James Gunn‘s characteristic movie opener to his model new DCU is hovering excessive in theaters, however how does the director really feel about leaping from one comedian guide movie universe to a different? As Superman racks up rave overview after rave overview, followers are reminiscing over the Guardians of the Galaxy director’s MCU historical past. Gunn breathed life again into the MCU by writing and directing probably the most constant and well-received trilogy within the franchise. But, Gunn wasn’t protected from his previous, being briefly fired for offensive, and straight-up dangerous, jokes. The comedian guide film king is now flying excessive on the head of the DCU, however lately he took a while to recap his rocky relationship with Disney’s MCU.
As a visitor on the Armchair Skilled with Dax Shepard podcast, Gunn talked about his change from the MCU to DCU. After being fired from the MCU in 2018, he and Peter Safran had been supplied the chance to co-head DC Studios. So, when Marvel govt Kevin Feige, who fought for Gunn’s reinstatement at Disney, informed him the excellent news, the director had already taken a job with DC: the 2021 sequel The Suicide Squad.
“I went over to Kevin’s home. I went into his basement the place he’s obtained all his Star Wars figures like a bit museum and he mentioned, ‘That is wonderful.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s good, however I’ve to do one thing else first.’ And — oh my God, I didn’t keep in mind this till proper now — Kevin goes, ‘Ugh, are you doing Superman?’”

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James Gunn Reveals Why He Needed to “Defend” a Beloved MCU Character From Different Writers
The DC boss helmed all three ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ motion pictures within the MCU and likewise served as a author on every quantity.
Whereas Gunn had been supplied Superman by DC already, he determined to go together with the band of villainous misfits first. After his first DC challenge got here out, Gunn returned to Marvel for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). When requested if he felt there was an “moral dilemma” ditching Marvel for DC, Gunn mentioned:
“No, I simply shook my head. I didn’t really feel that manner as a result of I used to be fired. … Pay attention, there are folks that I’m not that pleased with over there [at Disney], however that actually wasn’t the Marvel guys, you already know?. They had been fully supportive. [Marvel Studios Co-President] Louis D’Esposito referred to as me on a regular basis. Lou and Kevin had been nice. So it actually wasn’t them. However I didn’t really feel guilt in any respect. I imply, I needed to take a job! I took a job [with] folks that I additionally actually appreciated, and that was it.”
James Gunn Has the Better of Each Comedian E-book Worlds
Superman, starring David Corenswet within the titular function, is lastly right here and audiences are loving it. The DCU’s first movie in its Gods and Monsters section proves that James Gunn is on the head of a number of the high tasks for each Marvel and DC. With titles like Supergirl and Peacemaker Season 2 on the horizon, it seems like Gunn’s stable basis will solely be improved upon.
Whereas he remembers his comedian roots fondly, Gunn little doubt has extra artistic energy at DC, which may result in a few of his finest work but. If you have not already, get your tickets to see the DCU’s phenomenal opening movie, Superman.

Superman
- Launch Date
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July 11, 2025
- Runtime
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130 Minutes
- Director
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James Gunn
- Producers
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Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran
Supply: Deadline