James Gunn’s Superman: Balancing Humor with Heart and Heroism

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Summary

  • Warner Bros needs Superman to be a statement of intent for the new DC Universe, moving beyond past DC films.
  • Superman will include comedic moments, but it will also have pathos and heart, reflecting James Gunn’s filmmaking style.
  • Implying Superman will be overly jokey is naive. Films can have a mix of genres, and Gunn’s films always have an emotional core.

Ever since James Gunn was revealed as both writer and director for the upcoming Superman movie, some fans have expressed concern that he might only bring humor and slapstick to the Man of Steel. However, it’s misleading to assume that the 2025 Superman film will be nothing more than a comedic extravaganza; doing so undervalues Gunn’s potential to create a balanced narrative.

Warner Bros. desperately hopes that the upcoming Superman film will be a blockbuster. After a challenging decade with the DCEU, Gunn’s Superman promises to set the tone for the new DC Universe of movies and shows. Although Creature Commandos, which debuted in December 2024 on Max, was the first official project under the new DCU, it’s not the high-profile blockbuster that DC Studios co-heads Gunn and Peter Safran are eagerly seeking. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Lanterns won’t be released until 2026, so Superman is DC Studios’ sole chance to reacquaint audiences with the concept of an interconnected multimedia universe that isn’t overshadowed by past DC films. The most effective way to erase memories of movies like The Flash and Shazam! Fury of the Gods from consumers’ minds is to achieve a monumental success with Superman.

It has been said that Gunn’s interpretation of Superman will have a humorous tone, much like the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Since the same writer/director is behind both projects, this comparison seems fitting. Many whispers about the film are based on test audiences’ feedback, and if those audiences expected another Man of Steel or Batman v Superman, they might find this new Superman to be quite humorous. Focusing on whether Superman becomes a joking character overlooks the bigger picture.

Will James Gunn’s Superman Have Jokes? Of Course, It Will

It’s clear that Superman, with James Gunn penning the script, will certainly have its fair share of humor. Given Gunn’s filmography which includes Scooby-Doo, Slither, Super, and the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, all known for their amusing scenes, it’s safe to expect some laugh-out-loud moments in Superman as well. Even his films like Scooby-Doo have their comedic highlights. After all, every portrayal of Clark Kent (or Kal-El) on the big screen has incorporated humor at some point, even Zack Snyder’s more somber take on Man of Steel included light-hearted scenes. The iconic Superman we all adore, introduced by Christopher Reeve in 1978, was nothing if not a bit of a jokester.

In the upcoming movies, it’s no secret that Nathan Fillion, Skyler Gisondo, and Beck Bennett will portray Guy Gardner, Jimmy Olsen, and Steve Lombard respectively. The main reason for their inclusion is to bring humor to the film. Indeed, even a powerful Green Lantern like Guy Gardner with his distinctive bowl cut is meant to elicit laughter. It seems some people are concerned that Superman might be too comedic, but they must not have read a DC comic book in quite some time. Superman is an iconic superhero character whose stories encompass a wide range of emotions and themes: from tender moments to uproarious jokes, thrilling battles, villainous monologues, espionage, intrigue, lofty ideals – the tales of Superman span the spectrum. This diversity is part of what makes his character timeless.

James Gunn’s Superman Will Undoubtedly Have Pathos And Heart

It seems as though those criticizing Superman for being too humor-centric might not have seen any of James Gunn’s films. He’s certainly not like Judd Apatow or Mel Brooks; instead, his movies have an emotional core that drives their success. For instance, the first Guardians of the Galaxy film delves into Peter’s mother’s past, while the second Guardians movie provides a deeply emotional farewell for Yondu. The Suicide Squad from 2021 offers a poignant tale about Ratcatcher’s difficult childhood, and even Super, made years prior to Gunn’s fame, concludes with a finale that could bring tears to your eyes.

The teaser trailer for the upcoming Superman movie offers several hints about the emotional depth of the narrative. In the sneak peek, you’ll observe touching moments between Jonathan Kent and Clark on their farm, Superman attempting to help robot Kelex in a critical situation, and multiple scenes featuring Clark and Lois Lane together. It’s been confirmed that Krypto, Superman’s loyal canine companion, will also be part of the film! Contrary to some speculation, it’s unlikely that this new Superman movie will be filled with nothing but humor; instead, it seems set to deliver a balanced blend of action, emotion, and drama.

Movies are not limited to a single category; they can encompass multiple elements. For example, comedies may include action scenes, horror films can have moments of clarity, and children’s movies might contain references that only adults would understand. To suggest that a movie can only be one thing is oversimplifying the complexity of filmmaking, at best, or being misleading, at worst. So, will Superman include jokes? Yes, it certainly can. However, it’s unlikely that Superman would become an overly jokey affair.

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2025-03-24 02:13