James Gunn: “My Superman Will Have No Fake Muscles, No CGI on His Body. Completely Natural! Wait Until July, I Hope This Will Be a Successful Superman”
As of February 24, 2025, anticipation is building for James Gunn’s bold reimagining of the Man of Steel, set to soar into theaters on July 11, 2025. The filmmaker, now co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, has offered fans a tantalizing glimpse into his vision for *Superman*, promising a hero unlike any seen before on the big screen. In a statement that has sparked widespread excitement, Gunn declared, “My Superman will have no fake muscles, no CGI on his body. Completely natural! Wait until July, I hope this will be a successful Superman.” With production wrapping earlier this month and the first trailer expected soon, Gunn’s words signal a seismic shift in how the iconic character will be brought to life.
Gunn’s tenure at DC began with a bang when he and Safran unveiled their ambitious “Gods and Monsters” slate in 2023, placing *Superman* (previously titled *Superman: Legacy*) at its heart. The film marks the official launch of the rebooted DC Universe, following years of uneven attempts to unify the franchise under Warner Bros. Casting David Corenswet as Clark Kent—a relatively unknown actor with credits in *Pearl* and *The Politician*—Gunn signaled a departure from the high-profile likes of Henry Cavill, whose chiseled, CGI-enhanced physique defined the role from 2013’s *Man of Steel* to 2021’s *Zack Snyder’s Justice League*. Now, Gunn is doubling down on authenticity, emphasizing a Superman shaped by real effort rather than digital trickery.
The decision to forgo CGI and padded suits stems from Gunn’s desire to ground the character in a tangible, relatable reality. “Superman’s strength isn’t just about how he looks—it’s who he is,” Gunn explained in a recent interview. “David’s been training like a beast, putting in the work naturally. What you’ll see is all him, no shortcuts.” Set photos circulating online since late 2024 show Corenswet, now 31, sporting a lean yet muscular build, a stark contrast to the hyper-bulked aesthetic of past iterations. Fans have noted his resemblance to a classic Christopher Reeve vibe—athletic but human—fitting Gunn’s promise of a “completely natural” hero.
This approach reflects Gunn’s broader creative philosophy, honed through his work on *Guardians of the Galaxy* and *The Suicide Squad*. Known for blending heart with spectacle, he’s steering *Superman* toward a story that balances epic stakes with personal stakes. The plot, penned by Gunn himself, follows a young Clark Kent navigating his dual identity as a reporter at the Daily Planet and Earth’s protector. Rachel Brosnahan stars as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and a stacked ensemble—including Isabel Merced as Hawkgirl and Milly Alcock as Supergirl—rounds out this fresh take. Yet, it’s Gunn’s commitment to practical effects and real physicality that has captured the most attention.
Behind the scenes, Corenswet’s transformation has been rigorous. Reports from the set detail a grueling regimen of weight training, boxing, and farm-inspired chores—nodding to Clark’s Kansas roots—overseen by a team of fitness experts. “David’s not just bulking up; he’s building functional strength,” a production source revealed. “James wanted him to move like Superman, not just pose like him.” This contrasts sharply with Cavill’s tenure, where subtle CGI enhancements amplified his already impressive physique. Gunn’s rejection of such tools isn’t a critique of his predecessor but a deliberate choice to align with his film’s tone—a brighter, more hopeful Superman inspired by the character’s Golden Age roots.
The fanbase, vocal as ever on platforms like X, is divided yet intrigued. Some laud Gunn’s back-to-basics ethos, with one user posting, “A Superman who earns his power the hard way? I’m in.” Others worry that a “natural” look might lack the larger-than-life aura fans expect from the Last Son of Krypton. Gunn has addressed these concerns directly, teasing, “Don’t worry, he’ll still feel super. It’s about truth, not gimmicks.” Early test screenings in January 2025 reportedly earned rave reactions, with insiders calling Corenswet’s performance “magnetic” and the film “a love letter to Superman’s legacy.”
Gunn’s confidence hinges on more than just physicality. The film’s practical effects—real stunts, tangible sets, and minimal green screen—echo his work on *The Suicide Squad*, aiming to immerse audiences in Superman’s world. Cinematographer Henry Braham, a Gunn regular, has hinted at a vibrant palette to match the story’s optimism, a shift from the muted tones of Zack Snyder’s era. Add a score by John Murphy, and *Superman* promises to blend old-school heroism with modern storytelling.
As July approaches, Gunn’s gamble could redefine the superhero genre. “I hope this will be a successful Superman,” he said, a rare moment of vulnerability from a director known for his swagger. With Corenswet’s natural prowess front and center, free of “fake muscles” or CGI gloss, Gunn is betting on authenticity to win over skeptics and reignite faith in DC’s flagship hero. If the buzz is any indication, this Man of Steel might just fly higher than ever—powered not by digital wizardry, but by the sweat and soul of a new generation.
