James Gunn Revealed Why He Declined Superman in 2018

James Gunn’s Hesitation over DC’s Politically Complex Superman Project in 2018

James Gunn initially declined an offer to direct a Superman film in 2018. During a Q&A session at HMV in London, the filmmaker explained that the situation within DC’s film division was complex and “politically complicated,” which made the project feel overwhelming. Warner Bros. had offered him a choice of film, including Superman, but Gunn instead opted for The Suicide Squad, describing it as a more familiar setup. At the time, Gunn was unsure how to approach the Superman character within DC’s cinematic universe. This uncertainty stemmed partly from questions about Henry Cavill’s continuity in the role after Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Justice League. Gunn noted that DC Films did not want to continue directly from Zack Snyder’s saga. During the production of The Suicide Squad, he even considered including Superman, envisioning a confrontation between his team and the world’s most powerful hero. However, without concrete answers regarding Superman’s identity in that universe, Gunn chose to focus on a different story with less traditional villains.

James Gunn’s Rediscovered Interest in Superman Amidst DC’s 2022 ‘Wild West’, New Creative Plan and Casting Decisions

Three years after his initial refusal, Gunn began to reconsider, contemplating how to create a Superman film that would resonate with contemporary audiences and adopt a modern approach. He subsequently accepted an invitation to write the film after being presented with a new creative plan that he found compelling. This decision occurred amidst a period in 2022 that the press described as a “wild west” for DC’s cinematic universe, characterized by scattered plans, including a potential Black Adam vs. Superman film starring Henry Cavill. It was during this time that James Gunn and Peter Safran were named co-presidents of the newly created DC Studios, tasked with establishing a consistent direction for the DC universe. David Corenswet has since been cast as the new Man of Steel in the upcoming Superman film, aligning with this unified vision.

In Case You Missed It

Exciting news for all Superman fans out there! Sophie Laurent has penned a fascinating piece on the first reviews of James Gunn’s highly anticipated “Superman: Gods and Monsters” (2025-07-08). The film, set to premiere next week, is receiving mixed but generally positive feedback. Critics are raving about David Corenswet’s performance as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry with him in the role of Lois Lane. While some critics find the plot a bit overcrowded, James Gunn’s direction is praised for its vibrant tone and balanced mix of action and humor. Don’t miss out on this insightful review that dives deep into the film’s themes and reception—be sure to check it out First Reviews Arrive for James Gunn’s Superman Film. For those interested in the intersection of film and contemporary politics, don’t miss Marcus Thompson’s latest piece on James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. Published on July 8, 2025, this insightful article delves into how the director tackles themes like morality and human kindness through a modern lens, sparking debate among critics. As Gunn faces backlash from conservative voices for infusing political messages into his work, he remains committed to exploring these crucial issues in an expansive narrative that includes familiar and new DC characters. Dive into the conversation at James Gunn Tells Critics to ‘Buzz Off’ After Revealing Superman Has Political Messages and share your thoughts! If you’re a DC comics enthusiast or simply interested in the latest superhero films, be sure to check out Carlos Mendoza’s review of the new Superman movie released as part of DC Universe’s reboot. Published on July 8, 2025, the review delves into the film’s mixed reception due to its overcrowded cast and questionable narrative clarity, despite some visually stunning action scenes. Mendoza provides a nuanced critique that both praises David Corenswet’s performance and critiques the movie’s shortcomings, including hasty editing and an overwhelming cosmic plot. For more insights, head over to Superman: Brighter Yes, but Also More Erratic (Review)!