How James Gunn’s Superman Is Setting a New Tone for the DCU

Comic books have been one of my passions for as long as I can remember, and one of my favorite characters was Superman. Growing up reading his comics, I could see a lot of myself in the character. Over the years, runs like Superman for All Seasons and All-Star Superman really inspired me as a storyteller, and their videos opened up a new way I thought about the world and my own writing. On screen, Superman has been through many iterations, from light to dark tones. Now, with James Gunn taking over DC and making the first new Superman movie in over a decade, I can't help but be excited for the new take on the icon. Let's dive in. Superman - Official Sneak PeekThis week, at CinemaCon, James Gunn took to the stage to show the audience what he's been working on for the last couple of years. The film, starring David Corenswet as Superman and currently in production, is slated for release on July 11, 2025.In the preview, we were treated to a very different version of Superman than we grew accustomed to during the Zach Snyder days. We were back to something that felt like the Christopher Reeve hero. This is perhaps the most significant tonal shift. And one that excited the audience, along with me. The previous iteration of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) often presented a darker, grittier, and more deconstructive take on Superman, focusing on his burden and the world's fear of him. There was no magic and wonder in what he could do - -and that always bothered me. Gunn has explicitly stated his Superman will embody hope, kindness, and compassion. He wants to portray a Superman who represents "truth, justice, and the American way," but more importantly, one who embodies kindness in a world that often lacks it. This suggests a move away from cynicism towards a more inspirational and fundamentally hopeful core.In the trailer, we see a focus on Clark Kent's identity and values, sitting with his parents and being goofy walking up the street. This suggests a character-driven approach, aiming for emotional resonance and relatability alongside the superheroics. The tone will likely involve exploring how these two halves inform his actions and worldview.And when it comes to the Superman scenes, we see this guy has a dog, robots who help him, and giant monsters that attack him. I love the pulpy aspects of this vision. This is a character who is larger than life, so giving him obstacles that feel a part of that big whole is natural. In addition, we get the familiarity of Lex Luthor and Lois Lane, which lends itself to bringing an audience with some preconceived notions about who this character should be and what they can expect. No word on how this affects the other movies in the DC canon, but I think, like comics, all these stories will focus on what needs to make sense in them as individual tales, and not as a giant whole. Especially with the darker and grittier Matt Reeves Batman stories.All of this has me very excited to watch this movie. As a massive fan of both the comics and the movies, it's nice to see the Man of Steel back on the big screen, ready to take on foes and help friends. What did you think of the footage? Let me know in the comments.

Apr 4, 2025 - 21:17

How James Gunn’s Superman Is Setting a New Tone for the DCU

Comic books have been one of my passions for as long as I can remember, and one of my favorite characters was Superman. Growing up reading his comics, I could see a lot of myself in the character.

Over the years, runs like Superman for All Seasons and All-Star Superman really inspired me as a storyteller, and their videos opened up a new way I thought about the world and my own writing.

On screen, Superman has been through many iterations, from light to dark tones.

Now, with James Gunn taking over DC and making the first new Superman movie in over a decade, I can't help but be excited for the new take on the icon.

Let's dive in.

Superman - Official Sneak Peek

This week, at CinemaCon, James Gunn took to the stage to show the audience what he's been working on for the last couple of years. The film, starring David Corenswet as Superman and currently in production, is slated for release on July 11, 2025.

In the preview, we were treated to a very different version of Superman than we grew accustomed to during the Zach Snyder days. We were back to something that felt like the Christopher Reeve hero.

This is perhaps the most significant tonal shift. And one that excited the audience, along with me.

The previous iteration of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) often presented a darker, grittier, and more deconstructive take on Superman, focusing on his burden and the world's fear of him.

There was no magic and wonder in what he could do - -and that always bothered me.

Gunn has explicitly stated his Superman will embody hope, kindness, and compassion. He wants to portray a Superman who represents "truth, justice, and the American way," but more importantly, one who embodies kindness in a world that often lacks it.

This suggests a move away from cynicism towards a more inspirational and fundamentally hopeful core.

In the trailer, we see a focus on Clark Kent's identity and values, sitting with his parents and being goofy walking up the street. This suggests a character-driven approach, aiming for emotional resonance and relatability alongside the superheroics. The tone will likely involve exploring how these two halves inform his actions and worldview.

And when it comes to the Superman scenes, we see this guy has a dog, robots who help him, and giant monsters that attack him.

I love the pulpy aspects of this vision. This is a character who is larger than life, so giving him obstacles that feel a part of that big whole is natural.

In addition, we get the familiarity of Lex Luthor and Lois Lane, which lends itself to bringing an audience with some preconceived notions about who this character should be and what they can expect.

No word on how this affects the other movies in the DC canon, but I think, like comics, all these stories will focus on what needs to make sense in them as individual tales, and not as a giant whole. Especially with the darker and grittier Matt Reeves Batman stories.

All of this has me very excited to watch this movie. As a massive fan of both the comics and the movies, it's nice to see the Man of Steel back on the big screen, ready to take on foes and help friends.

What did you think of the footage?

Let me know in the comments.