Washington DC [US], July 7: Director James Gunn has opened up about the core themes behind his upcoming superhero film Superman, emphasizing its timely message of kindness and human decency, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I mean, Superman is the story of America,” Gunn said, explaining the character as a metaphor for immigration and the values America aspires to. “For me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”
While acknowledging the film’s political undertones, Gunn stressed he isn’t concerned if some audiences take offense. “Obviously 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,” he declared.
Gunn also detailed the casting process that led him to choose David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman over Nicholas Hoult. Despite praising Hoult as “a great actor,” Gunn shared, “He just didn’t fit the role. Nick was just more controlled,” adding that Corenswet embodied the warmth and openness he wanted for the character.
The director revealed he conducted chemistry tests with various actors considered for Lois Lane, and ultimately settled on Rachel Brosnahan opposite Corenswet due to their dynamic on-screen connection. “The truth is, Nick, who is a more controlled actor, had really good chemistry with another Lois that was less controlled, so they were opposites,” he explained.
Reflecting on the film’s broader meaning, Gunn said, “This Superman does seem to come at a particular 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, and that feels needed now because there is a meanness that has emerged due to cultural figures being mean online.”
Though Gunn acknowledged he doesn’t expect Superman to change the world, he hopes it might inspire a few people to “be just a bit nicer.” Superman hits theatres on July 11.