James Gunn Explains Why Superman Bleeds And How His Man Of Steel’s Powers Compare To Other Versions

James Gunn has given the definitive explanation for why the Man of Steel bleeds and gets injured so much in Superman. In the lead-up to the first movie of the new DC Universe, multiple trailers and sneak peeks have highlighted how David Corenswet’s Superman might not be as powerful as those who came before him, differing from Henry Cavill’s Superman.

That is due to how often the footage from the highly-anticipated DC movie features Superman injured or bleeding. Seeing a hero who is expected to be all-powerful get hurt so frequently has led to debates in fan circles about why Superman is seemingly weaker in the film. Well, it was all by design, with the reason for that now explained.

Speaking with ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan ahead of the release of Superman, James Gunn addressed why David Corenswet’s Superman bleeds in the DCU movie. According to Gunn, Superman is more emotionally and physically vulnerable than past versions to some degree. The director noted that seeing Superman bleed is new, but him fighting an “equal and opposite force” explains why. Check out the full quote below:

ScreenRant: There’s been conversation about whether this Superman is more emotionally or physically vulnerable than we’ve seen. Is that accurate? Was that intentional?

James Gunn: Yes. It is, both to some degree. Emotionally, for sure, simply because we’re invited into Superman’s personal life. This is about his interior life. At the core of the story – it’s surrounded by pyrotechnics and flying dogs and robots – but at the core of the story it’s about a person who thinks of himself in a certain way, finds out that isn’t true, and has to recontextualize who he is in the face of that. That isn’t really what your normal Superman story is, nor any hero’s story, for the most part. So I think that’s a difference. He’s more vulnerable in that way.

And then physically – I mean, listen, he’s fighting an equal and opposite force. So, in some ways, it’s no different than when Superman was fighting the bad guys in Superman II, in Donner’s film.

But we do see him bleed, which is different. He can’t make the world go backwards in time through spinning around it. So I kind of took a Superman that was a mix of different Supermans throughout the comics in terms of his power set.

ScreenRant: You’ve brought some relatively obscure characters to the forefront, like the Guardians and even Peacemaker. Tackling something like Superman feels like a bit of a diversion. What was the biggest challenge or hurdle for you in doing the most well-known superhero?

James Gunn: I think the challenge was mostly my own feelings – my own fears. It was daunting to create a character on screen that was so mainstream, where everyone has their concept of what Superman is supposed to be… whether it’s trunks or no trunks – Mostly trunks or no trunks [laughs].

But all of that stuff is so important to people, so you’re letting down people with every choice you make. So, I had to let go of all of that. I had to realize that I’m a Superman fan. I love Superman. I’m not going to do anything that denigrates the basic character of Superman. So it was just really allowing me to trust myself and let go of all the numerous other voices that are talking.

Get Ready For A More Vulnerable Man Of Steel

James Gunn’s Superman comments match what has been shown from the DCU movie so far. One of the most criticized aspects of the DCEU’s Man of Steel was how the hero’s personality was not fully developed despite multiple appearances. Gunn’s Superman movie breaks away from that by delving deeper into whom the hero is at his core, which is impactful.

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That is where the character’s vulnerability comes through. With the Clark Kent side of the hero spotlighted, fans will see how Superman can be hurt in other ways. As for physical pain, the DCU Superman movie cast will include several threats that could hurt the Man of Steel. Ultraman, the Hammer of Boravia, The Authority’s Engineer, and more fight Superman.

As Gunn explains, Corenswet’s Superman will be fighting threats of equal or opposite force. Based on how some of the villains he faces seem to have Kryptonian powers or are towering foes, like the kaiju and the sun-like monster, it makes sense that Superman would have a harder time. Gunn’s comments make clear that Superman will not be all-powerful.

The DC Universe’s Clark Kent Sounds Quite Interesting

I’m excited about this more vulnerable version of Superman. While I was one of those surprised by the idea of having Superman bleeding in the first teaser for the DCU movie and just how injured he seems to get, I believe it is thematically fitting within Gunn’s vision. As such, I’m looking forward to how it plays out.

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James Gunn Recently Explained Why The DCU Superman Is “Weak” And Now I’m Even More Convinced The DC Movie Will Be Great

Superman takes a beating in many of the trailers for the new DC movie, and James Gunn has explained why that works, with his thoughts being fitting.

Superman being extremely powerful was already done by the DCEU, with Henry Cavill’s easily taking out Steppenwolf in Justice League after the other heroes struggled. I think Gunn’s comments about how the threats he faces are so powerful explain why Superman is seen in such rough condition. It opens the door for a more vulnerable and complex hero in Superman.

Superman

Release Date

July 11, 2025

Producers

Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran

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  Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El

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  Rachel Brosnahan

  Lois Lane

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  Nicholas Hoult

  Lex Luthor

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  Edi Gathegi

  Michael Holt / Mister Terrific