In the wake of David Corenswet‘s debut as Superman in the 2025 film, a fresh and bold take on the iconic character has sparked diverse reactions. Notably, acclaimed writer Grant Morrison, whose work partly inspired this depiction, shared his perspective on James Gunn’s Superman take, highlighting both its achievements and shortcomings. Morrison commended the film as the best Superman adaptation to date but expressed reservations about specific creative choices made by Gunn.
Morrison’s Praise and Reservations About the Film’s Direction
Grant Morrison praised the film for capturing the essence of Superman more closely than previous versions. In an interview with Half the Picture, he said,
“It became the closest to capturing what Superman feels like. I had a few things I didn’t like about it,”
granting acknowledgment to the effort while pointing out areas where the character’s portrayal diverged from his vision. Morrison was particularly critical of how Superman was repeatedly shown being overwhelmed physically, stating,
“[James] made specific choices that I think were made for dramatic reasons that were understandable in order to make him seem more relatable, he had him getting beaten up an awful lot. I want to see him stop getting beaten up and fight back.”
Disagreement Over Superman’s Heritage and Moral Compass
Morrison also objected to the way the film portrayed Clark Kent’s origins, particularly how it borrowed from the Invincible narrative by depicting Superman as sent to dominate rather than save his adoptive planet. He explained,
“I didn’t like it because I prefer it when Krypton’s this lost utopia,”
emphasizing his preference for Krypton as a once-great civilization that was tragically lost due to negligence rather than conflict or conquest.
“I like the idea that there was something amazing, and nature just wiped it out. Their own lack of attention to detail allowed them to be wiped out. I think there’s something much more poignant about that.”
These narrative decisions, Morrison argued, weakened the character’s moral foundation.
“The thing I found almost upsetting in it was that it felt like Superman’s morality was quite fragile. It was just based on this wish-fulfilment bullshit,”
he stated, describing a fragility in Superman’s ethical stance that contrasted sharply with traditional portrayals. Despite this, Morrison found redemption for Gunn’s version of the character in the climactic moments of the film, where Superman maintains his principles despite intense challenges. He reflected,
“They put him in a position where I was concerned that he would break down, lose his compass. The fact that he didn’t was just nice to see.”
Implications for the Future of Superman and the Expanding DC Universe
James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman introduces complex layers to the hero’s character, signaling a new direction within the DC Extended Universe. This reimagining will likely influence upcoming storylines, particularly in the anticipated sequel Man of Tomorrow, set for release on July 9, 2027. That film is expected to feature an alliance between Superman and his classic adversary Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, alongside the introduction of the villain Braniac, brought to life by Lars Eidinger.
Morrison’s critique highlights the tension between innovation and tradition in superhero storytelling, reflecting ongoing debates about how iconic characters should evolve. His insights offer a nuanced view that appreciates dramatic risks while urging more enduring strength and resolve in Superman’s persona. As James Gunn continues to shape the character’s future, audiences will watch closely to see how this balance unfolds within the larger narrative of the DC Universe.
