As Superman (2025) nears release, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn continues to make bold creative choices. One such decision involves what to leave out, rather than include. During a recent interview with The Times, Gunn called out three superhero origin scenes — from both Marvel and DC — that, in his view, have been used too often and no longer need to appear on screen.
Batman’s Superhero Origin Scenes: Parents Dying in Crime Alley
“I don’t ever need to see pearls in a back alley when Batman’s parents are killed.”
This tragic moment serves as a visual shorthand for Batman’s backstory. Over the years, it has become one of the most iconic superhero origin scenes. As a result, filmmakers have recreated it many times — from Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) to Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (2005) and Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman (2016). In each version, the scene includes the same familiar elements: a dark alley, slow motion, dramatic lighting, and the now-famous falling pearls.
Gunn argues that it’s time to move forward.
Instead of rehashing Bruce Wayne’s trauma, his upcoming DCU film The Brave and the Bold will spotlight a new direction. It focuses on Bruce’s relationship with his son Damian Wayne, who becomes Robin. This updated approach replaces a tired Superhero Origin Scenes with an emotional, character-driven storyline that feels fresh and relevant.
Spider-Man’s Superhero Origin Scenes: Radioactive Spider Bite
“The radioactive spider biting Spider-Man.”
Peter Parker’s transformation ranks among the most well-known superhero origin scenes. Filmmakers have shown it repeatedly — from Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man (2002) to Andrew Garfield in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and even animated versions like Into the Spider-Verse. Regardless of the version, the story follows the same path.
Gunn believes that, by now, audiences are already familiar with these details. For that reason, instead of rehashing this classic superhero origin scene, future films can shift their focus to deeper emotional conflicts, new villains, or even multiverse-level threats. In doing so, they can move forward without returning to the spider bite once again.
Superman’s Escape from Krypton
“And I don’t need to see baby Kal coming from Krypton in a little baby rocket”
Although not as frequently replayed as the others, Gunn also cited Superman’s origin as a sequence we no longer need to see in every reboot.
Audiences have seen Kal-El’s escape from Krypton and his adoption by the Kents many times. Richard Donner’s Superman (1978) and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013) both featured this familiar origin story.
Gunn’s upcoming Superman (2025) will skip the destruction of Krypton and instead focus on a hero who’s already established. This choice allows the story to explore Clark Kent’s dual identity, his relationships, and the moral complexity of being a beacon of hope in a modern world — without retelling what fans already know.
Why Retiring Superhero Origin Scenes Matters for the Future of the DCU
By avoiding these well-worn Superhero Origin Scenes, James Gunn is signaling a shift in storytelling priorities. Rather than rely on familiar emotional beats, the DCU will dive deeper into character development, new dynamics, and unexplored corners of the DC mythos.
This strategy does more than save screen time. It also respects the audience’s knowledge. As a result, filmmakers can focus on telling fresh, emotionally grounded stories. These stories connect with viewers on a deeper level — not just through spectacle, but through meaningful character arcs.
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