James Gunn Explains ‘Battered’ Superman Scene

by

Summary

  • Director James Gunn tackles vulnerable Superman, focusing on relatable human emotions in the upcoming movie.
  • The trailer showcases Superman’s vulnerability, emphasizing kindness over superpowers.
  • Some fans were concerned about Superman’s vulnerable portrayal and waiting for an explanation for his battered state in the upcoming film.

As a lifelong DC fan and a connoisseur of Superman stories, I must say that I am both intrigued and apprehensive about the upcoming movie. James Gunn has always shown a knack for humanizing his characters, and this new take on Superman seems no exception. The trailer’s focus on vulnerability rather than superpowers is an interesting shift, one that I’m eager to see play out on the big screen.

On Thursday, Warner Bros. Pictures released the long-anticipated Superman film’s official trailer. Earlier this week, director James Gunn finally spoke up regarding the superhero being portrayed as injured and defenseless in the movie.

Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming “Superman” film featuring David Corenswet, a departure from Henry Cavill’s portrayal since his “Man of Steel” role in 2013. After brief appearances in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) and “Justice League” (2017), Cavill had announced a return for another Superman film, but this changed when James Gunn and Peter Safran took charge of the DC Universe. Instead of focusing on an older Superman, as planned with Cavill, Gunn decided to emphasize a younger version of the character, leading to Corenswet taking over the role. Recently, the first trailer for Corenswet’s movie was released, leaving fans intrigued by the protagonist struggling in the snow and appearing short of breath, suggesting he might be in peril.

As a devoted admirer, let me share my interpretation of Gunn’s thoughts: “At the film’s outset, we see a bruised Superman, and that’s our nation, I think,” Gunn expressed during a Q&A, as reported by ScreenRant. “I have faith in humanity, and I believe that most people in this country, regardless of their ideological leanings or political views, are striving to be good individuals – even when it might not appear so from the other side.” The director felt it crucial to portray such a scene because “This movie is about that very struggle.” In the same poignant moment, Superman whistles in the snow, summoning Krypto the Superdog for aid and instructing him to take him home.

In various scenes, Superman is depicted rescuing a child from an explosion, facing ridicule from the crowd and a boy waving a flagpole bearing his emblem, seemingly anticipating his arrival amidst turmoil. According to Gunn, this portrayal represents the fundamental compassion of humans, and that such actions are often perceived as unpopular or under threat by some of the more dominant, negative voices. The director also shared with Variety his enthusiasm for the project, looking forward to its release so the public could observe the efforts behind the scenes. Gunn was equally proud of their work on Superman. He expressed that they all felt they were contributing positively, both in terms of quality and by creating a narrative that wasn’t just a power fantasy but rather focused on kindness. While he didn’t criticize other hero movies as a whole, Gunn mentioned that it was gratifying to be part of a project promoting such values.

One striking aspect of the trailer was its minimal dialogue, yet it still managed to be moving. Gunn and the production team did an excellent job of showcasing Superman’s vulnerability and power. It seems that the film will emphasize more on Superman’s human qualities rather than his superpowers. This aligns with Gunn’s intentions for the movie. The image of a young boy waving a flag bearing the Superman emblem amidst turmoil, along with the faint crowd chanting “Superman” in the background, serves as a reminder that Superman is not just a superhero; he is also a beacon of hope for many people.

Despite some viewers finding the trailer disheartening due to Superman appearing in a helpless condition, they argue that the film must convincingly portray what brings him down to such a state. Given his extraordinary abilities and divine powers, it should be a substantial force or Kryptonite-related issue. If not, it could diminish Superman’s strength if he were defeated by something less powerful than himself. However, as the trailer only showcased a few movie scenes, it is premature to pass judgment. Gunn has demonstrated impressive storytelling in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, so Superman’s battered state likely has a compelling backstory. It could involve Lex Luthor using Kryptonite or some other powerful adversary. For now, fans should remain patient and wait for more details about the movie to unfold.

Superman will hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

Read More

2024-12-23 22:08