As the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix looms, the Formula 1 world isn’t the only arena generating buzz—DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has sparked a different kind of conversation with a slick response to a fan’s question about the online backlash surrounding his upcoming Superman film, set for release on July 11, 2025. When a fan on Threads asked Gunn about “people being weird about Superman,” referring to the vocal criticism of his lighter, more human take on the Man of Steel, Gunn delivered a poised retort: “Those trolling online? They’re very much the minority.” The comment, made during a Q&A session reported by IGN, has reignited debates about the film’s direction, with fans and detractors clashing over Gunn’s vision for the iconic superhero.
Gunn’s Superman, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, has been under scrutiny since its first trailer dropped in December 2024. The footage, showcasing a bruised and battered Superman calling for Krypto the Superdog’s help after a brutal fight, divided fans. Some praised the vulnerable, hope-driven portrayal, with one X user, @HeavySpoilers, calling it “pure awesome” for its “romantic, idealistic vision.” Others, particularly Zack Snyder loyalists, slammed it as a departure from the god-like Superman of Man of Steel, with posts on X decrying a “whining” hero who “screams in agony.” @Truth31The echoed Gunn’s sentiment, asserting that the naysayers are a “vocal loud minority,” a view Gunn reinforced by emphasizing the film’s focus on hope and kindness.
The controversy intensified with leaks suggesting Gunn’s Superman faces a social media smear campaign orchestrated by Lex Luthor, complete with a “#SuperShit” hashtag and mutant monkeys flooding the internet with hate. Outlets like Cosmic Book News and YouTuber Nerdrotic labeled this a self-insert, alleging Gunn is channeling his 2018 Disney firing over resurfaced offensive tweets into the plot. Bounding Into Comics reported accusations that Gunn’s inclusion of trolls reflects a vendetta against those who criticized him, with some fans on Reddit’s r/KotakuInAction calling it “petty” and “corny.” Gunn hasn’t directly addressed the leak but has been less active on social media, a shift from his usual fan engagement, leading to speculation about its veracity.
Despite the backlash, Gunn’s vision has supporters. At a press event covered by The Hollywood Reporter, he described the film as a place “we can all go home to,” emphasizing Superman’s compassion and moral simplicity. The trailer’s depiction of a Metropolis-based Clark, balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his Daily Planet job, aligns with Gunn’s goal of a grounded hero who stumbles among humans rather than towers above them. The Guardian noted this shift from the “morally noble colossus” of 1978’s Superman, suggesting it could inspire awe through relatability. Fans on r/comicbooks praised Gunn’s comic-accurate approach, with @CosmosBazaar citing All-Star Superman as a key influence, evident in the trailer’s vibrant, non-cynical tone.
The minority critique, as Gunn calls it, often stems from Snyder fans upset over Henry Cavill’s exit and the reboot’s lighter tone. On r/SnyderCut, users like @Horror_Campaign9418 speculated the film focuses too much on side characters like Guy Gardner and Krypto, a claim Gunn debunked, insisting it’s not an ensemble movie. Others, like @meesterquesos, questioned how fans would react if the film succeeds, with some vowing to boycott it, hoping for a SnyderVerse revival on Netflix. Yet, positive reactions dominate, with X users like @TIOROLLOComics mocking the “imbeciles” who dismiss Gunn’s vision.
Gunn’s past, including his 2018 firing over decade-old tweets about pedophilia and rape, fuels some of the trolling. The Verge and The Guardian reported how alt-right figures like Mike Cernovich weaponized those posts, a saga Gunn seems to revisit in Superman’s plot. However, his rehiring by Disney and rise to DC Studios co-chief show resilience, and his refusal to let “uproarious and unkind” trolls dictate decisions reflects a focus on storytelling over personal grudges.
As Monaco’s glamour contrasts with F1’s high stakes, Gunn’s Superman faces similar pressure to launch the DCU successfully. His smooth dismissal of the “minority” trolls underscores confidence in a film that aims to unify fans through hope, not division. Whether it soars or stumbles, Gunn’s Superman is poised to redefine a hero for a polarized world.
