeding? Staggering? Struggling to get back up after a punch? For those who grew up with invincible versions like Christopher Reeve’s upright powerhouse or Henry Cavill’s darker, godlike warrior, this portrayal might feel like a downgrade.
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However, James Gunn has a compelling reason for this change, and it starts with redefining what makes Superman super. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn addressed online debates comparing Superman with characters like Homelander. “I’ll just go out and write God-Man, who can destroy you with a wink. And I win. I win all the fights forever,” he stated.
Gunn is clearly tired of power-scaling contests. He’s not interested in writing a character who wins by default. Instead, Gunn is crafting a Superman who earns his victories the hard way, just like Batman does. “A lot of people are like, ‘I like Batman better because he can actually be beat,’ and I get that. So we have a Superman that can be beat,” he added.
Additionally, this shift changes everything. By allowing Superman to bleed and struggle, Gunn is opening up room for something the character has often lacked. When a character is invulnerable, the tension disappears. However, when a character can fall that’s where real heroism begins. Vulnerability makes room for humanity, and for Superman, humanity has always been at the heart of his story.
Superman’s Real Power Has Always Been His Humanity
The best versions of Superman aren’t memorable because of how many buildings he can lift or how fast he can fly. They resonate because of who he is, not just what he can do. Clark Kent is a boy raised by two kind, humble people who taught him to value truth, justice, and compassion. When he saves people, it’s not because he has to, it’s because he wants to.
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So, Gunn’s decision to scale back the invincibility is not a betrayal of the character’s strength; it’s a return to what makes Superman inspiring. By making Superman beatable, Gunn is forcing the character to rely on more than brute strength. We’re going to see a version of Kal-El who has to push himself mentally and emotionally, not just physically. That creates space for empathy, humility, and growth.
It’s also deeply personal. For many fans, our connection to Superman was never about his godlike powers. It was about the struggle between who he could be and who he chose to be. Seeing David Corenswet’s Superman fall, bleed, and keep going? That makes him feel more real, more grounded, and ultimately, more heroic. This version also mirrors what modern audiences seem to crave.
Moreover, James Gunn’s vision of a “weaker” Superman isn’t about stripping away power, it’s about redefining strength. In the coming age of the DCU, we don’t need another untouchable god figure. By making Superman vulnerable, Gunn is reminding us that the Man of Steel’s real strength comes from his heart, not just his fists.
