Grant Morrison, the renowned writer behind All-Star Superman, has shared his thoughts on James Gunn's take on the iconic superhero, specifically addressing the Jor-El twist and Superman's perceived fragility. Despite praising Gunn's film as the 'best Superman movie yet', Morrison offers a critical perspective.
Gunn's Superman, released in 2025, received positive reviews and grossed over $615 million worldwide, solidifying its place as the highest-grossing superhero movie of the year. Morrison, a prolific writer with multiple interpretations of the Man of Steel under his belt, initially gave the film his seal of approval. However, in a recent interview, he revealed his reservations.
One of Morrison's main issues with the film is Superman's vulnerability. He explains that Gunn's approach, while understandable for dramatic reasons, made the character seem more relatable by frequently putting him in situations where he gets beaten up. Morrison desires a more assertive Superman who fights back, emphasizing the character's strength and resilience.
The Jor-El twist, where Jor-El and Lara send their son to Earth with the intention of him conquering the planet and forming a harem, also sparked Morrison's criticism. He prefers the idea of Krypton as a lost utopia, where its own lack of attention led to its demise. Morrison finds this interpretation more poignant and aligned with the character's moral complexity.
Furthermore, Morrison questions Superman's morality in the film, suggesting that it was fragile and based on wishful thinking. He expresses concern about Clark Kent's fragility in certain scenes but is relieved to see Superman's strength and resolve in his speech to Lex Luthor after the final battle. Morrison's comments highlight the delicate balance between making a superhero relatable and maintaining their iconic power.
As the DCU continues to evolve, Superman's journey is far from over. The upcoming Man of Tomorrow movie, directed by James Gunn, will further explore the character's complexities. With a star-studded cast, including David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film is set to be a highly anticipated addition to the superhero genre.
The article concludes with an intriguing hint at potential future appearances, mentioning Aaron Pierre as John Stewart/Green Lantern and John Cena as Peacemaker. With a release date of July 9, 2027, Man of Tomorrow promises to be a significant chapter in the superhero saga, leaving fans eager to see how Gunn and Morrison's creative visions intertwine.
