James Gunn on Whether Jor-El's Message Was Fake

One of the most talked-about moments in Superman (2025) is, without a doubt, the mysterious message Kal-El receives from his Kryptonian parents. Initially, it begins as a hopeful call from Jor-El and Lara, urging him to protect Earth. However, as the story unfolds, the tone quickly shifts. Eventually, as more of the message is revealed, it becomes clear that Jor-El’s Message may actually encourage Kal-El to rule over humanity. Understandably, this unexpected twist sparks widespread speculation among fans and critics alike.

Was Jor-El’s Message Altered by Lex Luthor?

In the film, Lex Luthor publicly releases the full message, which immediately causes massive public backlash against Superman. As a result, many fans began to speculate that Luthor had tampered with the footage to damage Superman’s image. Nevertheless, director James Gunn has firmly dismissed this theory. In fact, he went on to confirm that the message was completely authentic.

While speaking with Josh Horowitz on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Gunn explained:

“In the movie, Mr. Terrific says, ‘I know those computer forensics guys. There’s no way.’ That’s Mr. Terrific. Smart as Lex Luthor. Then I have my Secretary of Defense say, ‘Think whatever you think about Luthor, but it’s real.’ And then the clincher is that Gurkos and Lex are walking together, and you know, Gurkos says, ‘Ah, you doctored the message. This is great.’ And Lex says, ‘It’s not doctored. It’s real.’”

Through these layered confirmations from multiple characters, Gunn removes any ambiguity. The filmmaker clearly intended for audiences to accept that Jor-El’s message was real and untouched.

The Meaning Behind Jor-El’s Message

Gunn also provided insight into Jor-El and Lara’s motivations, challenging the traditional view of them as noble parents. He stated:

“I don’t really even think of Jor-El and Lara as being totally evil. They just have this mindset that humans are less than what they are. We’re sea turtles to them. They’re just trying to keep the Kryptonian genes alive.”

This new interpretation adds complexity to Superman’s lineage. Rather than acting out of malevolence, his parents operate from a place of superiority—viewing humanity as a lesser species.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DC UPDATES (@updates4dc)

Balancing Legacy and Evolution

Addressing concerns about changing such a foundational aspect of Superman’s story, Gunn reassured fans:

“I’m a huge Superman fan, so first of all I had to trust myself that I was going to honor the pieces of Superman that we needed to keep the same and also allow myself to make changes where changes might work and wouldn’t go against the integrity of who the character is.”

This creative balance is a major reason why Superman (2025) has resonated with both longtime fans and new audiences. The film, released on July 11, 2025, has already earned over $400 million globally.

Jor-El’s Message is more than just a plot device—it’s a thematic turning point that reshapes how we understand Superman’s purpose. With James Gunn confirming its authenticity, the message now stands as a powerful symbol of Kal-El’s internal conflict between heritage and humanity. This bold reinterpretation proves that even the most iconic characters can evolve without losing their core.