Q&A: James Gunn on ‘Superman,’ finding David Corenswet, and telling a story about kindness

As DC Studios prepares to launch its first major feature film, director James Gunn shared insights into bringing *Superman* back to the big screen. The movie is set to arrive in theaters globally this summer, aiming to introduce a fresh take on the iconic hero within a newly envisioned DC Universe.

Gunn described the film as a blend of epic action, humor, and heart, rooted in a Superman defined by compassion and a fundamental belief in humanity's goodness. He explained that portraying a character so inherently good was a compelling challenge, differing from his usual focus on more troubled individuals who find their way to goodness.

Discussing his creative process, Gunn mentioned drawing inspiration from notable comics, particularly Grant Morrison's *All-Star Superman*, which resonated deeply with him. He aimed to differentiate this *Superman* film by incorporating unique science fiction elements from the comics, like flying dogs and alien creatures, while keeping the central character grounded and relatable.

The director also spoke about collaborating with co-head Peter Safran, describing their professional relationship as a friendship that makes working together a pleasure. He noted they navigate their roles effectively, openly discussing their creative choices to ensure a cohesive vision for DC Studios.

Casting the leads was a crucial step. Gunn revealed that finding the right actor for Superman was paramount and he wouldn't have proceeded without the perfect fit. David Corenswet emerged early as a strong contender, embodying the necessary look, emotional depth, vulnerability, and humor required for the role, proving himself through a rigorous casting process.

For the equally vital roles of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, Gunn praised Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult. Brosnahan came highly recommended by a friend who had worked with her, and Gunn found her performance specific, funny, and fantastic. Hoult, who had previously auditioned for other DC roles, was envisioned as Lex Luthor by Gunn even before casting began, noting his personal connection to the character.

Gunn highlighted the importance of his production and costume design team, Beth Mickle and Judianna Makovsky, who are longtime collaborators. They worked closely from the outset to define the film's visual palette and feel, inspired by *All-Star Superman* and aiming for a look that feels both classic "Silver Age" and uniquely new. This collaborative approach extended to the VFX supervisor and cinematographer, ensuring a unified artistic direction.

The film also features other superheroes like the Justice Gang and Metamorpho. Gunn included them because they serve the narrative, portraying a world where superheroes exist, even if not commonplace, an alternate history where costumed heroes have been part of the fabric for centuries. This approach, he feels, invites the audience into the comic book world rather than bringing the heroes into our reality.

Regarding specific production details, Gunn chose to film the Fortress of Solitude exteriors in Svalbard, Norway, opting for real environments over extensive CGI to achieve authenticity. He found the location's diverse snowy landscapes ideal and noted the experience was a valuable bonding opportunity for the core cast and crew at the start of production.

Filming in Cleveland, the birthplace of Superman, held special significance. Gunn recounted scouting the city and seeing the Terminal Tower, said to be the inspiration for Superman's iconic single-bound building jump. The city's enthusiasm, including lighting the tower in Superman's colors, made it an excellent partner and giant backlot for the production.

Ultimately, Gunn expressed his hope that audiences leave the theater feeling a deeper connection to kindness and those around them. He believes in Superman's humanity and the power of being kind, particularly in a world where meanness can often be amplified. He hopes the film encourages reflection on kindness as a valuable gift and talent.

The movie is scheduled to open in Philippine cinemas on July 9.