The ongoing debate over the different phases of DC cinematic history continues to capture fans’ attention, especially as the new DC Universe begins unfolding with Superman scheduled for release in 2025. Director James Gunn is playing a key role in connecting the legacy of previous works with this fresh slate, openly acknowledging Zack Snyder’s influence on his interpretation of the iconic superhero. Gunn’s reflections highlight the blend of past cinematic contributions and comic book inspirations that shaped his vision for Superman.
James Gunn’s Homage to Influences Behind Superman (2025)
In the recently published book Superman: The Art and Making of the Film, James Gunn offers insight into the sources that informed his creative approach to the 2025 Superman movie. While deeply rooted in comic book tradition, Gunn pays tribute to a variety of filmmakers and creators who laid groundwork for his incarnation of the Man of Steel. He specifically names Zack Snyder’s 2013 film Man of Steel as a major influence, describing it as a project he genuinely “adored.”
Gunn looked back on the character’s extensive visual and narrative history at the outset of his work on the film. He expressed gratitude toward several pioneering television creators, including the Fleischer brothers’ original Superman cartoons, Richard Donner—director of the 1978 Superman: The Movie—and those behind Superman: The Animated Series. This broad appreciation covers many of the voices who shaped Superman’s on-screen journey before Gunn’s involvement.
He also singled out the director who ignited the previous cinematic universe. Gunn confirmed that Zack Snyder’s contributions helped establish the tone and aesthetic he incorporated into the new film, emphasizing that these well-known versions all held a special place in his heart:
“And, yes, thanks to the Superman film and television creators that came before me—especially the original Superman cartoon creators, Max and Dave Fleischer, the original Superman: The Movie director Richard Donner, Superman: The Animated Series creators Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett, Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder, and Superman and Lois’s Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti. These are all stories I adored and added to the look and feel of Superman (2025).”
—James Gunn, Director
The Comic Books That Shaped Gunn’s Vision of Superman
Despite the cinematic groundwork from filmmakers like Snyder, Gunn emphasizes that his primary creative inspiration originated from the comic book pages. Early in his process, he confessed to feeling uncertain about how to approach Superman’s story or visual style. That uncertainty changed after revisiting one of his favorite comic series, All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, which helped crystallize his ideas.
“When I first took on Superman, I had no idea what I was going to do. Not visually, not in terms of story, not anything. But, as I pored over all my old Superman comics, I know things really started to coalesce when I reread one of my favorite comic book series*—All-Star Superman. I loved it as much as I did when the comics were first released—a lot of that was Grant Morrison’s wonderful writing, but also Frank Quitely’s pencils and the inks and colors of Jamie Grant.”
—James Gunn, Director
This comic book run established a tone of “brash Silver Age science-fiction fantasy” for the 2025 film, combining striking visual elements with a carefully curated color palette. Gunn also drew from the bold, confident personality of Superman presented in the comics, portraying Kal-El as “chest-forward, overconfident, and unstoppable.” Additionally, he highlighted the supporting characters like Lois Lane’s curiosity, Lex Luthor’s narcissism, and even Jimmy Olsen’s arrogance as key personality traits. He credits the entire book’s creative team, including Morrison, Quitely, and Grant, as foundational to shaping this new portrayal.
Furthermore, Gunn acknowledges a broad spectrum of comic book legends as his “guiding lights,” noting their significant impact on this film’s Superman. These creators include the character’s original pioneers, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, as well as a diverse group such as Otto Binder, Curt Swan, Edmond Hamilton, Wayne Boring, Elliot S. Maggin, Cary Bates, Neal Adams, José Luis García-López, George Pérez, John Byrne, Dan Jurgens, Roger Stern, Jerry Ordway, Mark Waid, Jeph Loeb, Geoff Johns, Ed McGuinness, Tim Sale, Jorge Jiménez, and others.
“It was brash Silver Age science-fiction fantasy, with over-the-top-yet-simultaneously grounded machines and costumes, and a bright yet restricted color palette. I also loved the chest-forward, overconfident, and unstoppable Superman, the always curious Lois Lane, the narcissistic Lex Luthor, and, dare I say, arrogant Jimmy Olsen. I didn’t take much from the story but in terms of the feel and the look of our Superman, and some basics about the characters, we owe Grant, Frank, and Jamie more than anyone. And the All-Star Superman team were only the tip of the iceberg—because our Superman owes nearly everything to comic books. First and foremost, his creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, but also Otto Binder, Curt Swan, Edmond Hamilton, Wayne Boring, Elliot S. Maggin, Cary Bates, Neal Adams, José Luis García-López, George Pérez, John Byrne, Dan Jurgens, Roger Stern, Jerry Ordway, Mark Waid, Jeph Loeb, Geoff Johns, Ed McGuinness, Tim Sale, Jorge Jiménez, and so many more—those were our guiding lights.”
—James Gunn, Director
Comparing James Gunn’s Superman to Zack Snyder’s Depiction
Although James Gunn openly admires Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, his approach to Superman significantly diverges from Snyder’s vision, especially in the context of the expanding DC Universe. Their distinct creative philosophies create contrasting frameworks for the character.
Snyder’s 2013 film positioned Superman’s arrival as a monumental “First Contact” event, focusing on the world’s fearful and anxious reaction to the sudden appearance of a powerful alien being. In this story, Superman is the premiere public superhero whose existence triggers global tension and political upheaval, grappling heavily with the burden of his identity and powers. This version, portrayed by Henry Cavill, emphasizes Superman’s isolation and difficult acceptance of his role as a savior.
Gunn’s Superman steps into a universe where superheroes are already established and active. The 2025 film’s setting features heroes like Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner, suggesting Superman is not a newcomer but a figure defined by his moral example amid a crowded field. Instead of highlighting isolation, Gunn focuses on the challenge of standing out as a paragon of virtue. His Clark Kent boasts a classical “Boy Scout” spirit, contrasting with the more conflicted portrayal Snyder offered.
This pivot redefines Superman’s place in this new era, making him a beacon of hope and integrity rather than an uneasy outsider. While Snyder’s work grounded Superman in a modern geopolitical reality, Gunn’s version embraces a more optimistic, idealistic hero navigating a complex world full of established heroes.
The Significance of Gunn’s Acknowledgment and What Lies Ahead
James Gunn’s public appreciation of Zack Snyder’s contributions signals an important moment of continuity despite the change in creative direction for the DC Universe. By respecting those who built the previous foundations, Gunn honors the franchise’s legacy while steering it toward an optimistic future. This acknowledgment bridges the divide between fans of the Snyderverse and those eager for a new narrative approach.
As Superman (2025) approaches, audiences can anticipate a fresh portrayal blending comic book heritage with an expansive superhero world. The film is poised to set a distinct tone different from prior iterations while maintaining essential connections to its predecessors, potentially shaping the tone for upcoming DC projects in 2026 and beyond.
The dialogue between past and future incarnations embodied by James Gunn Zack Snyder’s films highlights the evolving nature of superhero storytelling, where homage and innovation coexist, offering fans renewed excitement about what lies ahead for the Man of Steel and the broader DC Universe.
