James Gunn Reveals Why 'Superman' Was Hardest Movie He's Made, Teases Upcoming Sequel 'Man of Tomorrow'

James Gunn is opening about making Superman.

The 59-year-old filmmaker and co-head of DC Studios helmed the 2025 comic book movie and is gearing up to start work on the sequel this spring.

In a new interview, James dished on the process of makin the first one, why it was the hardest movie he’s made, and he also teased the upcoming sequel, Man of Tomorrow.

Keep reading to find out more…

“This was the hardest movie I’ve ever made,” he said on Variety‘s Awards Circuit podcast. “The next hardest was probably the first Guardians. With Guardians, you were building a corner of the universe that felt completely different from everything else Marvel was doing at the time. Here, I was reorienting something everyone already thinks they understand. Strangely, it’s the most comic-book-driven thing I’ve ever done. More than any of my other superhero films.”

James also touched on being a head of a studio and a filmmaker at the same time.

“I don’t think it’s ever really been done. Even Walt Disney was more of a producer than a director. It’s an experiment. And yes, sometimes it probably sounds like madness — especially since I don’t make the most conventional films. But I love big spectacle. That’s my jam,” James said. “I originally said no to the job. I didn’t want to do what Kevin Feige does. But once Peter [Safran] and I realized we’d be doing it together, it became exciting. I still don’t know if it’s sustainable long-term. It’s a lot. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.”

As for Man of Tomorrow, which is said to start filming in April, James shared how he relates to Superman.

“At its core, it’s about Clark and Lex. I relate to both of them. I relate to Lex’s ambition and obsession — minus the murder,” he dished. “And I relate to Superman’s belief in people, his Midwestern values. They’re two sides of me.”

If you missed it, it was recently announced that Lars Eidinger has been cast to portray the villain for Man of Tomorrow, where Superman and Lex Luthor will team up together.