James Gunn Talks Superman Inspiration from His Dog

LOS ANGELES, CA — Director James Gunn recently shared how his inspiration for the upcoming film Superman stemmed from his love for animals, especially his dog. In a press event last week, Gunn discussed his creative process, revealing that the project initially posed challenges in discovering his unique angle on the iconic character.

“It was just difficult to figure out where I was going to come from with Superman,” Gunn said. He pointed out that the dogs’ playful spirit influenced his decision to include elements not often seen in previous Superman films. “I wanted to bring the joy that I felt reading DC Comics as a kid into the movie,” he explained.

Gunn’s approach seeks to diverge from traditional portrayals of Superman’s origin story, which often starts with the crash landing of his spaceship. Instead, he is focusing on a different phase of Superman’s life. This reimagining explores the wider world of DC Comics that features a variety of creatures, such as flying dogs, kaiju, robots, and magic.

Gunn emphasized that his version of the DC Universe is distinct, stating, “This is not Earth, and then superheroes have been thrust into it. This is a world in which we see giant imps in the background over the city, and it’s not the most unusual thing you’ve ever seen before.” This creative freedom allows for surprises and unique stories.

He also mentioned the importance of allowing other creators within the DC Universe to explore their own visions, referencing director Craig Gillespie’s upcoming film Supergirl and the grounded nature of Lanterns.

While fans eagerly await Gunn’s fresh take on Superman, they can look forward to the film’s release on July 11, 2025. “Hopefully, this will be the best thing that happens to this film,” added Gunn. As anticipation builds, more details about the film’s unique storyline and characters are expected closer to its premiere.