Ayer Supports Gunn's Superman: Legacy
David Ayer stuns fans by endorsing James Gunn's highly anticipated DC reboot, Superman: Legacy, while also revealing the casting for the iconic villain Lex Luthor
David Ayer, the director of Suicide Squad, recently expressed his support for James Gunn's upcoming DC reboot, Superman: Legacy. This surprised many fans, considering Ayer's past issues with both DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. Suicide Squad faced numerous production challenges and the 2016 release deviated from Ayer's initial vision.
Ayer has since shared several behind-the-scenes images of Suicide Squad material that didn't make it into the final film, and has supported a fan campaign for the release of the "Ayer Cut." After being appointed co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios, Gunn addressed the "Ayer Cut" but indicated it wasn't a priority for him. Despite this, Ayer later disclosed that Gunn had privately confirmed the project would happen in the future.
David Ayer surprises fans by backing James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy
Ayer has publicly championed Gunn since then, and had more kind words to say about the filmmaker and studio boss in a recent X post.
“Gunn is currently the most courageous figure in Hollywood,” Ayer stated. “He’s steering the most challenging ship in this industry.” The director also expressed his eagerness to see Gunn's upcoming film, Superman: Legacy, and urged fervent supporters of the "Ayer Cut" to "take it easy". “We create movies. Our job is to entertain,” Ayer pointed out. “We're not politicians leading a nation.”
Not everyone was convinced by Ayer's statement. "The way he treated the previous cast of the DCEU, butchered the Flash ending, and lied to DC fans doesn't make me a fan of this 'captain'," one user responded.
"If he's so brave, why hasn't he released your cut?" demanded another. "Seems like the usual WB nonsense," another commented. "There's no reason not to release your cut. The argument 'they're just movies' only strengthens the case," a third added.
That said, several commenters welcomed Ayer’s support of both Gunn and Superman: Legacy, praising the director for his “very kind and classy” attitude.
Superman: Legacy finds its Lex Luthor
Gunn is likely unaware of the latest DC debate as production on Superman: Legacy continues to increase with its July 2025 premiere approaching. Gunn has taken on multiple roles, playing Clark Kent / Superman and casting David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The writer-director has also cast Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, with Skyler Gisondo possibly joining the ensemble as Jimmy Olsen, although this is not yet confirmed.
Explore more about Superman: Legacy and discover additional superhero hubs below:
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Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of DC Comics, I have mixed feelings about David Ayer's endorsement of James Gunn's Superman: Legacy. On the one hand, I am glad that Ayer is publicly supporting Gunn, as it shows that he is willing to put aside his past differences with DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures in order to support the success of the franchise. On the other hand, I am concerned that Ayer's endorsement may be seen as an attempt to curry favor with Gunn, in the hopes that he will eventually release the "Ayer Cut" of Suicide Squad.
I believe that Gunn is the right person to lead DC Studios, and I am excited to see his vision for the future of the franchise. However, I also believe that it is important for Gunn to remain true to his own vision, and not be swayed by the demands of fans. Ultimately, I believe that Superman: Legacy will be a success, and I am looking forward to seeing what Gunn has in store for the Man of Steel.
