James Gunn is redefining Superman’s power and humanity. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, he revealed that David Corenswet’s version will be a deliberately more vulnerable and weak Superman compared to the iconic portrayals by Henry Cavill and Christopher Reeve.
“There are things that I know I don’t explain that I don’t even want to say out loud! But I wanted Superman to be vulnerable,” Gunn said.
This new direction signals a shift from portraying Superman as an untouchable god to someone more relatable and grounded. He may still fly and shoot heat vision, but he won’t be invincible—and that’s the point.
Gunn Explains the Need for a Weak Superman
Gunn didn’t shy away from mocking endless online debates about which superhero is the most powerful. He explained his creative logic by saying:
“I see the online things — ‘Who would beat whom? Homelander or Superman or f******whatever, Adam Warlock or Brightburn,’ and I’m like, ‘This is the f ****** stupidest conversation.’ Like, whoever would win this fight means they’re the best? Because I’ll just go out and write God Man, who can destroy you with a wink. And I win. I win all the fights forever. But I didn’t want a Superman who could punch planets.”
Instead, Gunn wants storytelling depth over sheer strength. His version of Superman will face real stakes, real losses, and real consequences.
World-Building Demands a Vulnerable Superman in the DCU
Another key reason for “nerfing” Superman, as Gunn explained, is to maintain balance in the DC Universe. He pointed out that a godlike Superman would overshadow other characters:
“We’re creating a whole universe now, so what’s a girl with wings gonna do in the face of that? So he’s a little less powerful. Guy Gardner’s pretty f****** powerful. They’re all pretty powerful.”
By leveling the playing field, Gunn ensures that characters like Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Mister Terrific can all shine without being eclipsed by Superman’s might.
Fan Feedback Influenced Superman’s Design
Interestingly, fan feedback also played a role in shaping this Superman. Gunn noticed that many fans prefer Batman because he’s beatable:
“Honestly, in talking to people, a lot of people are like, ‘I like Batman better because he can actually be beat,’ and I get that. So we have a Superman that can be beat.”
This vulnerability doesn’t make Superman weak—it makes him compelling.
Comparing Cavill, Reeve, and Corenswet’s Superman
David Corenswet’s Superman stands in sharp contrast to his predecessors:
- Christopher Reeve’s Superman reversed time by spinning the Earth backward.
- Henry Cavill’s Superman survived a nuclear blast and fought the entire Justice League.
But in Gunn’s version, trailers show a bloodied and battle-worn Clark Kent, straining against real danger. This Superman isn’t immune to pain—and that may be his most heroic trait.
Superman Still Has Classic Powers
Despite being more vulnerable, fans will still enjoy seeing Superman’s classic powers in action—flight, super strength, X-ray and heat vision. Tie-in comics already show Corenswet’s Superman creatively using his powers to save civilians.
So while his power is reduced, his heroism is elevated.
Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025, and officially launches the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The film stars:
- David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman (and a mysterious third identity)
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Featuring: Hawkgirl, Metamorpho, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner (Green Lantern)
James Gunn’s bold decision to make a beatable and weak Superman, in fact, may be exactly what the character needs in this new era. By deliberately prioritizing vulnerability over invincibility, Gunn is not only reshaping the mythos but also crafting a Superman who can truly grow—and ultimately inspire.
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