James Gunn promises fantastical, character-driven ‘Superman’ reboot

From left, actors David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, director James Gunn and actor Nicholas Hoult pose during an online press conference with Korean journalists for their movie “Superman," Thursday. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Korea

James Gunn, filmmaker and co-head of DC Studios, said Thursday that his “Superman” will be a fantastical, character-driven narrative that explores the hero’s personal relationships.

“I thought it was especially important to start with ‘Superman’ because he is the world's first superhero. He is DC Studios’ first superhero and such an iconic character. I thought it was fun to examine for our first outing,” Gunn told Korean reporters during an online press conference.

Gunn emphasized his desire to explore new facets of the hero, drawing inspiration from his childhood comic book experiences.

“When I was young and I started reading comic books, I didn't enter a world that was just Superman and a bunch of humans. It was Superman and his superhuman friends,” he said. “I wanted to re-create that feeling in cinemas, that we would have this magical other world (that) is really a fantastic alternate dimension.”

Seen are David Corenswet, right, as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in director James Gunn’s “Superman.” / Courtesy of Warner Bros. Korea

Asked about the cinematic vision and the importance of the theatrical experience, Gunn said, “we are creating another universe that people can enter, and I think the best way to do that is on the biggest screen possible, in a theater surrounded by people who can enjoy the joy of Superman with you."

David Corenswet, who portrays the new Superman, described the experience as both daunting and exhilarating.

“It’s a rare and fantastic opportunity for an actor to get to play a character that has been so strongly established in the public consciousness by so many great actors,” he said. “It’s just a great honor to be able to bring a part of that and bring James’s vision of the character and his exploration of the character to a new audience.”

From left, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and David Corenswet as Superman in a scene from “Superman” / Courtesy of Warner Bros. Korea

Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Superman’s colleague and love interest, Lois Lane, described her character as "smart, ambitious, courageous and passionate about her work."

“I appreciate that James gave space in this script to see her in action as a journalist, as somebody who throws herself into the middle of the action and loves what she does,” she said.

Nicholas Hoult, who takes on the role of Lex Luthor, Superman's archenemy, confessed he actually auditioned for Superman, but ended up with the role of Luthor.

He highlighted a memorable scene where Luthor explosively displays his inferiority by throwing a pencil. "I think that's really one of the things that drives this character, is this envy,” he said.

“Superman” will hit theaters in Korea on Wednesday.