James Gunn, the director and writer currently making a Superman reboot for DC, indicated that he was previously given the opportunity to direct Man of Steel 2, but stepped away from the project altogether. He indicated that he was offered the chance to direct Man of Steel 2 in 2018, but he said he was not ready for that major job.
In an interview, Gunn indicated that continuing Superman's story felt too heavy. He indicated that he respected the character and what Superman represents but he did not have a vision for a film that would justify doing it.
“The job was intimidating," said Gunn. The pressure of taking on such an iconic character with no established path added to Gunn's discomfort. Instead of forcing a project he didn't feel up to, he decided to look for something he felt strongly connected with, which ended up as The Suicide Squad, which was released in 2021.
Gunn's decision left the future of Henry Cavill's Superman uncertain for years. Warner Bros. continued to explore potential sequels and directions, but nothing ever came from the Man of Steel. While fans waited, nothing has been in motion.
Gunn is not on the sidelines anymore. He is the co-head of DC Studios with Peter Safran, and he is writing and directing Superman, a complete reboot. The new Superman film is currently set to open on July 11, 2025.
David Corenswet will portray a younger Clark Kent, while Rachel Brosnahan will take on the role of Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult will star as Lex Luthor. The new Superman film is the first Superman film in Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, made by the studio’s rebooted cinematic universe.
Gunn has stated that this version of Superman will embrace the character's uplifting and inspirational quality. The movie will capture a hero who embodies hope, trying to do good in a complicated world.
Furthermore, the reboot sinks the previous version of Superman played by Henry Cavill, and while there was disappointment from fans about Cavill's departure, Gunn noted that it wasn't just a simple signing a new actor decision, it was a conscious decision to write a new story with a different tone.
James Gunn turned down ‘Man Of Steel 2’ in 2018: “I was daunted by the task” https://t.co/ErvCWrISOb
— NME (@NME) July 10, 2025
Gunn's progression of going from passing on developing a sequel to the Man of Steel, to now leading DC's flagship Superman feature film, emphasizes how he has built confidence and developed his creative vision. What he once considered a burden has become a cornerstone of DC's future on the big screen.
Image Source: san.com
