The recent DC film Superman, positioned as a new beginning in the DCU timeline, underwent several adjustments during production—including the removal of a scene featuring a James Gunn Superman cameo that many fans never knew about. This cut, involving a personal element tied directly to the film’s creator, James Gunn, demonstrates how creative decisions shaped the final version that reached cinemas.
Cameos and Changes in Superman’s Final Edit
During the development of Superman, the film’s narrative had to accommodate a diverse group of characters and side stories, making the editing process particularly complex. As the team refined the story and responded to reactions to early trailers, some scenes, including cameos, were ultimately left on the cutting room floor. James Gunn, who both helmed the film and serves as co-CEO of DC Studios, addressed this specific change on social media, offering direct insight into the decision:
“A moment where Steve Lombard cried over his cat, Penelope, was cut from the film due to pacing (as was sadly my cat Emily’s cameo).”
— James Gunn, Creator/Director
This cut scene originally depicted Steve Lombard, the Daily Planet’s sports columnist, in an emotional moment involving his cat Penelope. Gunn’s own cat Emily was also set to appear in a lighthearted cameo. Although Lombard’s affection for his pet is still subtly present in the released version, the emotional sequence and Gunn’s personal touch were excluded to streamline the story.
The scene suggested a softer, more personal aspect of Lombard’s character, expanding on his life beyond the newsroom. The fact that this sequence was omitted, despite its potential charm and its connection to Gunn himself, reflects an intent focus on narrative clarity and pacing for the movie’s theatrical audience.
The Rationale Behind Cutting the Cat Cameo
The removal of Lombard’s heartfelt moment—and Gunn’s intended James Gunn Superman cameo with Emily—was driven primarily by the need to maintain pacing. As Superman was set to follow the conclusion of the DCEU and usher in a new cinematic era for DC, the filmmakers faced increased expectations to deliver a streamlined, engaging superhero story. Scenes that might slow the film’s momentum, even if touching or humorous, were assessed critically.
By minimizing detours from the central plot and ensuring the focus remained on Superman and the ensemble cast’s key arcs, the final cut prioritized compelling storytelling above additional character flourishes. The studio’s decision also aligns with industry practice, as studios routinely remove material that may disrupt the core flow of a film, especially major tentpole releases with established fan bases and high expectations. James Gunn’s creative restraint here suggests a careful balance between personal expression and storytelling discipline.
Superman’s commercial and critical achievements seem to validate this editorial approach. The film quickly became the highest-grossing superhero movie of 2025 and received largely favorable reviews. These outcomes indicate that the tight pacing and focus paid off, at least in terms of audience and industry response.
The Impact of the Editing Choices and What Could Be Next
Cuts like the one involving James Gunn’s cat Emily highlight the detailed deliberations behind major film releases—balancing creator nostalgia and fan service with pacing, clarity, and cinematic impact. While the moment was ultimately left out in service of a more effective movie, the acknowledgment from Gunn himself confirms that such decisions are not made lightly. Audience members following behind-the-scenes news learned about this creative choice only after the film’s debut, as Gunn used social media to transparently discuss the reasoning.
With Superman’s successful box office run and solid reception, future movies in the evolving DC Universe may have another chance to reintroduce beloved details—perhaps even Emily’s cameo, should the narrative allow. For now, audiences remain curious about what other surprises and personal touches might surface as James Gunn and DC Studios continue redefining an iconic superhero’s legacy, all while keeping fan anticipation high for each release.
A moment where Steve Lombard cried over his cat, Penelope, was cut from the film due to pacing (as was sadly my cat Emily’s cameo). #Superman pic.twitter.com/VZkd3Wkoss
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 15, 2025
