Decoding James Gunn's 10 Superman Inspiration Images for His DC Universe Project

The upcoming Superman film in 2025 will feature a new Man of Steel portrayed by David Corenswet. The writer and director of the film, James Gunn, has been gradually unveiling details about the project since it was announced in 2022. As a result, the anticipation for this particular superhero movie has been steadily growing within the DC Universe. Following the reveal of Corenswet’s Superman emblem and the change in the film’s title from Superman: Legacy, Gunn shared 10 sources of inspiration for his version of Superman.

One of James Gunn’s favorite Superman movies is the 1978 film starring Christopher Reeve. Additionally, he has used artwork from All-Star Superman, a comic book by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, and Jamie Grant, to promote the upcoming film. When asked about the influences behind his version of Superman, Gunn shared 10 images on social media, each representing a different comic era, storyline, or adaptation. Each of these images hints at a specific characteristic of the new Superman iteration.

Golden Age Superman Was A No-Nonsense Champion Of Social Justice

Action Comics

Golden Age Superman breaking a metal chain around him - Action Comics - Golden Age Superman Was A No-Nonsense Champion Of Social Justice

James Gunn’s first image is inspired by the early Golden Age comics of Superman. During this time, Superman's stories were more grounded and focused on smaller-scale, realistic challenges. In these comics, Superman, based in Cleveland, fought against corrupt businessmen and white supremacists while also tackling issues like poverty and crime. He was known as the "Champion of the Oppressed" for his dedication to helping those in need. It is possible that Gunn's version of Superman will continue to face both realistic and fantastical threats in his adventures.

All-Star Superman Focuses On Superman's Fundamental Goodness

All-Star Superman

Superman saves someone's life in All-Star Superman. - All-Star Superman Focuses On Superman's Fundamental Goodness

All-Star Superman is widely regarded as one of the best Superman comics ever written. This story takes place in an alternate universe where Superman discovers he only has one year left to live. Throughout the comic, Superman showcases not only his incredible powers but also his genuine kindness and humanity. One memorable scene chosen by Gunn shows Superman saving a citizen from committing suicide in Metropolis. This heartwarming moment highlights the essence of Superman's character and may inspire future Superman stories in 2025.

Fleischer's Superman Serials Are Renowned For Their Exciting Action Scenes

Superman (Serial)

Superman flies in a Fleischer Superman cartoon. - Superman (Serial) - Fleischer's Superman Serials Are Renowned For Their Exciting Action Scenes

The Fleischer Superman cartoon serials are well-known for being one of the earliest and most popular adaptations of Superman. These cartoons are credited with introducing Superman's ability to fly. In the shorts, Superman is depicted as a quiet hero who relies on his superpowers to save Metropolis (which is a stand-in for New York City) from various villains, including Mad Scientists. The action-packed scenes in the cartoons are highly praised, so Gunn's mention of them suggests that his version of Superman, much like Henry Cavill's portrayal, will likely feature plenty of thrilling action sequences.

What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow Blends Silver Age Silliness With Modern Age Seriousness

What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?

Superman and Krypto in What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow. - What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? - What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow Blends Silver Age Silliness With Modern Age Seriousness

Superman: What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? by Alan Moore and Curt Swan is a unique Elseworlds storyline. It aims to bring a fitting end to Superman's Golden and Silver Age adventures. The story combines the light-hearted charm of those eras with Moore's darker storytelling style. This blend is similar to the way Gunn mixes humor with intense action in his movies. Gunn has even mentioned a powerful image of Superman crying next to Krypto, Superman's loyal dog. This suggests that Gunn's film will focus on Superman's humanity and hints at Krypto making an appearance.

Superman for All Seasons Explores The Humanity of Clark Kent

Superman for All Seasons

Clark Kent and Jonathan Kent stood side by side in Superman for All Seasons. - Superman for All Seasons Explores The Humanity of Clark Kent

Superman's origin story has been retold in various comics and adaptations, inspiring James Gunn for his upcoming Superman movie in 2025. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Superman for All Seasons, influenced by John Byrne's Modern Age reboot, highlights Clark Kent's upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. Gunn has expressed that his film will focus on Superman's roots as a kind-hearted man from a humble town before he became a superhero.

