James Gunn, the newly appointed co-chairman of DC Studios, recently addressed one of the most heated debates among superhero fans—the stark differences between his vision for Superman: Legacy (2025) and Zack Snyder’s portrayal of the iconic character in his DC films. Gunn’s comments come amid growing fan speculation about how his Superman will compare to the one introduced by Snyder in Man of Steel (2013) and further developed in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017).

The debate has intensified since Gunn announced that Superman: Legacy would mark the beginning of a new era for DC under his leadership. Unlike Snyder’s darker, brooding take on Superman, Gunn’s interpretation promises to focus on the character’s inherent optimism and moral clarity. Gunn acknowledged the influence and impact of Snyder’s work but emphasized that his Superman would reflect a different thematic approach, aligning more closely with the core values of hope, inspiration, and kindness traditionally associated with the character.

“Zack created a remarkable version of Superman,” Gunn said during a recent interview. “It was powerful, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant. But my goal is to bring a fresh perspective to the character, one that highlights his compassion and unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity.” Gunn further explained that his Superman would embody the struggles of balancing superhuman abilities with the vulnerabilities of being human, a concept he believes is central to the character’s universal appeal.

Snyder’s portrayal of Superman, played by Henry Cavill, polarized audiences and critics alike. Some praised the darker, grittier tone as a bold reimagining of the superhero archetype, while others criticized it for straying too far from the hopeful and aspirational nature of the character. With Superman: Legacy, Gunn intends to pivot away from Snyder’s shadow and create a version of Superman that reflects the contemporary world without sacrificing the character’s timeless qualities.

One of the major points of contention lies in the casting of the new Superman. David Corenswet has been chosen to step into the role, replacing Henry Cavill, whose departure from the DC Universe left many fans disappointed. Gunn defended the decision, stating that Corenswet brings a youthful energy and relatability that align perfectly with the direction of the film. “David has an innate ability to capture the essence of Superman as both a hero and an ordinary man trying to find his place in the world,” Gunn noted.

Gunn’s Superman: Legacy will reportedly delve deeper into the character’s origins and relationships, particularly his connection to his Kryptonian heritage and his adoptive Earth family. The film aims to explore the duality of Superman’s identity as both Kal-El and Clark Kent. Gunn revealed that the narrative would focus on Superman’s journey to reconcile his alien roots with his human upbringing, a theme that resonates with the concept of legacy—a central motif in the title.

“The story isn’t just about Superman saving the world,” Gunn explained. “It’s about him understanding what it means to be human and why those values are worth protecting. It’s about hope, love, and the responsibility that comes with great power.”

The announcement of Superman: Legacy has sparked mixed reactions among fans, particularly those loyal to Snyder’s vision. Social media has been flooded with debates, with some expressing excitement for Gunn’s optimistic take, while others lament the departure from Snyder’s darker aesthetic. Gunn addressed the backlash, urging fans to approach the new film with an open mind. “It’s not about erasing what came before but building on it in a way that brings Superman’s story to new audiences and generations,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Gunn remains confident in his vision for the DC Universe. Together with Peter Safran, he has laid out a roadmap for DC’s cinematic future, starting with Superman: Legacy. The film is expected to set the tone for a cohesive and interconnected universe, bringing together classic characters and fresh narratives.

Gunn’s personal connection to Superman has also played a significant role in shaping his approach to the film. “Superman was one of the first superheroes I connected with as a kid,” he shared. “He represents the best of us, the idea that no matter how powerful we are, it’s our humanity that defines us. That’s the story I want to tell.”

Superman: Legacy is not just another superhero movie—it’s a statement of intent for the new DC Studios under Gunn and Safran. The success of the film will likely determine the trajectory of the studio’s ambitious plans. With Gunn at the helm, expectations are high, and the stakes are even higher.

As fans eagerly await the release of Superman: Legacy in 2025, the film promises to be both a tribute to the character’s enduring legacy and a bold step forward in reimagining one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. Whether it will win over Snyder’s ardent supporters or chart a new course for DC’s cinematic future remains to be seen. For Gunn, however, the mission is clear: to bring Superman back to his roots while making him relevant for today’s world.