With Superman just weeks away from its theatrical release, DC Studios co-head James Gunn is now reflecting on a major story shift. Initially, Superman’s ending was planned to be much darker. However, one critical piece of advice ultimately led to a dramatic change.
The Advice That Transformed Superman’s Ending
During a recent interview with Collider, Gunn openly shared that screenwriter Drew Goddard played a crucial role in shaping the film. In particular, he significantly helped reshape the tone of Superman’s ending. As a result, it became more consistent with the film’s overall tone and the hopeful direction of the new DC Universe.
“Drew Goddard was really helpful,” said Gunn. “There were a couple of things in the movie—like three or four scenes—that we really argued about. All of them were either a bit darker or lighter than the rest of the tone.”
One specific moment leaned too heavily into a somber resolution.Despite their earlier creative direction, Goddard challenged Gunn’s approach. In doing so, he offered a perspective that shifted the tone of Superman’s ending:
“Drew said, ‘You know what? It’s just not that film. It’s not that film with this little dark ending bit.’ That made me realize he was right. It really wasn’t that kind of film. That one line stuck with me throughout the rest of editing.”
As a result of that advice, the film successfully preserves its tone — one that is optimistic, heroic, and, most importantly, true to Superman’s core values.
How Superman’s Ending Reflects the DCU’s Hopeful Vision
In line with the overall tone of the reboot, Gunn emphasized that the new DC Universe is built on hope — and, therefore, Superman’s ending needed to reflect that.
Rather than close with grim ambiguity, the final version supports a brighter path forward for the Man of Steel and the universe around him. This change aligns with the values of DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, aiming to strike a balance between mythology, realism, and optimism.
A New Beginning for the DCU
Superman is the first official film in the new DC Universe. The movie stars:
- David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
- Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher
Importantly, this version of Superman doesn’t retell his origin story. Rather than starting from the beginning, he’s already been active in Metropolis for three years. As a result, the film can explore deeper aspects of his character while avoiding the repetition of familiar ground.
Moreover, James Gunn confirmed that the DCU’s Earth has been aware of metahumans for over 300 years. This revelation, in turn, marks a significant departure from the Marvel model and represents a bold and deliberate step in world-building.
Who Helped Fix Superman’s Ending? Meet Drew Goddard
In fact, Drew Goddard is no stranger to shaping great stories. Widely recognized for his work on genre-defining films and shows, Goddard’s credits include:
- The Martian
- World War Z
- Cloverfield
- The Cabin in the Woods
- Bad Times at the El Royale
TV Contributions:
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Alias
- Lost
- Daredevil
- The Good Place
Moreover, Goddard’s ability to balance tone and character development made him a key creative voice. Consequently, he played a crucial role in bringing Superman’s ending in line with the film’s larger themes.
Release Date and What’s Next for the DCU
Superman will soar into theaters and IMAX on July 11, 2025, officially launching James Gunn and Peter Safran’s vision for the DCU.
Shortly after Superman’s release, Peacemaker Season 2 will debut in August 2025. This timely follow-up continues the expansion of the DCU on both film and television. In turn, it will continue the shared universe’s rollout and expand the DCU timeline.
Although James Gunn originally envisioned a darker finale for the film, it was Drew Goddard’s honest perspective that helped steer the story in a new direction. In doing so, Superman’s ending not only honors the legacy of the character—it sets the hopeful tone for the DC Universe going forward.
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