James Gunn discusses the controversial Superman scene that sparked unexpected criticism. The inaugural installment of the DC Universe (DCU) featuring Superman emphasizes the character’s optimistic traits and joyful nature. David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman prioritizes minimizing collateral damage during battles, often at the expense of his public perception and the accolades he receives from defeating adversaries.
In an interview with Josh Horowitz, Superman director James Gunn revealed his surprise over the polarized response to the scene where Superman rescues a squirrel, which did not resonate well with many viewers. Gunn described the scene as “heatedly debated,” with numerous audience members questioning the rationale behind Superman’s choice to intervene for a single squirrel while Metropolis faces imminent danger. Here’s Gunn’s complete quote below.
“Saving the squirrel. Heatedly debated. Some audience members didn’t… ‘Why is he saving a squirrel?’ ‘Because it’s a cute little adorable squirrel that was about to be crushed by a tail.’
“It wasn’t a small amount of people. There are a lot of squirrel haters out there. Who knew?”
Understanding the Significance of James Gunn’s Superman Squirrel Scene
How Superman’s Squirrel Rescue Embodies the Hero’s Core Values
While the moment of Superman saving a single squirrel may have elicited mixed responses from the audience, it serves as a powerful representation of the Man of Steel’s fundamental values. Unlike other superheroes such as the Justice League members, Superman embodies an unwavering commitment to the belief that every life is significant, regardless of its size. This fleeting scene in James Gunn’s Superman beautifully illustrates the pure-heartedness and generosity inherent in David Corenswet’s portrayal of the iconic hero within the DCU.
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Superman’s squirrel rescue scene stands in stark contrast to Lex Luthor’s frigid, utilitarian perspective. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is willing to sacrifice both himself and his team to a black hole in Superman‘s catastrophic conclusion if it means defeating Superman. Whereas Luthor views life as expendable, Superman holds a deep respect for all life, even when it complicates his mission. Although the squirrel rescue might appear trivial at first glance, it symbolically reinforces why Superman is considered the heart and soul of the DCU.
Insights on James Gunn’s Superman Squirrel Scene
The DCU’s Strength Lies in Embracing Small Moments
The small yet significant moments, such as Superman saving a squirrel, could become a hallmark of the DCU as they serve to humanize heroes. If the DCU continues to embrace this approach, audiences may witness similar scenes featuring other iconic characters. For example, the DCU’s Batman might assist a child victim of crime rather than solely focusing on apprehending the criminal, and Wonder Woman could extend compassion to a defeated foe instead of viewing them merely as collateral damage in battle.
Traditionally, superhero films have prioritized grand spectacles, often highlighting large-scale destruction and epic confrontations. While these elements are crucial to the genre, the inclusion of smaller, heartfelt moments like Superman‘s squirrel rescue reflects a refreshing evolution in exploring what it truly means to be a hero. These nuanced details reinforce the notion that a superhero’s primary mission is to uplift their community, not just to combat formidable threats.
Source: Josh Horowitz
Exploring the New Superman
9/10
- Release Date
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July 9, 2025
- Runtime
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130 minutes
- Producers
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Lars P. Winther, Nik Korda, Peter Safran