Kingdom Come Made Superman An Inspiration To Other Superheroes

Kingdom Come

Superman in the Kingdom Come comic cover - Kingdom Come Made Superman An Inspiration To Other Superheroes

Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross is a well-known Elseworlds tale in the DC universe. It follows a retired Superman facing a new generation of ruthless crime fighters, delving into his moral values and his ability to influence other superheroes. With the diverse array of DC heroes in the upcoming 2025 Superman film, Corenswet’s portrayal may have a similar impact on his fellow crime fighters.

The chest logo on David Corenswet's new Superman suit is inspired by Superman's emblem in Kingdom Come.

The Silver Age Comics Gave Superman A Massive Supporting Cast

Superman

Superman and his supporting characters in DC's Silver Age Superman comics. - The Silver Age Comics Gave Superman A Massive Supporting Cast

The New 52 Gave Readers A Young Novice Superman

In the world of comics, James Gunn shared a picture of Superman from the Silver Age. This era is famous not only for its fun and playful stories but also for introducing a wide range of supporting characters for Superman. The image features familiar faces like Supergirl, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, and Perry White, all of whom are confirmed to appear in the upcoming 2025 Superman movie. This could mean that more beloved characters from the classic era may make their way to the big screen soon, with Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bizarro being potential candidates.

Action Comics

Superman in the sky the New 52's Action Comics. - The New 52 Gave Readers A Young Novice Superman

The DC Animated Universe Made Superman Relatable In Both Identities

In 2011, the New 52 relaunched the DC Universe, delving into the early years of DC's iconic superheroes. Among James Gunn's collection is a variant cover by Michael Choi for an issue of Action Comics. Looking ahead to 2025, Gunn has hinted that Superman's story will not focus on his origin, but rather on his early career. However, it is unlikely that audiences will see Superman sporting his DIY costume from the early New 52 issues of Action Comics.

Superman: The Animated Series

Clark Kent reveals his Superman costume in Superman: The Animated Series. - The DC Animated Universe Made Superman Relatable In Both Identities

The Rebirth Era Focused On Superman & Lois' Romance

Superman: The Animated Series by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm introduced Superman to the beloved DC Animated Universe. The series not only showcased incredible action scenes and a great dynamic between Clark Kent and his supporting characters but also succeeded in making Superman a more down-to-earth and relatable character. These key elements are expected to be carried over to the upcoming 2025 Superman movie, which will surely be a hit among longtime Superman fans.

Action Comics

Superman and Lois Lane kiss in the DC Rebirth era of comics. - Action Comics - The Rebirth Era Focused On Superman & Lois' Romance

In 2016, DC Comics went through a partial reboot known as DC Rebirth. This relaunch brought back elements from previous eras of DC’s comics. Specifically for Superman, his pre-Flashpoint and post-Flashpoint versions were combined. This happened when the New 52’s Superman passed away and was replaced by the previous universe’s Superman. In the Rebirth era, Superman’s storyline focused heavily on his relationship with Lois Lane and his adventures with their son, Jon Kent. While it is unlikely that Jon Kent will be included in James Gunn’s Superman, audiences can look forward to seeing the romance between Superman and Lois Lane take center stage.

Editor's P/S:

James Gunn's upcoming Superman film in 2025 has generated immense anticipation within the DC Universe. The director has meticulously curated a list of 10 sources of inspiration for his version of Superman, each representing a distinct era or aspect of the iconic superhero's legacy. From the early Golden Age comics to the modern Rebirth era, Gunn's choices reveal a deep understanding and appreciation of Superman's rich history and multifaceted characterization.

The film promises to explore Superman's fundamental goodness, as depicted in All-Star Superman, while also showcasing his thrilling action sequences, inspired by the Fleischer Superman cartoon serials. The inclusion of Superman for All Seasons highlights the importance of Clark Kent's humanity and upbringing, while Kingdom Come suggests the potential impact Superman will have on other superheroes in the upcoming film. The Silver Age comics and DC Animated Universe provide a glimpse into Superman's vast supporting cast and relatable qualities, respectively. Ultimately, Gunn's version of Superman is poised to be a captivating blend of classic elements and modern sensibilities, honoring the character's legacy while introducing a fresh perspective to the iconic superhero.