James Gunn’s decision to reduce Superman’s extraordinary abilities for the upcoming DCU film has sparked discussion among fans and industry observers. By intentionally adjusting the Man of Steel’s power levels, Gunn aims to reshape the balance within the universe he’s building for DC Studios, marking a notable change in the superhero’s legacy and laying out new creative directions for the franchise.
James Gunn’s Vision for a Different Superman
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, recently provided insight into why he chose to make Superman less powerful than in previous adaptations. As he oversees the development of the DC Universe (DCU), Gunn is focused on ensuring that the Man of Steel, played by David Corenswet, remains impressive but does not overshadow his fellow heroes. While this Superman can soar, perform heroic feats such as catching collapsing buildings, and unleash powerful heat vision and freeze breath, Gunn acknowledges that his version is comparatively weaker for a strategic reason.
Despite being “nerfed,” Superman demonstrated remarkable strength during his 2025 debut—lifting a gigantic kaiju’s foot, saving skyscrapers, and even rescuing his team from a black hole by using freeze breath. However, Gunn believes that previous portrayals turned Superman into a nearly invincible figure, making it challenging to create compelling conflicts around him. This concern led Gunn to address the common criticism that Superman is simply too mighty to be interesting as a character or to face believable threats.
“Yes, I understand that point of view. Now, there are some writers in the comics like Grant Morrison who took the idea of the all-powerful Superman and told great stories with it. But for me, yes, as a child, the reason I like Batman better than Superman was because Superman was just too strong at times.”
—James Gunn, Director
Gunn’s reflection on his childhood in the 1970s revealed his perspective that Superman’s abilities have fluctuated throughout history. Starting as a character who was simply tough and agile, Superman’s range of powers increased dramatically through the decades, including feats as grand as rotating the earth backward to reverse time in the 1978 film.
And as a child in the ’70s, Superman’s powers have ebbed and waned over the years. So, he started out in 1938 as pretty much just a strong guy. Bullets bounced off him, he could jump pretty high, but he wasn’t the Superman we know and love. The radio serial came along and suddenly he could shoot beams out of his eyes and fly. And then all of a sudden, he got stronger and stronger until his peak of his powers when he’s punching planets in half and then the 1978 movie making time go backwards by twisting the world around.”
—James Gunn, Director
Ensuring Balance in the DC Universe
One of Gunn’s primary goals is fostering a sense of equilibrium among the DCU’s growing roster of heroes. He explained that, as the universe expands, having a single character whose strength vastly exceeds all others threatens to diminish the value of less powerful heroes, such as those who rely on skills or unique tools rather than superhuman abilities.
“And then he was brought back down to earth a little bit with John Byrne in the ’80s and he’s always had that sort of ebb and flow of, ‘How powerful is he?’ And I think that this is… We’re building a whole universe of characters and I didn’t want to have one guy who was so much stronger than anybody else that a guy with a bow and arrow didn’t matter.”
—James Gunn, Director
He acknowledged that Superman has always faced classic weaknesses, such as Kryptonite and magic, but these have often been set aside in favor of epic displays of dominance. By reining in these overwhelming characteristics, Gunn seeks to bring out a new side of Superman and encourage dynamic team storytelling, where a character’s worth does not rely solely on brute strength.
“Well, we’ve always had Kryptonite… Kryptonite and magic, those are the two things that can affect Superman. But in the comics, he’s faced Doomsday and characters who were of equal and opposing force and has had his ass whooped. So it’s happened. But I do think I thought it was important to show him in a a different angle than we’ve seen him previously in films.”
—James Gunn, Director
An Ensemble of Heroes in the New DCU
David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman nonetheless places him as the DCU’s most formidable metahuman, but he will share the stage with others, including Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. The film, set to premiere July 11, 2025, is positioned to be a major event for DC Studios. The sequel, “Man of Tomorrow,” with Corenswet returning, and the continuity into “Peacemaker” Season 2, suggest that this approach to Superman’s powers is just the start of a long-term narrative arc.
The dynamic among an array of heroes, each with unique talents and limitations, reflects Gunn’s intent to create a balanced and engaging universe where every member of the Justice League—and even lesser-known heroes like Green Arrow—can contribute meaningfully without being completely overshadowed by Superman’s might.
The Strategic Thinking Behind a Less Omnipotent Man of Steel
Superman’s role as an almost invulnerable figure has long made him a symbol at DC and even a challenge for writers seeking to craft interesting stories. Gunn’s recalibration aligns with the idea that even heroes of immense power can have limitations—emphasizing character, vulnerability, and personal growth over sheer spectacle.
Truth, justice, and the human way.
—Superman’s updated slogan, referenced in the film
The introduction of this new Superman also occurs within the context of a future full of possibilities. As implied by promotional material for “Man of Tomorrow,” Lex Luthor may rise to a more powerful status, possibly pushing Superman to grow and find new strengths in subsequent films. The film’s narrative makes it clear that David Corenswet’s Superman is still extremely powerful—even recognized in the movie as the most powerful metahuman of all—but now operates within a universe that leaves space for challenge, evolution, and team collaboration.
The Importance of Growth and Team Dynamics
While some fans might miss the sight of Superman performing impossible feats without breaking a sweat, this creative adjustment also grants the character room to develop. Early in his DCU journey, Superman has been active for just three years. Gunn’s version has the potential for power growth and narrative complexity, especially as he meets new challenges and adversaries.
This approach parallels how other cinematic universes, such as Marvel Studios, have achieved a compelling balance among their heroes. In “The Avengers,” Thor’s godlike powers coexist with Hawkeye’s human skills, allowing each hero to remain relevant. Gunn’s DCU will likely follow a similar path, crafting a landscape where even characters less powerful than Superman have important roles to play, both in battle and in storytelling.
What Lies Ahead for Superman and the DCU
James Gunn’s strategy in “nerfing” Superman opens up creative opportunities for future films, setting the stage for more nuanced character arcs and inter-hero relationships. As the DCU unfolds, the expectation is that Superman’s abilities will not remain static, and that his journey can continue to surprise audiences. The forthcoming sequel and crossover stories, including “Man of Tomorrow” and further Justice League adventures, indicate that Superman’s full strength might be revealed gradually, keeping fans engaged for years to come. This evolution not only respects the classic elements of Superman’s mythos but also reflects Gunn’s vision for a more balanced and relatable superhero universe.
