While test audiences expressed concerns regarding Superman’s unexpected act of performing a wildlife rescue, the co-composer of the DC movie has provided valuable insights into this controversial scene. In a recent interview following the release of Superman, James Gunn revealed that some audience members were unsettled by David Corenswet’s Superman saving a squirrel during a fierce battle with a rampaging Kaiju. This moment stirred quite a debate among viewers, showcasing the film’s unique blend of action and heart.
Despite the feedback from test audiences and objections from certain crew members, Gunn made the decision to retain this scene in the final cut of the movie. Since its release, this pivotal moment has sparked extensive online discussions, leading to a plethora of memes and viral content that celebrate or critique this unexpected twist in the superhero narrative.
During an interview with ScreenRant, Superman co-composer David Fleming shared his perspective on the ongoing discussions surrounding the squirrel rescue scene. He expressed that he is “kind of delighted” by the reactions from fans, revealing that he had prepared musical scores for both versions of the scene—one with the squirrel and one without. His comments highlight the creative process and the diverse reactions that can emerge from a single cinematic moment:
I’m kind of delighted that people are getting so upset about a squirrel. It’s so funny. That was one of the first scenes I did, and I believe that I scored a version without the squirrel and a version with the squirrel.
Ultimately, Fleming conveyed his fondness for the scene, explaining that Superman’s actions reflect his core character traits. He also pointed out that this moment serves as a sharp contrast to the more reckless behaviors exhibited by the Justice Gang. His final thoughts emphasized the thematic depth of the scene:
I kind of think the squirrel’s great. To go back to the Justice Gang being a great foil for Superman, the fun of the scene is how haphazard they are versus him trying to make sure everyone is safe all the time, which is a real hallmark of his character and at the core of the creation of the character.
So, I think that was the fun dynamic that James is playing with there, and it was a lot of fun to have him be that baby-faced superhero character, and there’s a lot of collateral damage when [the Justice Gang] comes around. They tend to make a big mess.
Over the years, DC’s Superman has undergone numerous reimaginings and contextual shifts. While previous adaptations focused on portraying the Last Son of Krypton as a god-like figure seeking to understand his place among humans, Gunn’s interpretation deliberately emphasizes the strength derived from his humanity and his profound concern for all forms of life.
Much like Fleming highlights, Superman’s determination to save even the tiniest of creatures reflects some of his most cherished character traits and demonstrates his intrinsic desire to protect every living being. Shortly after saving the squirrel, Corenswet’s Superman even expresses sorrow over the Justice Gang’s decision to eliminate the Kaiju they were fighting, further emphasizing his empathetic nature.
Analyzing Superman’s Squirrel Rescue and Its Impact
Although Fleming’s latest insights may not change the minds of some of the more vocal critics, his revelation about scoring two alternate versions of the scene—one featuring the squirrel and one omitting it—indicates that Gunn took the test audience feedback seriously. This attention to detail highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the various creative processes at play.
In the end, Gunn chose to include Superman’s squirrel rescue, and for many fans, this brief yet impactful moment has come to symbolize his unwavering optimism as the world’s most iconic superhero. In a comic book universe overflowing with metahumans posing as heroes and villains, it is Superman’s deep-seated empathy that truly distinguishes him from his many peers.
