James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman reboot has drawn enthusiastic praise from the grandsons of Jerry Siegel, as part of what Gunn calls a true creative partnership; this positive reception marks a significant milestone for the collaborative spirit behind the James Gunn Superman movie collaboration. The film, debuting July 11, not only honors the vision of its comic book origins but also unites legacy figures and new talent in a remarkable way.
Legacy Makers Embrace the New Superman Vision
Gunn has emphasized that his Superman project is the result of extensive teamwork among notable creators. While his own name is closely tied to the project, he credits many contributors as crucial to the film’s authenticity and spirit. This sentiment was recently validated when the grandsons of Jerry Siegel, Superman’s co-creator, read the script for the first time and responded emotionally with glowing feedback about how well the project reflected the original legacy.
“One moment I really like, shed a tear, was when Jerry [Siegel]’s grandsons read the scripts for the first time,”
—James Gunn, Writer/Director
The grandsons’ endorsement became even more meaningful as they personally reached out to Gunn, expressing the profound impact of seeing their grandfather’s creative vision honored in such a thoughtful manner. Their words, relayed to Gunn following their script review, showed genuine excitement and family pride.
“We brought them over to DC, we showed them the scripts in the office. And they came out, and they got on the phone with me, and they were just effusive. I’d never met them, but they were just effusive. They said ‘This is the Superman movie we’ve been waiting to see. Our grandfather would have been so proud.’ I’m gonna cry now! That meant a lot.”
—James Gunn, Writer/Director
Iconic Family and Comic Contributors Join Onscreen Celebration
The contributions of the Siegel family did not end with their script review. Gunn arranged for Jerry Siegel’s grandsons to appear as extras in the bustling offices of the Daily Planet within the film. He broadened this celebratory gesture by including other central contributors to Superman’s history. Notably, Will Reeve—son of famed Superman actor Christopher Reeve—makes a cameo, providing a powerful link between generations of Superman storytelling.
Reflecting this open collaboration, Gunn provided opportunities for renowned Superman comic book writers to visit the set, witness scenes, and interact with cast members including Nicholas Hoult, who takes on the role of Lex Luthor, and David Corenswet as Superman. This inclusion signals Gunn’s effort to weave together all the threads of Superman’s impact on pop culture.
“I thought it was important to have the history of Superman as a part of this movie. Because at the end of the day, I’m not the creator of this movie. Superman is a great collaboration of many creators and many people throughout the years, going back to Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938. All the comic book writers, the makers of the radio serial, the TV shows, the serials and everything else. And I like to have that history as a part of it,”
—James Gunn, Writer/Director
“So we have Will Reeve, Christopher Reeve’s son, in a cameo in the movie. Jerry Siegel’s grandsons are in the Daily Planet for the entire time. We had all the great Superman comic book writers come and hang out on set and watch a scene, and see everybody, and meet Lex [Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult] and David [Corenswet/Superman].”
—James Gunn, Writer/Director
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the Film’s Release
As Warner Bros. prepares to launch the new Superman on July 11, early reactions from both industry insiders and legacy family members indicate that James Gunn’s approach resonates with those most deeply connected to the character. By directly involving original creators’ families, stars such as Will Reeve, and a roster of celebrated comic talent, the project honors the enduring influence of Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Christopher Reeve, and the many others who have shaped Superman’s journey.
The upcoming release is poised not only to thrill longtime fans but also to reinforce the collaborative nature of superhero storytelling. The inclusion of figures like Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and David Corenswet as Superman ensures that every aspect of the film carries forward the spirit of respectful partnership—a hallmark of the James Gunn Superman movie collaboration. As the DC universe unfolds, audiences can expect a new chapter reflective of the character’s far-reaching legacy and the people who continue to nurture his story.
