James Gunn Addresses Superman: Legacy Concerns From Fans
James Gunn recently responded to concerns about the number of characters in Superman: Legacy by comparing the film’s cast count to one of Steve Carrell’s most famous films. Writing on Threads, he said, “I don’t understand this fear. There are less characters than in 40-Year-Old Virgin. Did you think Steve Carell got enough time?”
Post by @jamesgunnView on Threads
Gunn was responding to a fan who was worried that Superman would be sidelined due to the presence of Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Metamorpho. This isn’t the first time the filmmaker addressed concerns about the multitude of superheroes in Superman: Legacy. In a previous Threads exchange, Gunn assured fans that every character was essential to Superman’s story.
Post by @jamesgunnView on Threads
He also stressed that Superman: Legacy won’t be used to set up other DC films, adding that Kal-El and Lois Lane are the movie’s primary focus. “I’ve never used one movie to set up another movie,” he wrote. “The characters are there because they help to tell Superman’s story better, not so we can set up separate projects in the franchise. Superman and Lois are the very clear protagonists.”
James Gunn took to Threads to assure fans that Superman will be his focus in Superman: Legacy despite fans’ concerns about there being too many characters introduced in the film.
Superman: Legacy stars David Corenswet as the titular hero alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The stacked cast also includes Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern. Fillion previously starred as T.D.K. in 2021’s The Suicide Squad, which won’t be part of the new DCU canon.
Before the first Superman: Legacy casting announcement, several reports indicated that Gunn was holding auditions for the next Lex Luthor. Actors rumored to be on his shortlist include siblings Alexander and Bill Skarsgard. However, the SAG-AFTRA strike began soon after, and it’s unclear if DC Studios completed its casting, as union members are not allowed to audition during the strike.
Superman: Legacy will focus on Clark Kent’s early days as Superman while showcasing the character as the embodiment of kindness, truth, and justice.
Superman: Legacy will officially begin the first phase of DC Studios’ revitalized cinematic universe, called Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Gunn, who serves as writer and director, previously said the movie would not be a Man of Steel origin story. As such, his adaptation will focus on something other than the Kryptonian hero’s childhood in Kansas.
Instead, the story takes place in a world where superheroes already exist. The plot will focus on Clark Kent’s early days as Superman while showcasing the character as the embodiment of kindness, truth, and justice. Superman: Legacy is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
David Corenset Has Always Wanted To Play Superman
Interestingly, Superman: Legacy star David Corenswet expressed his interest in playing Superman long before his official casting. Responding to online fan chatter in 2019, the actor said he would be honored to take on the role. He also revealed that he would love to portray a more colorful version of the character compared to Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.
“It came to my attention before the internet got a hold of me,” Corenswet told Entertainment Weekly. “But my pie-in-the-sky ambition is definitely to play Superman. I would love to see somebody do an upbeat, throwback [version of Superman]. I love the Henry Cavill dark and gritty take, but I would love to see the next one be very bright and optimistic.”
Henry Cavill’s depiction of Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel caused some controversy at the time. While numerous individuals admired his physical presence and unwavering dedication to the role, divergent viewpoints emerged concerning the creative trajectory of the character. The primary source of criticism centered on the superhero’s adoption of a more somber and introspective demeanor.
