DC Boss James Gunn Dismisses Awards Chase for Emotional Impact
The Superman director reveals why he prioritizes creating spiritually moving blockbusters over chasing industry recognition and prestige accolades.
DC Studios chief James Gunn doesn't lose sleep over awards season buzz. The filmmaker behind the latest Superman reboot says he'd rather craft blockbusters that hit audiences in the gut than chase industry gold stars.
Pop Cinema Over Prestige
"I don't care about prestige," Gunn told Variety recently. Sure, a Best Director nod would be nice, he admits. But that's not what drives him when the cameras roll.
Gunn's approach centers on what he calls "pop cinema." Big spectacle movies that somehow burrow deeper than surface thrills. "If I can have those things also be something that are emotionally resonant to people, or affect people in a deeper, more spiritual way, like a lot of people have told me that Superman did, a lot of people have told me that Guardians 3 did, then that's fantastic," he explained.
The Art of Big Budget Filmmaking
Making massive movies isn't just about explosions and special effects for Gunn. There's real artistry in orchestrating these productions. "I like the part of it that's putting the big puzzle together and creating this machine that works for an audience to elicit a reaction from them, whether it's emotional, whether it's laughter, whether it's screaming, whether it's whatever it is," he said.
The creative process fascinates him. Building something that can make strangers laugh, cry, or jump out of their seats.
Superman's Unique Challenge
Gunn called his recent Superman film the toughest project he's tackled. "I was reorienting something everyone already thinks they understand," he noted. The twist? This became his most comic book-faithful adaptation yet.
David Corenswet stepped into the cape as the new Man of Steel, with Nicholas Hoult bringing Lex Luthor to life. Both actors will return for Superman: Man of Tomorrow, hitting theaters July 9, 2027. Before that sequel arrives, Milly Alcock's Supergirl launches June 26.