James Gunn is no stranger to online hate, and in a new interview, the Superman director opened up about how his experiences with online criticism influenced Clark Kent’s emotional journey in the upcoming film. Speaking with host Greg Alba from Reel Rejects, Gunn got candid about why the beloved superhero, played by David Corenswet, isn’t immune to social media hate and why that detail made its way into the film, set to release in theaters on Friday, July 11.
Superman has become a frequent target of harsh online criticism, particularly from fans of previous iterations of the famous Kryptonian’s adventures. These criticisms, along with excessive nitpicking from bad-faith internet trolls, resulted in public discourse that’s been exacerbated by social media algorithms and the film’s high-profile nature.
How Does James Gunn’s Superman Handle Social Media Hate?
As Superman enters the final stretch of its global press tour, opinions surrounding the DC Universe’s first film are as rampant as they’ve ever been. This has weighed on Gunn as the discourse about his movie has reached a fever pitch.
When Alba asked if Gunn experienced any catharsis by incorporating a storyline involving Superman receiving hate into the movie, the famed writer-director gave a characteristically candid answer:
"Obviously, I relate to that. I do tune out most of social media. But every once in a while, there’ll be somebody who’ll say something. It’s always the weirdest stuff. It’s never what you expect."
The filmmaker described how even the most bizarre, seemingly insignificant comments can sometimes sneak past the mental armor:
"[There will be] some weird thing where I go, 'that guy, I wanna…' And then I go, 'I think I might be getting upset about something a 12-year-old in India is saying.' And I’m like 'let it go.'"
Gunn also explained that his version of Superman will embody a blend of vulnerability and altruism while being flawed:
"The whole scene is about focusing on the personal, human side of Clark. He is one of the world’s best guys. He’s so kind. He’s always looking out for people in need, but he’s not perfect."
According to Gunn, Superman’s struggle with online criticism and emotional doubt will be used to explore what makes the character feel real—something that some say has been missing in recent interpretations:
"He has things that get to him. He has things that upset him. He can be a little bit too idealistic. He can definitely be a little too rash."
By tapping into those imperfections, Gunn aims to present a vulnerable, modern man trying to navigate a world that doesn’t always see him as a well-meaning hero, which includes the digital world. The decision to have Superman face social media hate reflects how even the best of us can be shaken by the loud voices of people who are determined to misunderstand us.
James Gunn’s Rocky Superman Journey
This creative choice takes on a whole new dimension when considering the criticism Gunn received since taking over DC Studios after the underwhelming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom capped off the DC Extended Universe in 2023.
Ever since the announcement that Gunn’s DC Universe would reboot the franchise, effectively ending Henry Cavill’s run as Superman and squashing hope that the universe spearheaded by director-producer Zack Snyder would continue, backlash has followed Gunn at nearly every turn.
Criticisms of Gunn's Superman film, including its casting, visual effects, and tone, swept the internet soon after its first teaser trailer, combined with a vocal minority of Snyder fans lambasting Gunn’s character, visual language style, and his lighter and more hopeful interpretation of Superman. Some even demanded that Gunn be removed from his position as the head of DC Studios and replaced with Snyder.
Gunn has acknowledged the hate, but instead of backing down from it, he’s done what all great artists do: He's woven his personal experiences into the DNA of his Superman story.
Why James Gunn’s Superman Matters Today
It’s a bold move to portray Clark Kent—a symbol of moral purity and emotional restraint—as someone affected by online noise. But Gunn clearly sees value in that transparency. The idea that Superman faces social media hate is a commentary on the toxic aspects of fandom and the unrealistic expectations that come with being a public figure. Whether you're a superhero or a filmmaker, the internet has opinions, and they're not always kind.
That toxicity has only grown louder in recent years. From targeted campaigns against diversity to the weaponization of hashtags and conspiracy theories, online fandom has become more aggressive and performative. Gunn’s Superman seems poised to hold up a mirror to that behavior. And it’s not just about Clark getting cyberbullied—it’s about how we treat icons, and how those icons struggle to stay grounded when millions are projecting their hopes, fears, and criticisms onto them.
Despite the pushback, Gunn’s approach is already resonating with fans looking for a more relatable Superman. His version isn’t an untouchable god-like figure or a brooding loner—he’s kind, flawed, and maybe a little too hopeful for his own good. In a world dominated by algorithms and hot takes, with little room for nuance, that kind of character might be exactly what today’s audiences need.
Whether the film will fully deliver on that promise remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: by letting the Man of Steel face—and learn to cope with—something as universal and potentially harmful as social media vitriol, James Gunn may have found the most human angle on Superman yet.
