Superman's Morality on the Line: Grant Morrison Weighs In on James Gunn's Controversial Reboot
In a recent interview, All-Star Superman writer Grant Morrison didn't hold back when discussing James Gunn's Superman reboot, sparking a debate that’s sure to divide fans. While Morrison praised the film as the “best Superman movie yet,” he also highlighted several issues that have left fans—and even creators—questioning the direction of the iconic hero. But here's where it gets controversial: Morrison took aim at the film’s portrayal of Superman’s “fragility” and the shocking Jor-El twist that has everyone talking.
Released in July 2025, Superman soared to critical acclaim and grossed over $615 million worldwide, cementing its place as the year’s highest-grossing superhero film. Gunn, who also serves as co-CEO of DC Studios, drew inspiration from Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman, among other sources. Morrison, no stranger to reimagining the Man of Steel—having penned versions in Action Comics, Superman, and The Authority—initially gave the film his stamp of approval. However, in a candid conversation with Half the Picture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC4XCt7X8Gk), he dug deeper into what worked—and what didn’t.
“It came closer than any other film to capturing the essence of Superman,” Morrison admitted. “But there were moments I struggled with.” One major critique? Gunn’s decision to have Superman repeatedly beaten down, a choice Morrison believes was made to humanize the character but ultimately undermined his strength. “I want to see him fight back,” Morrison emphasized, echoing a sentiment shared by many fans who’ve grown accustomed to Superman’s invincibility.
And this is the part most people miss: The film’s portrayal of Jor-El and Lara’s intentions for their son has sparked fierce debate. In Gunn’s version, Kal-El is sent to Earth not as a beacon of hope, but with the expectation that he’ll conquer the planet and establish a harem. Morrison, like many comic book enthusiasts, wasn’t a fan of this twist. “I prefer when Krypton is this lost utopia,” he explained. “There’s something deeply poignant about a civilization wiped out by its own complacency, not by malicious intent.”
But here’s the real question: Did this twist work? Morrison begrudgingly admitted it fit within Gunn’s narrative, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Superman’s morality felt “fragile” as a result. “It seemed like his entire code was built on a misinterpretation of his parents’ message,” Morrison noted, calling it “wish-fulfillment bullshit.” This interpretation raises a thought-provoking question: Can Superman’s moral compass truly be so easily shaken?
Despite these concerns, Morrison found moments to celebrate. He praised Superman’s strength in his post-battle speech to Lex Luthor, a scene that reassured him the character hadn’t lost his way. “It was nice to see him stand firm,” Morrison said.
Looking ahead, Man of Tomorrow, set to release on July 9, 2027, promises to further explore Superman’s journey. However, the film will share the spotlight with Lex Luthor, whom Gunn plans to portray in a surprisingly heroic light. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the film also features Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag, Sr. Lars Eidinger has been cast as the villainous Brainiac, with rumors swirling about appearances from Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart/Green Lantern and John Cena’s Peacemaker.
So, what do you think? Did Gunn’s reboot strike the right balance, or did it go too far in redefining Superman? Is the Jor-El twist a bold narrative choice or a misstep? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s just getting started.
