Director James Gunn has said his new Superman movie may upset some viewers simply because it promotes kindness, but he remains unapologetic.
In an interview with The Times, Gunn explained that Superman, which releases in cinemas on July 11 and serves as the start of the rebooted DC Universe, was created during a time when “people are feeling a loss of hope in other people’s goodness.”
“I’m telling a story about a guy who is uniquely good,” Gunn said, “and that feels needed now because there is a meanness that has emerged due to cultural figures being mean online.”
Gunn admitted that even he has contributed to that negativity online. “Millions of people are having tantrums online,” he said. “If I could press a button to make the internet disappear, I’d consider it.”
Despite expecting some backlash, Gunn made it clear he’s not concerned. “There will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.”
The film stars David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Gunn noted that early online reactions to Corenswet’s kind portrayal — such as a behind-the-scenes video showing him high-fiving children — drew criticism from some users. “Are you kidding me?” Gunn responded. “That little kids like this guy and he’s kind — that’s something you’re going to attack?”
Gunn also stressed that Superman is not a political film. He hopes the movie can bring people together. “Superman is about core values that almost everyone believes in — basic human kindness,” he said.
The film’s trailer, which features a wounded Superman calling to his dog Krypto for help, highlights the emotional tone Gunn hopes to convey. “At the beginning of this trailer, Superman wants Krypto to take him home,” Gunn said. “I think this is a place where we can all go home — to the simplicity of the morals and goodness and love that Superman embodies.”
