James Gunn's Superman was supposed to be the crown jewel of the revamped DC Universe (DCU), a fresh start after years of mixed results. But recent whispers from test screenings suggest the film might be in trouble. Described as “terrible” by insiders, the project is now facing reshoots and mounting pressure to deliver. What's going on behind the scenes, and can Gunn pull off a last-minute save?
The drama began when The Hot Mic's Jeff Sneider revealed that his “best source” called the film “pretty terrible.” This comes after multiple internal screenings at Warner Bros., where early cuts reportedly failed to impress studio executives. While Gunn initially denied the need for reshoots, he recently confirmed that additional photography will take place in Los Angeles.
Gunn's reluctance to reshoot is well-documented. He famously avoids extensive reshoots, having only done one day of additional photography on his last two films combined. However, the director now admits that small tweaks are necessary. “We might shoot a couple little, tiny things,” Gunn said during a press event. “It's not anything major, but those kinds of things, yeah, I'll cover.”
The stakes couldn't be higher. With a rumored budget nearing $300 million, Superman is a massive financial gamble for Warner Bros. If it fails, the entire DCU reboot—including next year's Supergirl—could crumble. The studio's nervousness is palpable, especially after reports described the film as “kind of a mess.”
What's particularly puzzling is the secrecy surrounding the film's quality. The Hollywood Reporter mentioned a private screening for Gunn's trusted crew but refused to comment on the film's reception. Why the silence? If the film were a home run, wouldn't Warner Bros. be shouting it from the rooftops? Instead, the lack of positive buzz suggests deeper issues.
Gunn's track record is stellar (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad), but Superman is a different beast. The Man of Steel is an iconic character with a legacy that's hard to live up to. Gunn's irreverent style might not mesh well with Superman's earnest, hopeful tone. The reshoots could be a chance to recalibrate, but with a July 11 release date looming, time is running out.
James Gunn's Superman is shaping up to be a make-or-break moment for the DCU. The reports of a “terrible” test screening are concerning, but Gunn's willingness to reshoot suggests he's committed to getting it right. Still, the clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn't be higher. If Superman fails, it could spell disaster for Warner Bros.' ambitious plans. On the flip side, if Gunn delivers, it could reignite the DCU and cement his legacy as one of Hollywood's most versatile filmmakers.
Do you think James Gunn can turn Superman around, or is the DCU doomed to repeat past mistakes? Share your thoughts below!
