DC Studios leaders stress human element in 'Superman' reboot

Audiences today need compelling movies they can connect with, according to James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios, who spoke with China.org.cn while in Beijing promoting "Superman" ahead of its worldwide opening.

"At the end of the day, this movie is about us," said director and writer Gunn, explaining that beneath Superman's fantastical powers, like flight and super-strength, lies a character who yearns for the same human connections audiences crave.

A still from "Superman." [Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery]

"Superman wants nothing more than to be us," said Gunn. "He wants to be human, he wants to love and be loved and have human connections."

Gunn added: "This movie is about us and for us. If it serves the greatest purpose it could possibly serve, it's that we're grateful for what we have in our lives, and for what we have as human beings, and the people we have in our lives and the people we love. Maybe they will be a little bit kinder seeing him."

Echoing this focus on deeper storytelling, Safran dismissed "superhero fatigue" as a misconception, reframing the issue as a need for better films. 

"I always say that it's mediocre movie fatigue," said Safran. "People just want better movies in every genre. I think that superhero movies maybe got a little bit lazy and relied on visual spectacle rather than real human stories with genuine emotion and empathy."

The executive maintained that audiences remain as excited about great superhero movies as any generation before them. He cited recent successes like "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" as proof. "This audience is really excited for it, and I really believe that 'Superman' can be part of that and part of rebuilding the relationship for DC with the new generation and the new audience. For them, when they see the DC logo in the future, they can really believe that it's going to be quality stories coming out of it," Safran said.

The new "Superman" has delivered on its promise so far. As one of the summer's most anticipated Hollywood tentpoles, it launched with a $217 million global opening over the past weekend, signaling a critical revival for DC Studios. The blockbuster achieved both commercial success and a much-needed reset for one of Hollywood's most iconic superhero franchises.

"I'm incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days," Gunn wrote on social media. "We've had a lot of 'Super' in Superman over the years, and I'm happy to have made a movie that focuses on the 'man' part of the equation — a kind person always looking out for those in need. That that resonates so powerfully with so many people across the world is in itself a hopeful testament to the kindness and quality of human beings."

James Gunn speaks at a press event ahead of the China premiere of "Superman" in Beijing, July 10, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery]

The film follows Superman as he becomes embroiled in both domestic and international conflicts, drawing scrutiny that Lex Luthor exploits to eliminate the Man of Steel. Boasting dazzling action sequences, humor, vibrant visuals and distinctive characters — including a scene-stealing super dog — the film has earned widespread praise. Newcomer David Corenswet's portrayal has been lauded as the most human and relatable interpretation of Superman to date.

Gunn explained his interest was to "write a story that was representative of the Superman I fell in love with as a child, which was the Superman in the comic books, even more so than the Superman in many movies or TV shows." This focus on Superman's humanity became the foundation for his writing process.

Gunn also described the rigorous casting process for Superman and Lois Lane, which involved testing three actors for each role in various pairings. He said Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan stood out for their on-screen chemistry. Gunn also revealed that Nicholas Hoult, later cast as villain Lex Luthor, also auditioned for the role of Superman.

The filmmaker said his mischievous dog, Ozu — known for destroying belongings, avoiding affection and rolling in mud — inspired Krypto's debut in "Superman," marking the superpowered canine's first live-action appearance in the DC Universe.

Peter Safran and James Gunn, co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios, light up an installation inspired by Superman's Arctic headquarters at the China premiere of "Superman" in Beijing, July 10, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery]

"I don't think we've ever seen as fleshed-out a Superman as the one James created, which draws from the comic books but also reflects who James is," Safran said, applauding Gunn's contribution to "Superman" and the superhero genre. "He changed the superhero movie game."