Superman director James Gunn delves into the values embodied by Superman/Clark Kent and why society currently craves a hero like him. In the upcoming film, David Corenswet takes on the titular role, with the aim of rebooting the DC Universe to create a more lighthearted and comic-accurate continuity.
During an interview, Gunn shared his thoughts on why this is the opportune moment for Superman to grace the big screen. He pointed out that “this is a time of a lot of polarization in the world,” though he suspects “a lot of that is more online than it is in real life.” Gunn emphasized that he believes people tend to be “much better in real life than they [are] online.” Given his view that individuals are at their best when they step away from their screens, he anticipates that Superman will strike a chord with audiences.
Gunn elaborated further, stating, “I think this is a movie about the values of being human, about kindness and love, and although those are some things some people… don’t like, most all of us really like do that stuff no matter what our other ideological beliefs are.” According to Gunn, it’s precisely these ideals that will make Superman resonate with fans.
What Gunn’s comments about Superman signify is that he’s painting an optimistic picture of the hero, harking back to the early cinematic portrayals by the likes of Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, and Christopher Reeve. In contrast, the 2000s witnessed darker interpretations of the Man of Tomorrow. “Superman Returns” adopted a melancholic tone regarding Clark and his struggles with heroism, while “Man of Steel” aimed for a more edgy take on the Superman mythos. Hence, Gunn’s stance on Superman and his characterization seems to draw inspiration from adaptations like “Superman: The Movie”.
James Gunn’s remarks about Superman is his version of the character appears set to offer an enjoyable experience, judging by the trailer. His comments suggest that he intends to create a kinder Superman, a hero for everyone. Considering recent incarnations that emphasized the character’s strength and god-like aspects, a softer, more down-to-earth Clark could be the ideal choice for the new DCU if the goal is to build a more optimistic franchise. Focusing on his kindness and humanity is an excellent way to bring about a more heartfelt Man of Steel, as Gunn puts it, “that’s what Superman is.”
Related content:
-
BLUMHOUSE ANNOUNCES NEW ‘THE MUMMY’ MOVIE FROM ‘EVIL DEAD RISE’ DIRECTOR
-
DISAPPOINTING RELEASE DATE UPDATE FOR SPIDER-MAN: BEYOND THE SPIDER-VERSE