Fans are raising an eyebrow and wondering if James Gunn can actually fill the shoes that Zack Snyder left behind with his Superman take.

“Sometimes the truth isn’t good enough, sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.” These words, spoken by Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight (2008), perfectly encapsulate the heart of what makes Superman such an enduring and ever-evolving character. Man of Steel has always represented more than just a superhero—he is the embodiment of ideals, hope, and the unrelenting drive for good.

As the years have rolled on, various directors have put their own spin on the iconic Man of Steel, each adding their own brushstrokes to his legendary image. At the forefront of these recent transformations stand Zack Snyder and James Gunn, two creative forces who are steering Superman’s ship in entirely different directions.

Henry Cavill in a still from Man of Steel | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Snyder himself once reflected on the significance of the “S” symbol, comparing its cultural recognition to something as universally known as the Christian cross. In contrast, Gunn’s Superman is poised to embrace a more optimistic, colorful portrayal.

While fans are excited to see Superman return to his roots, one can’t help but feel that Gunn’s approach may never truly rival the depth Snyder brought to the table.

James Gunn’s struggle vs. Zack Snyder’s timeless Superman vision

Some heroes are born, others are made—yet there are a rare few that rise to become legends. And then, there’s Superman. A character so deeply ingrained in the fabric of pop culture that every inch of his design carries profound meaning.

While James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel is on the horizon, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Zack Snyder’s vision for Superman’s look still stands as one of the most striking, purposeful renditions ever put on screen.

Superman | Credits: DC Studios

And when Gunn revisited the red trunks debate, it became clear that Snyder’s deep dive into Superman’s design couldn’t be easily replicated. In a Q&A session (via Screen Brief) during the Superman trailer release, Gunn revealed that he too struggled with incorporating the red trunks into his Superman costume.

I really went back and forth about the red trunks. I even talked to Zack Snyder about it. He said, ‘I tried like a billion versions with the trunks and just never got there.’ And I said, ‘I see how that’s the case.’

However, the truth is, that Snyder’s words were already public knowledge years ago, making Gunn’s recent comments feel somewhat redundant. The latter also shared how a conversation with actor David Corenswet helped convince him to add the trunks, arguing that it would present Superman as more approachable, especially to children who look up to him.

“I wanted to use the trunks, but I couldn’t… it’s just so colorful. David, how do you feel?” Gunn said, recounting the moment.

He’s like, ‘I love it.’ 

Yet, for all the excitement around the trunks’ return, this doesn’t change the fact that Snyder already explored this same issue in depth when designing Henry Cavill’s suit.

Fans call out James Gunn for rehashing Zack Snyder’s old discussion

A still from the Superman trailer | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

However, fans are up in arms, feeling that James Gunn is reintroducing a long-discussed topic as though it’s a fresh revelation. He talked about the challenges of incorporating the red trunks into Superman’s suit, an issue that was already well-known thanks to Zack Snyder’s candid discussions during the Man of Steel BTS production:

First thing you got to figure out is what’s the suit going to look like, especially [a] modern one?… I heard one time that the Superman glyph is the second or third most recognizable symbol on Earth after the Christian cross.

Now, Gunn’s comments seem to suggest that he’s uncovering something new. To many fans, it’s frustrating. It’s as if he’s brushing off the decade-old behind-the-scenes chatter that already brought this issue into the spotlight. One fan summed it up succinctly, stating

Let’s uncover what other fans are saying:

Gunn’s Superman is undoubtedly poised to bring fresh energy to the DC Universe, but it’s difficult to ignore the foundation that Snyder laid in his vision for Superman’s suit. And after all, when you’re dealing with something that’s so ingrained in popular culture, it’s bound to stir debate.

This entire debacle boils down to a simple question: who truly owns Superman’s legacy? Is it the one who built on what came before, or the one who seeks to rewrite it with every new chapter? Maybe, just maybe, we’ll have to wait and see how this all plays out. But for now, fans are watching closely, and they’re not buying into the illusion that everything happening right now is a bold new step.

James Gunn’s Superman is slated to take flight on 11 July 2025.