James Gunn says the only other actor with the skills to play his Superman is Chris Pratt

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Finding a suitable Superman wasn’t a walk in the park for James Gunn, and as per the DCU head, apart from David Corenswet, Chris Pratt is the only individual who seems fitting for the part.

In simple terms, Superman is almost here, and this marks a significant achievement in the world of comic book films. Not only does it signify the debut of Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe, but it also represents the first fresh take on Man of Steel since Henry Cavill portrayed him last.

In a different take, Zack Snyder’s portrayal of Superman was significantly darker and gritty, an approach that has remained controversial among DC enthusiasts. However, Gunn’s version is expected to revert back to its original style, with Corenswet being cast for the role.

Ever since the beginning, I, as a devoted fan, knew that the filmmaker was adamant about not bringing Superman to life unless he found the ideal actor capable of portraying the multidimensional, intricate character he envisioned. Yet, it’s fascinating to think that my beloved Star-Lord might have been a substitute if things had turned out differently.

Gunn says only Chris Pratt could rival David Corenswet as Superman

In his latest conversation with GQ, Gunn commented on Corenswet, “He has the physical appearance of Superman, which is impressive. Yet, what’s more peculiar is that David, being a theater enthusiast and such an athlete, adds an unexpected twist to his appearance.

It’s uncertain that anyone I’ve collaborated with in the past could have accomplished these tasks, except perhaps Chris Pratt.

From the outset, I made it clear that if we couldn’t find the right actor for Superman, I wouldn’t move forward with this film. That’s because the success of this project heavily relies on the person portraying Superman, who is a blend of drama, humor, and action,” Gunn stated further.

He said he wouldn’t choose someone who lacked the necessary skills. He also mentioned that he wouldn’t pick someone who looked good but didn’t deliver, or someone who could perform well but didn’t meet his aesthetic preferences.

I found it difficult to admire someone who was attractive and skilled, yet struggled with comedy or showing vulnerability.

Finding someone who ticks all of these boxes is an essential part of superhero movie success. 

In an audacious decision, Gunn selected Pratt to portray Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in Guardians of the Galaxy – a risky choice back then that ultimately transformed an obscure group of comic book underdogs into beloved characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Following the completion of his Marvel trilogy, Gunn moved on to collaborate with Peter Safran as co-leader of the DC Universe in 2022. The contrast between Superman and Guardians is one of the reasons that excites Gunn about this new venture.

Superman isn’t a witty outlier or a plucky upstart; instead, he stands among the most legendary, long-standing heroes in history. The creative team has opted to highlight this iconic status.

In many instances, people might perceive Superman as being overly optimistic like Pollyanna. They often question, “How can we make Superman appear more appealing?” If it’s the ’90s, they might give him a mullet to make him seem cooler. (Gunn)

However, he’s not the typical ‘cool’ type. Instead, he’s kind-hearted and adores children. He seeks their approval, and I believe it’s essential for him to embrace that side of himself and accept it. It’s not about making him seem hippie or trendy, you understand?

On July 11, 2025, Superman soars into movie theaters! Until that day arrives, take a look at the cast and characters of Superman, learn about the single modification in the upcoming film, and stay updated on this year’s releases by checking out our 2025 movie calendar.

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2025-07-07 17:48