James Gunn’s Superman Isn’t Going To Be All Jokes

Since it was announced James Gunn would be writing and directing the newest big-screen interpretation of Superman, a certain subset of fans has been worried that he will bring nothing but laughs and goofs to the Man of Steel. There is sure to be some comedy in 2025’s Superman, but to think it’ll be nothing but a laugh riot sells Gunn severely short.

Warner Bros. really needs the upcoming Superman to hit big. After a decade of floundering through the highs and lows of the DCEU, Gunn’s Superman is poised to be a statement of intent from the new DC Universe of films and shows. Yes, technically Creature Commandos debuted on Max in December 2024 and was the first official project in the new DCU, but an adult-animated series about C-list group of characters isn’t exactly the front-facing moneymaker DC Studios co-heads Gunn and Peter Safran are desperately coveting. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Lanterns aren’t scheduled to release until 2026, so Superman is DC Studios’ first and only shot at reintroducing audiences to the idea of a connected multimedia universe that isn’t weighed down by DC films past. The best way to wash movies like The Flash and Shazam! Fury of the Gods out of the mouths of consumers is to have a massive success in Superman.

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It’s been reported that Gunn’s take on Superman will be “very jokey.” Another popular comparison that is making the rounds is that the film is similar in tone to the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy which, you know, would make sense since the writer/director of those pictures is the writer/director of Superman as well. A lot of these rumors are coming out reporting about test audiences’ reaction to the film and, well, if these test audiences were going expecting another Man of Steel or Batman v. Superman, then yeah… they’re going to feel as if this new Superman is “very jokey.” Worrying about Superman being a so-called “jokey” movie is missing the forest for the trees.

Will James Gunn’s Superman Have Jokes? Of Course, It Will

Look, Superman will undoubtedly have jokes. James Gunn is writing the script and the man’s filmography includes Scooby-Doo, Slither, Super, and the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. All of those movies have plenty of genuinely hilarious scenes (yes, even his Scooby-Doo films have their moments). It should go without saying that there will be moments in Superman that need some comic relief. Every version of Clark Kent (Kal-El, if you’re nasty) that has made it to the big screen has included moments of levity. Even Zack Snyder’s infamously dark take on the Man of Steel included comedic scenes. The most beloved Superman of all time—the one Christopher Reeve introduced to the world in 1978—was nothing if not a bit of a goober.

It’s common knowledge that Guy Gardner, Jimmy Olsen, and Steve Lombard are all included in the upcoming pictures (played by Nathan Fillion, Skyler Gisondo, and Beck Bennett, respectively). The only reason you include those three characters is for comedic value. Yes, Guy Gardner—a mighty Green Lantern—and his bowl cut are going to be there to make people laugh. People out there worried about Superman being overly jokey clearly haven’t picked up a DC comic book in a while. Superman is the ultimate superhero character and his stories genuinely have it all: heartfelt moments, hilarious jokes, epic battles, villains monologuing, espionage and scheming, lofty ideals… the Man of Tomorrow’s stories get to run the gamut. It’s part of what makes his character so enduring.

James Gunn’s Superman Will Undoubtedly Have Pathos And Heart

It somewhat feels like people complaining about Superman being too focused on jokes haven’t actually watched a James Gunn movie. The man isn’t Judd Apatow or Mel Brooks. Each of his movies has an emotional core that makes everything else work. The first Guardians of the Galaxy movie has the backstory involving Peter’s mom. The second Guardians film gives Yondu a noble send-off that is much more emotional than it has any right to be. 2021’s The Suicide Squad gives viewers a heartbreaking tale about Ratcatcher and her harrowing childhood. 2010’s Super, made years before James Gunn became a household name, has a finale that just might move you to tears.

The Superman teaser trailer has already provided plenty of glimpses into the emotional beats of the story. Viewers will note Jonathan Kent and Clark having a heartfelt moment on the family farm, Superman struggling to aid the robot Kelex in a time of need, and numerous instances of Clark and Lois Lane in the company of each other. Krypto the Superdog is in the movie! Are you suggesting that there won’t be a few loving moments between Supes and his pup? There is just no way Superman is going to be wall-to-wall jokes as some people are insinuating.

Films are never just one thing. Comedies can have action sequences. Horror films can have moments of dramatic clarity. Kids’ movies can have references only for adults. Implying that a movie can only be one thing is naive at best and disingenuous at worst. Will Superman have jokes in it? Absolutely. Will Superman be an overly jokey ordeal? It’s highly unlikely.

Superman

Release Date

July 11, 2025

Director

James Gunn

Producers

Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran

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  David Corenswet

  Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El

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  Rachel Brosnahan

  Lois Lane

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  Nicholas Hoult

  Lex Luthor

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  Edi Gathegi

  Michael Holt / Mister Terrific