James Gunn Admits Turning To Zack Snyder For Advice On This Superman Element

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Summary

  • James Gunn sought advice from Zack Snyder on Superman’s red trunks for the upcoming movie.
  • Both Gunn and Snyder have different approaches to filmmaking and the character of Superman.
  • David Corenswet’s response about the red trunks changed Gunn’s perspective on it.

As a film enthusiast with decades of cinematic experiences under my belt, I must admit that the ongoing saga of Superman’s red trunks has been quite an intriguing journey. Coming from an era where Superman was synonymous with Christopher Reeve and his iconic costume, I have to say that the debate over these vibrant undergarments is a fascinating reminder of the ever-evolving nature of our beloved superheroes.

In the course of preparing his upcoming Superman film, James Gunn sought counsel from Zack Snyder regarding a specific aspect of the character’s attire. This interaction was discussed by the head of DC Studios in a recent interview.

As a follower of the DC Universe, I’ve witnessed Zack Snyder’s significant influence in its early years, setting the stage for its interconnected cinematic universe and directing key films like Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). In 2022, Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-CEO of DC Studios and rebranded the DCEU as DC Universe (DCU). They launched a new Superman movie with David Corenswet taking on the role, replacing Henry Cavill. While both Snyder and Gunn have distinct filmmaking styles, the former focusing on the dark, brooding, and mythic aspects of these characters, and the latter blending humor, heart, and heroism for a more in-depth portrayal, there’s no rivalry between them. In fact, Gunn sought Snyder’s help for the new Superman movie he directed.

In a chat with Screen Brief, Gunn opened up about the difficulties he faced when designing Superman’s costume, specifically the issue of the briefs being red. During the development process, which involved David Corenswet and Juliana [Makovsky], our costume designers, we were making progress but it had the red trunks, the whole ensemble. We had many discussions about the red trunks.

I tried like a billion versions with the trunks and just never got there.

“And I said, ‘I see how that’s the case,'” Gunn continued.

Gunn confessed his preference for using the trunks but found them overly vibrant. In conversation with Corenswet, however, there were no concerns about the costume. In fact, the Superman lead told him, “I love it,” when asked about his feelings towards the outfit. Eventually, Corenswet’s viewpoint on the trunks persuaded Gunn to keep them as they were. “David explained, ‘I’m an alien from outer space who can fly and lift buildings, and I shoot laser beams out of my eyes that can dissolve things. I want kids not to fear me. So, what should I wear? And I think that was part of the costume’s origin. It changed my perception of the character,” Gunn added.

In my perspective, some enthusiasts find Superman’s iconic red briefs to be part of his enduring legacy. Yet, from a practical standpoint, they don’t serve any real purpose. In fact, they seem somewhat outdated when compared to the streamlined and stylish designs of contemporary superhero costumes. Even Snyder chose to forgo the red briefs in Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel, a decision that was well-received by fans.

Regarding the red-colored suitcases, opinions vary; some might find them annoying, whereas others might barely give it a second thought.

Superman will hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

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2024-12-25 22:24