A Film Designed to Divide
James Gunn doesn't make safe movies. He makes vibes—loud, unapologetic, and dripping with irreverence. So when whispers emerged that his Superman test screenings left some viewers cold, it wasn't a surprise. It was a feature, not a bug.
But here's the twist: A divisive Superman might be the only version that works in 2024.
The Leaks: Chaos by Design?
Test screenings are Hollywood's worst-kept secret—controlled chaos where studios gauge reactions while praying no one tweets spoilers. Yet Gunn and Warner Bros. let Superman screen openly, knowing full well the internet would erupt.
And erupt it did.
- The Haters: Some walked away “underwhelmed” (a generous term), calling the film “a mess” with “a particularly silly tone.”
- The Stans: Others, like insider Daniel Richtman's sources, “loved it.”
- The Scoop Middle Ground: ViewerAnon summed it up best—“divisive.”
Sound familiar? It should. This is the same split that greeted The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 before they found their audiences. Gunn's brand of humor isn't for everyone—but when it clicks, it sticks.
Why Warner Bros. Should Be Nervous (But Not Panic)
Let's be real: If Superman flops, the entire DCU reboot goes down with it. Warner Bros. has dumped a rumored $300M into this thing, betting the farm on Gunn's vision.
But nervousness isn't new. Remember when The Batman test screenings allegedly had execs sweating? Or when Joker was deemed “too dark” before becoming a billion-dollar phenomenon? Divisive doesn't mean doomed—it means alive.
The Gunn Effect: Love It or Leave It
Gunn's films are like pineapple on pizza—you either crave it or recoil in horror. His Superman reportedly leans hard into the weird, the funny, and the comic-book absurd. That's gonna piss off the Man of Steel grimdark crowd.
But here's the thing: Superman hasn't felt fun in years. If Gunn's take makes half the audience cringe and the other half cheer, that's still better than the numb indifference that killed the Snyderverse.
Closer: The Risk DC Needs
Warner Bros. could've played it safe. Instead, they handed Superman to a guy who turned a talking raccoon into an A-lister.
Will it work? Maybe. But if it fails, at least it'll fail loudly—and that's more exciting than another forgettable cape flick.
So, which side are you on? Team Silly or Team Serious? (Comment before the Snyder Cut stans find this article.)
