James Gunn Splits the Fanbase With New Reveal About Superman’s Emotions

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DC fans are upset with comments made by James Gunn about a significant scene in the new Superman movie. Gunn wrote and directed the 2025 film, which stars David Corenswet as Superman and kicks off the new DC Universe. Both critics and audiences have celebrated Superman for its positive and heartfelt portrayal of the character, capturing the spirit of the classic comic books.

The movie successfully conveyed Superman’s genuine goodness through both David Corenswet’s acting and the script. Fans especially responded to a scene where Clark tells Lois he’s planning to surrender to the Department of Justice. He explains he hopes they’ll send him to wherever his dog, Krypto, is being held, admitting that while Krypto isn’t always well-behaved, he’s worried the dog is lonely and afraid.

Superman: “Maybe they’ll take me wherever they took the dog. I don’t know how else to find him.”

Lois: “It’s a dog.”

Superman admits the alien isn’t very skilled, but feels for him, saying he’s all alone and likely frightened.

After Earth’s inhabitants discovered a threatening message from Superman’s parents and turned against him, he reached a low point. Some viewers wondered if Superman was actually speaking about his own feelings when discussing Krypto’s emotions. Despite everything falling apart around him, this scene highlights his kind heart, showing he still cares about finding his dog.

A fan on Threads questioned if a certain scene’s dialogue showed Clark revealing his inner feelings. James Gunn replied on Threads, disagreeing and stating that Clark wasn’t portrayed as self-pitying.

James Gunn explained that the character isn’t wallowing in self-pity, but rather feeling compassion for a dog and explaining to Lois why he’s about to do something extreme.

The comments sparked disagreement among fans. One user told Gunn he was missing the point, arguing that Clark’s background is what allows him to connect with Krypto. Gunn disagreed, explaining that such empathy would actually make Superman self-centered.

You’re misunderstanding my point. Superman is both completely human and completely alien, and he remembers what it felt like to be an outsider – to feel different, lost, and lonely. That’s the reason he feels compassion, even for a dog.

Gunn explained that Clark is incredibly dedicated – he’d go to extreme lengths even for someone he doesn’t particularly like, and he genuinely cares about all living things. He clarified that empathy isn’t about relating to others through your own experiences – that’s actually narcissism, where you’re really feeling for yourself. Clark, however, is sincerely worried about Krypto’s well-being.

James Gunn’s comments have sparked disagreement among fans, with many on X criticizing his take on the scene. One user, @DailyTvPablo, specifically questioned Gunn’s reasoning, asking if his explanation aligned with how empathy typically functions.

@newmetrohaven criticized Gunn as being unable to “fathom empathy:”

It’s unsurprising that someone with that background struggles to understand empathy, claiming to possess it while clearly demonstrating a complete lack of it.

McJunegrand agreed, stating that Gunn’s belief that empathy is simply part of who Superman is actually diminishes the heroic aspects of his character.

The notion that empathy is simply an inherent trait, rather than something developed through life experiences, feels illogical and diminishes the character’s strength. If empathy is built-in, it removes the element of choice and makes his compassion feel less meaningful. It’s a fundamentally flawed concept.

Some fans sided with James Gunn, pointing out that Superman’s compassion needs to be a core part of his character to explain why he’d save everyone. One fan, @omarchyos, agreed, stating that if Superman only helped people he could relate to, he wouldn’t attempt to save all those in need.

He makes a really good point. If Superman only helped people he personally understood, he wouldn’t bother saving everyone. His compassion can’t be limited to just those he relates to.

Another fan, @cdstuff, echoed Gunn’s thoughts, pointing out that Clark doesn’t just save Krypto because he relates to him.

There’s nothing wrong with what he’s saying. He’s simply explaining that his main motivation for saving Krypto wasn’t self-interest, which highlights Clark’s goodness and kindness. He wasn’t just saving Krypto because he identified with the creature.

Fans are strongly split on how to understand the scene, and what it reveals about Superman’s compassionate nature.

Fans Are Divided Over Superman’s Empathy

Superman is often seen as powerful because he deeply understands and cares about others – a quality many of his enemies don’t share. This compassion drives him to protect Earth fairly and selflessly. However, a recent scene has sparked discussion about where Superman gets this ability to empathize within the DC Universe.

Some fans are frustrated with others for questioning James Gunn about this, with one user, @MrN0b0dyN0where, expressing annoyance that someone was trying to interpret a scene for the filmmaker.

You know what really gets under my skin? When people try to explain a filmmaker’s intentions for them. Like, they’ll watch a movie and then say, ‘Actually, what the writer really meant was…’ No, seriously, just… no. Let the artist’s work speak for itself!

James Gunn frequently discusses his movies, including this one, with fans online. He recently explained his reasoning behind a particular scene with Superman, emphasizing that the character’s compassion is a core part of who he is, not something developed through his past experiences.

Ultimately, there won’t be a definitive answer to whether Superman is empathetic, because how we interpret art is personal. Viewers can decide for themselves what they think of the movie and whether or not they agree with James Gunn’s explanation.

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2026-02-07 06:37