James Gunn, the visionary director behind DC Studios’ upcoming Superman film, set to premiere on July 11, 2025, has made a bold statement about his latest project during a promotional event in Los Angeles on April 13, 2025. Addressing a crowd of journalists and fans, Gunn revealed that the film clocks in at a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, a decision he believes will allow for a complete and emotionally resonant story. With unwavering confidence, he declared, “My Superman will succeed,” a statement that has sparked both excitement and curiosity among fans of the iconic superhero and the broader DC Universe (DCU).
Gunn’s Superman, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, marks the first theatrical release under the newly restructured DC Studios, which Gunn co-leads with Peter Safran. The film promises to reintroduce the Man of Steel as a younger, more hopeful hero, focusing on his dual life as a reporter at the Daily Planet and a protector of Metropolis. The cast also includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and a roster of other DC heroes like Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabel Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific. The first trailer, released in December 2024, showcased a vibrant, interconnected DCU where Superman navigates public scrutiny while leading a team of heroes against Luthor’s schemes.
The runtime announcement comes at a time when superhero films are often scrutinized for their length. Recent blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame (2019) at 3 hours and 1 minute and The Batman (2022) at 2 hours and 56 minutes have leaned into extended runtimes to accommodate sprawling narratives. However, Gunn’s decision to keep Superman at 2 hours and 20 minutes—a relatively concise length for a modern superhero epic—has raised eyebrows. In his remarks, Gunn explained that the runtime was a deliberate choice to balance character development, action, and emotional depth without overwhelming the audience. “We wanted a film that feels complete but doesn’t overstay its welcome. At 2 hours and 20 minutes, every moment serves the story of Clark’s journey,” he said, adding that the pacing allows for “heart, humor, and spectacle” in equal measure.
Gunn’s confidence in the film’s success stems from early test screenings, which have reportedly garnered strong positive feedback. Sources close to DC Studios indicate that audiences have praised the film’s lighter tone, which contrasts with the darker, more brooding Superman portrayed by Henry Cavill in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Cavill’s tenure, spanning Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017), was often polarizing, with some fans appreciating the gritty realism while others longed for a return to Superman’s classic optimism. Gunn’s Superman aims to recapture that sense of hope, with Corenswet’s portrayal emphasizing Clark’s kindness and moral clarity, traits that resonate with the character’s Golden Age roots.
The runtime also reflects Gunn’s experience in crafting efficient yet impactful superhero stories. His previous works, such as Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) at 2 hours and 1 minute and The Suicide Squad (2021) at 2 hours and 12 minutes, have been lauded for their tight storytelling and emotional resonance. Gunn’s ability to juggle ensemble casts while maintaining focus on the protagonist gives fans reason to trust his approach with Superman. The film’s 2-hour-and-20-minute length suggests a streamlined narrative, likely focusing on Clark’s early days as Superman while setting up the broader DCU, including teases of future projects like The Brave and the Bold and the Green Lantern series.
However, not everyone is convinced. Some fans on platforms like X have expressed skepticism about whether 2 hours and 20 minutes is enough to fully explore Superman’s origin, his relationship with Lois Lane, and the introduction of multiple heroes and villains. Others worry that the lighter tone might alienate audiences who preferred the DCEU’s more serious take. The recent controversy surrounding WB president Michael De Luca’s walkout from a private screening of the film, where he criticized its tone as lacking the “gravitas” of past Supermen, has also fueled doubts. Despite this, Gunn remains unfazed, doubling down on his vision. “This is the Superman the world needs right now—a beacon of hope in a cynical age,” he said, reaffirming his belief in the film’s potential to redefine the character for a new generation.
As the July release date approaches, anticipation for Superman continues to build. Gunn’s bold claim that “My Superman will succeed” sets a high bar, but his track record and passion for the project suggest he might just deliver. Whether the 2-hour-and-20-minute runtime will prove to be a strength or a limitation, one thing is certain: Gunn’s Superman is poised to soar into theaters with a fresh perspective on the world’s most iconic superhero.
