James Gunn has expressed disappointment at the absence of vibrant color in earlier Superman films, a notable divergence in style from past DC adaptations. By embracing a richer palette for his upcoming work, Gunn aims to give his Superman movie a distinct visual identity, spotlighting the James Gunn Superman movie color debate within the DC Universe.
Gunn’s Critique of Previous Superman Films
Since stepping into his role as co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn has mostly taken a diplomatic approach in discussing the shortcomings of Zack Snyder’s era and the broader DCEU. However, Gunn recently revealed through the book Superman: The Art and Making of the Film that he sees the muted colors of earlier films as a significant flaw—a clear nod to director Zack Snyder. Films such as Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman became known for their largely desaturated look, which contrasted with what many fans expected from a Superman story.
“I felt like there was a place for color, and the old-school look of fiction that had been missing from movies.”
— James Gunn, Director
Gunn’s comments underscore his intention to restore a lost sense of wonder and brightness to Superman. He explained further, saying that his approach to the DCU is intentionally different when building a new cinematic universe and that he wished to evoke the visual and thematic boldness found in Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman, known for its lively tone and broad appeal.
“There’s just things you know we’re doing with the DCU that I think are different than what other people have done before in terms of creating an overall universe.”
— James Gunn, Director
The Visual Contrast Between Filmmakers
While Gunn never specifically named Zack Snyder, his remarks about a colorful new direction inevitably point toward the past. Snyder, who brought films like Watchmen, Man of Steel, and Batman v. Superman to the big screen, established a reputation for a somber, heavily filtered visual style. This directorial choice became a hallmark of the DCEU and divided fans and critics.
Evidence of the studio’s dissatisfaction with the color palette emerged during production of Justice League. When Snyder stepped away and Joss Whedon took over, one of Whedon’s first changes was to brighten scenes previously shot by Snyder. This adjustment, applauded and requested by Warner Bros., aimed to shift the mood to something lighter but ultimately proved unpopular with many viewers. In fact, Snyder would later release a black-and-white cut of the film for fans embracing his original approach.
Gunn’s New Direction for Superman
In creating his own version of Superman, James Gunn adopted a philosophy in sharp contrast to Snyder’s. Gunn strove to reintroduce the dazzling color and flair of mid-20th-century science fiction movies, granting the film a unique, comic-book inspired style. This aesthetic not only set the film apart from earlier adaptations but also won over audiences, helping the new Superman to become the most successful solo Superman installment to date.
The fresh visual tone can be traced to Gunn’s admiration for the fun and vibrancy of comics like All-Star Superman. This departure was seen as not just a surface-level change but a fundamental shift in how Superman stories are told on screen.
“Sort of Silver Age science fiction feel.”
— James Gunn, Director
The Impact on the DC Universe and Fans
Gunn remains tactful in public, refraining from naming Zack Snyder directly, but his strategy marks a clear response to the criticism that Superman, as a cultural and heroic icon, should be depicted with energy and hope, not persistent gloom. The enthusiastic audience reception to Gunn’s take, and the resulting box office success, suggest that viewers were ready for this change. Going forward, the positive commercial and fan reaction signals a potential blueprint for how DC Studios might approach their heroes and universe in coming movies, moving away from the dismal atmosphere of the DCEU and toward a future defined by its bold colors, optimism, and creative risk-taking.
