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The 5 Biggest Changes To James Gunn's Superman After Secret Test Screenings

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The highly anticipated DC Universe reboot, Superman (2025), has reportedly undergone a significant "course correction" following early, private test screenings, according to multiple sources. This is not a simple case of minor tweaks; the changes are described as a cascade of adjustments triggered by a polarizing, mixed reception from initial audiences, leading to substantial reshoots and a dramatic restructuring of the film's final cut in late .

The intensity of the post-screening work suggests that Director James Gunn and DC Studios are committed to delivering a universally loved Man of Steel for the new DCU. From a massive chunk of runtime being excised to key creative personnel being replaced, here is a deep dive into the most crucial and controversial changes made to the film after the initial audience feedback.

The New Era: James Gunn's Superman Cast and Crew Profile

The upcoming Superman film, written and directed by James Gunn, marks the beginning of the new DC Universe (DCU), focusing on a younger Clark Kent who balances his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville. The film is set to introduce a host of new characters, establishing a wide-ranging foundation for the entire DCU slate. The principal cast and key creative team are:

  • Director & Writer: James Gunn (DC Studios Co-CEO)
  • Studio: DC Studios / Warner Bros. Pictures
  • Release Date: July 11, 2025

Main Cast & Characters (Topical Entities)

  • David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman
  • Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane (Investigative Reporter for The Daily Planet)
  • Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor (The Iconic Villain)
  • María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica / The Engineer (Member of The Authority)
  • Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern (A member of the Green Lantern Corps)
  • Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl (A High-Flying Hero)
  • Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason / Metamorpho (The Element Man)
  • Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen (The Daily Planet Photographer)
  • Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher (Lex Luthor's Assistant)
  • Wendell Pierce as Perry White (Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Planet)

The Five Major Changes After Polarizing Test Screenings

The initial test screening for Superman reportedly took place earlier this year, and while some reactions were positive, the overall consensus was mixed, prompting immediate and significant action from James Gunn and the studio. These changes were aimed at tightening the narrative, balancing the tone, and ensuring the film resonated with a broader audience.

1. A Massive 25-30 Minute Runtime Reduction

Perhaps the most drastic change reported is the substantial shortening of the film's runtime. Rumors from production sources indicate that approximately 25 to 30 minutes of footage were removed from the initial cut. This kind of major cut often suggests that entire subplots or lengthy sequences were deemed unnecessary or detrimental to the pacing of the main story. The intention was likely to create a tighter, more focused narrative that moves at a brisk pace, addressing audience feedback that the original cut may have dragged in certain sections.

2. Toning Down or Cutting Comedic Elements

James Gunn is known for his distinct, often irreverent, comedic style seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad films. However, reports suggest that some of the more overtly comedic scenes in the initial Superman cut were either removed entirely or significantly toned down. This "course correction" suggests a move toward a more balanced tone, ensuring that the humor doesn't undercut the gravitas and heroic sincerity required for the Man of Steel’s introduction to the DCU. The goal is likely to retain Gunn’s voice while respecting the core, earnest nature of the Superman character.

3. The Controversial "Squirrel Scene" Was Almost Axed

Gunn himself has been candid about the intense internal debate surrounding certain scenes. He revealed that three specific sequences sparked the strongest, most divided reactions during early screenings. One of these controversial moments, which became a major point of discussion, was a scene where Superman saves a squirrel.

The debate revolved around the scene's necessity and tone—some viewers questioned, "Why the f*** is he saving a squirrel?". This seemingly minor detail highlights a fundamental tension in modern superhero filmmaking: balancing grand, world-saving action with small, character-defining acts of heroism. Although Gunn reportedly considered cutting it due to the negative feedback, he ultimately chose to keep it, suggesting he views it as a crucial moment for defining his version of Clark Kent's inherent goodness and compassion.

4. Key Creative Personnel Changes: Editor and Composer

A significant sign of a major creative overhaul is the replacement or addition of key crew members. Following the initial screenings, rumors—partially confirmed by subsequent press releases—indicated that both a new editor and a second composer were brought onto the project.

  • Editor Change: A new editor was reportedly hired to help reshape the film's narrative flow and pacing, directly correlating with the rumored 30-minute cut.
  • Composer Addition: The music department saw a major change with a second composer being brought in. This move suggests that the original score may not have fully captured the desired emotional tone or scale for the film, requiring a fresh perspective to refine the musical identity of the new Superman.

These personnel shifts are strong indicators of a "course correction" at the highest level, aiming to fundamentally alter the rhythm and emotional impact of the movie.

5. Sequence Shuffling and Reshoots

To implement the feedback, several key sequences were reportedly shuffled within the film's structure, and minor scenes were added during a period of reshoots. While reshoots are a normal part of the blockbuster filmmaking process, these were specifically done to address the mixed reception. Shuffling sequences is a common post-production technique to improve narrative clarity and emotional impact, ensuring that character arcs land more effectively and that the audience understands the motivations behind the actions of characters like Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and the villainous Lex Luthor.

The Future of Superman and the DCU

The dramatic post-screening changes, including the rumored clashing between James Gunn and some HBO executives (though unconfirmed), underscore the high stakes involved with the launch of the new DCU. The studio cannot afford another misstep, and Superman is the lynchpin of their entire cinematic future. The willingness to make such sweeping changes—cutting 30 minutes, replacing key crew, and adjusting the tone—demonstrates a strong commitment to quality control and audience satisfaction.

While the initial mixed reception may have caused concern among fans, the proactive and extensive nature of the reshoots and editing adjustments should be seen as a positive sign. The film is now undergoing a rigorous refinement process to ensure that David Corenswet's debut as the Man of Steel is a triumphant, emotionally resonant start to the new DC Universe, setting a hopeful and heroic tone for years to come. Fans can anticipate a film that is tighter, more focused, and ultimately, a more powerful portrayal of the iconic hero when it hits theaters in July 2025.

The 5 Biggest Changes to James Gunn's Superman After Secret Test Screenings
superman test screening changes
superman test screening changes

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