
For a long time, superhero movies were a sure bet in Hollywood, offering little risk and lots of reward. But those days seem to be fading. Audiences are no longer flocking to theaters just because a movie is based on a Marvel or DC comic. Take Kraven the Hunter as an example—fans are being more selective about the superhero stories they want to see. This shifting landscape puts immense pressure on next summer’s Superman, which has the monumental task of reigniting enthusiasm for the genre. And at the center of it all is James Gunn, who has the weight of an entire cinematic universe on his shoulders.
Although Zack Snyder still has many loyal fans, most people agree that James Gunn’s appointment as co-CEO of DC Studios was the right move. Gunn handles the creative side, while Peter Safran oversees the business. With hits like Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, and Peacemaker, Gunn has shown he knows how to craft stories that appeal to both casual moviegoers and hardcore comic book fans. However, Gunn recently revealed how much stress the Superman project has caused him, showing just how high the stakes are.
James Gunn opens up about Superman movie!
In a recent set visit interview tied to the release of the first Superman teaser trailer, Gunn opened up about the immense pressure he feels. When asked how he was handling the responsibility of rebooting one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, Gunn didn’t mince words. “I’m miserable,” he admitted to io9. “Really, I’m miserable. But hopefully, it’s for the greater good.”
Gunn clarified that his stress wasn’t due to any production issues but rather the psychological burden of delivering a film that checks a lot of boxes. Not only does Superman have to be an entertaining and fresh take on a beloved character, but it also needs to perform well enough to kickstart the new DC Universe. Gunn acknowledged the stakes bluntly, saying, “A lot [is riding on Superman]. I mean, we’re not going to just keep making movies.”
Fortunately, some of that pressure may have lifted with the positive reception to the film’s teaser trailer. The sneak peek was praised as a perfect mix of classic Superman charm and modern cinematic spectacle. Fans noted how it paid homage to the character’s comic book roots while capturing the awe-inspiring tone of earlier Superman portrayals, like those by Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill.
Both Gunn and fans are hoping the stress will pay off when Superman hits theaters on July 11. If it succeeds, it could not only mark the beginning of a new era for DC Studios but also breathe fresh life into the superhero genre as a whole.