James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, recently expressed admiration for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s film Deadpool & Wolverine, praising its unique tone while acknowledging its chaotic style. Speaking during a podcast appearance in early 2024, Gunn highlighted the movie’s humor and unconventional approach, adding to conversations about the film’s impact and reception this year.
Deadpool & Wolverine, released amid Marvel’s Phase 5 lineup, quickly emerged as one of 2024’s most successful box office hits. The movie revitalized the R-rated superhero genre by combining beloved legacy characters with sharp comedy, earning over $1.3 billion globally. Critics widely praised it, noting its daring blend of humor and action, which resonated strongly with audiences worldwide.
James Gunn’s Impressions of Deadpool & Wolverine’s Style and Humor
During an interview on the Armchair Expert podcast hosted by Dax Shepard, James Gunn shared his views on some of the greatest superhero movies, including his thoughts on Deadpool & Wolverine. Gunn ranked Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie, and Marvel’s Iron Man among the best superhero films, and when the conversation turned to Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool series, Gunn expressed great enthusiasm.
Gunn said,
“Very messy… But so freaking funny.”
This comment emphasized the film’s blend of chaotic storytelling and sharp comedy, which he clearly admired despite its imperfections.
The full exchange revealed Gunn’s appreciation for the balance Deadpool & Wolverine struck between wild energy and humor:
Shepard:
“I wanted to know, what do you think are the greatest superhero movies made?”
Gunn:
“’Into the Spider-Verse,’ [the] first one… is the greatest. [Richard] Donner[‘s] ‘Superman.’ ‘Iron Man.’ ‘Iron Man,’ really. I’d I’d say… Yeah, I’d say ‘Iron Man’ is great. I’m forgetting something…”
Shepard:
“What about… what’s the naughty ones I love… Ryan Reynolds…”
Gunn: “Deadpool.” Shepard: “The first Deadpool.” Gunn:
“I actually love all three of them. They’re all really good.”
Shepard:
“The last one was like impossibly good. I was like, ‘My god, this is f***ing cool.’”
Gunn:
“Very messy… But so freaking funny. Yeah, I love those. I love those.”
Deadpool & Wolverine’s Role in Marvel’s Phase 5 and Box Office Success
Released nearly two years after James Gunn began his role at DC Studios, Deadpool & Wolverine marked Marvel’s first R-rated venture in its cinematic universe. The film brought back iconic Marvel stars, weaving together comedy, action, and nostalgia. Its extraordinary box office haul, topping $1.3 billion worldwide, made it the highest-grossing R-rated film ever and the second biggest hit of 2024 after Inside Out 2.
The movie’s success signals Marvel’s ability to innovate within the superhero genre, combining mature content with mainstream appeal. Deadpool & Wolverine’s reception also reflects the appetite for films that break traditional superhero movie molds by embracing irreverence and meta-humor.
James Gunn’s Broader Views on Superhero Films from Both Marvel and DC
James Gunn’s extensive career working with Marvel and DC has given him a wide lens on superhero movies. Before sharing his thoughts on Deadpool & Wolverine, Gunn discussed key superhero film moments he hopes won’t be retold, such as Batman’s parents’ deaths, Superman’s origin story, and Peter Parker’s spider bite—telling examples from both DC and Marvel.
Gunn also addressed the supposed rivalry between Marvel and DC ahead of the packed superhero film releases in mid-2025. With DC’s Superman debuting just weeks before Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Gunn encouraged fans to embrace both studios’ efforts, saying, “There’s room for us both” and expressing a desire to focus on positive energy around these competing franchises.
As DC Studios continues to expand its universe, with projects like Creature Commandos already released on HBO Max and upcoming films such as Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface, Gunn’s leadership will shape a growing cinematic roadmap. His ongoing commitment to both creativity and cooperation within the superhero movie landscape suggests a promising future for fans of both universes.
James Gunn’s Impact and Future Role in Shaping Superhero Cinema
Since taking the helm at DC Studios, James Gunn has continued to steer a new cinematic universe, having already released the Superman reboot that he wrote and directed. His close involvement in storytelling and production hints at his influence across the superhero genre, balancing his deep Marvel knowledge with a forward-looking approach to DC’s franchise.
Fans and industry observers alike anticipate Gunn’s future insights and decisions will continue to add depth to the superhero film dialogue. Given his passion for the genre and growing responsibilities, Gunn’s voice remains vital to how Marvel, DC, and the larger cinematic world evolve alongside fan expectations.
