James Gunn describes 'Superman' as a story rooted in 'Human Kindness'

The co-head of DC Studios and filmmaker James Gunn recently discussed the central idea of his next superhero movie, 'Superman.' In an open revelation, Gunn said the movie was about "human kindness," which is a new and touching interpretation of the classic character. Known for giving comic book adaptations emotional depth, Gunn hopes to set a positive tone for DC's film future by examining Superman's moral compass and positive outlook.

Gunn remarked, "I mean, Superman is the story of America." He went on to say, "An immigrant who came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost," as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.


He added that different political groups and geographical locations may have distinct views of Superman, but he doesn't care if the movie offends anyone.

Gunn acknowledged that "Yes, it plays differently," but he added, "But it's about human kindness, and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it's about kindness. But screw them."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, James previously explained why Nicholas Hoult was passed over for the role of Superman in the superhero movie.

Although the Nosferatu star is "a great actor," Gunn acknowledged that he simply "didn't fit the role" of Clark Kent. Compared to David Corenswet, the director of "Guardians of the Galaxy" felt he was a little too "controlled" for the role.

"You know, Nick Hoult auditioned for Superman. He's a great actor. I mean, some might say he's better than David in certain ways, but he just didn't fit the role, and that's why he didn't get that," Gunn stated. The Hollywood Reporter said, "As much as you can transform yourself as a person, Nick was just more controlled."

Gunn further shared that Hoult participated in chemistry tests with other actresses who were considered for the role of Lois Lane.

He stated, "One of the things that we were also doing was mixing and matching Lois and Clarks when we were auditioning them, and so I wanted to make sure that we had that chemistry right." "And the truth is, Nick, who is a more controlled actor, had really good chemistry with another Lois that was less controlled, so they were opposites."

Because of their opposing on-screen chemistry, he finally decided to cast Rachel Brosnahan as Lois and Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman.

Although the superhero movie is about politics, the director went on to say that "on another level it's about morality."

"This Superman does seem to come at a particular time when people are feeling a loss of hope in other people's goodness," the film's director stated. "I'm telling a story about a guy who is uniquely good, and that feels needed now because there is a meanness that has emerged due to cultural figures being mean online."


He further stated, "And, no, I don't make films to change the world, but if a few people could be just a bit nicer after this, it would make me happy." as per The Hollywood Reporter.

On July 11, Superman opens in theaters.