James Gunn Says Awards Don’t Matter—He Wants to Move Audiences
James Gunn, head of DC Studios, shares why he values emotional impact over industry accolades. He opens up about his creative process, his approach to blockbuster filmmaking, and what truly drives him as a storyteller.
As Hollywood gears up for another awards season, James Gunn is taking a different approach. The filmmaker and DC Studios chief recently shared that chasing prestige isn’t what motivates him. Instead, he’s focused on crafting stories that connect with viewers on a profound level.
Gunn, currently working on the Superman sequel, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, explained that his passion lies in making movies that resonate emotionally.
“I don’t care about prestige,”
he told Variety.
“I mean, sure, would it be cool to be nominated for Best Director or something? Yeah, would I rather have that than not? But it’s not really my concern. Occasionally I have ideas that are more independent movies, but I like making the kind of movies that I make, and I like making pop cinema, for lack of a better term. If I can have those things also be something that are emotionally resonant to people, or affect people in a deeper, more spiritual way, like a lot of people have told me that Superman did, a lot of people have told me that Guardians 3 did, then that’s fantastic.”
Blockbusters With Heart
For Gunn, the thrill of filmmaking comes from more than just the spectacle. He enjoys the artistry and creative flow that comes with building large-scale movies, but he’s just as invested in the emotional reactions they spark.
“That’s what I would love to be able to do. But I like making the big movies too. There’s an artistry to it, the creative flow. But then I also like the part of it that’s putting the big puzzle together and creating this machine that works for an audience to elicit a reaction from them, whether it’s emotional, whether it’s laughter, whether it’s screaming, whether it’s whatever it is. That’s the fun part of it.”
Gunn’s approach is about more than just entertainment. He wants his films to leave a lasting impression, whether that’s through laughter, tears, or even a sense of wonder. He believes that’s where the real magic of cinema lies.
Reinventing Superman
Discussing his latest project, Gunn revealed that Superman has been his most challenging film to date.
“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,”
he said.
The 2025 Superman film, which was named movie of the year by GamesRadar+, introduced David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Both actors are set to reprise their roles in the upcoming sequel, scheduled to hit theaters on July 9, 2027.
Looking Ahead in the DC Universe
Before the next Superman installment arrives, fans will get to see Milly Alcock take on the role of Supergirl, with her film set for release on June 26. Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe continues to unfold, with more movies and shows on the horizon, promising fresh takes and deeper stories for audiences everywhere.