James Gunn rejects classic superhero tropes in new film

In a recent interview with The Times, James Gunn, the director of the new Superman movie, expressed his frustration with repetitive tropes in superhero films, particularly emphasizing the exhaustion audiences feel from repetitive origin stories. He specifically mentioned three things he never wants to see in a superhero film again: Batman's parents being shot in an alley, Spider-Man's origin with a radioactive spider, and the baby Superman’s escape from Krypton. Gunn compares these repeated narratives to unrelated films, stating that audiences do not require extensive backstory to appreciate a character's present journey. His sentiments come just as his version of Superman, set to release in theaters on July 11, 2025, debuts, featuring David Corenswet as Superman. Gunn delves deeply into the themes of the film, which he describes as a reflection on human kindness, an essential value that he feels has diminished over time. He views Superman’s story as an immigrant's narrative—illustrating the character as a symbol of hope and resilience for America and as embodying an inherent message of goodwill. In addition to exploring Superman’s character, Gunn highlighted the return of Krypto the Superdog, a beloved character from the comics. He mentioned how his personal experience with a rescue dog influenced the film's writing, prompting creativity during the script development. He humorously notes that his dog, Ozu, provided a chaotic element that fueled the film's imaginative storytelling. This character returns as Superman’s loyal companion, adding a unique dimension to the narrative. As the film nears its release, critics are already comparing it to previous iterations of Superman, leading to discussions on how Gunn's take might reshape the ongoing portrayal of one of the most iconic heroes in cinema. The history of Superman films highlights a range of critical receptions, with Rotten Tomatoes ratings varying significantly across the franchise. The anticipation surrounding Gunn's project is paired with curiosity about how it will stand against prior films, including Man of Steel and Superman Returns.