Recent insights shared by an actor involved in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film have reinforced the idea that forgoing a detailed origin story for the character is a smart approach. Set to debut in 2025, this Superman film marks the beginning of Gunn’s fresh DC Universe (DCU), ushering in a new era for Warner Bros. and its storytelling. Unlike previous installments, this new venture will not take audiences through the typical evolution of Kal-El; instead, we’re thrown into an already populated world of superheroes where Superman has long been a protector.
The initial trailer offers glimpses of Superman in action, showcasing scenes where he rescues individuals, confronts menacing entities, and balances his persona as Clark Kent, a reporter at the Daily Planet. It hints at a dynamic relationship with Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan. Past adaptations, such as the 1978 classic and 2013’s Man of Steel, have detailed how Clark and Lois fell in love. However, Brosnahan promises a fresh perspective on their relationship, and anticipation is high regarding Gunn’s unique interpretation.
James Gunn’s Superman Skips His Origin Story
Gunn Isn’t Retelling Superman’s Origin
In contemporary cinema, retelling superhero origin stories has become increasingly rare, especially for well-established characters. Both The Batman and Spider-Man: Homecoming effectively bypassed these backstories, as audiences generally understand the backgrounds of Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker. Similarly, the various renditions of Superman’s origin across television and film make another retelling feel unnecessary. Gunn’s strategy appears aimed at diving straight into action, incorporating Clark’s backstory as a supportive narrative element rather than the film’s focal point.
Rachel Brosnahan Confirms Clark Kent and Lois Lane Are Already a Couple
Superman Is Not Focusing on Clark and Lois’ Beginnings
The trailer emphasizes the significance of Kal-El’s dual identity as Clark Kent, spotlighting key Daily Planet characters, including Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) and Perry White (Wendell Pierce). Central to Clark’s narrative is Lois Lane, who has consistently represented his primary love interest. In a recent interview with Collider, Brosnahan shared that their relationship is established from the outset of the film, intensifying the stakes of their bond.
“They’ve been together for about three months. And they’re asking some questions about the future of their relationship. They’re not sure if this is something that was just a really great fling or something that could be forever, and they have really opposite worldviews, and they bump up against each other that way. So, it was a really fun way into a familiar story.”
Amidst romantic moments highlighted in the trailer—including instances when he dons his Superman attire—it’s intriguing whether Lois is privy to Clark’s true identity at the film’s outset or learns it later on. Nonetheless, Brosnahan’s remarks suggest that their relationship will be a focal point of the narrative, presenting challenges that Clark must navigate while serving as Earth’s defender.
Anticipating the Challenges in Clark & Lois’ Relationship over the Honeymoon Phase
Gunn’s Cinematic Approach: Navigating Relationship Challenges
Image via Warner Bros.
Many previous Superman films concentrated on the early stages of Clark and Lois’ romance, which, while appealing, doesn’t warrant repetition. The audience is already aware that Clark and Lois are ultimately fated to be together. There’s a refreshing potential in skipping to a more mature exploration of their relationship, focusing on the dynamics brought on by Clark’s superhero duties and how both their careers might clash with their personal lives.
Brosnahan’s mention of “opposite worldviews”adds an intriguing layer to their interactions, especially in a DC Universe populated with superheroes and extraterrestrial beings. It raises the possibility that Lois may harbor skepticism towards superheroes, creating a natural clash with Clark’s identity. This exploration of relationship dynamics is not something typically addressed in blockbuster films, and I’m eager to see how Gunn crafts this narrative in Superman.