The DC Universe (DCU) is poised for a bold new beginning with Superman, the first film in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted cinematic slate, set to premiere on July 11, 2025. Directed and written by Gunn, known for Guardians of the Galaxy, the film stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Corenswet offered a compelling comparison, explaining why the DCU’s approach mirrors the immersive, galaxy-spanning world of Star Wars. This vision, paired with Gunn’s ambitious world-building, sets Superman as a cornerstone for a vibrant, interconnected universe that drops audiences into a fully realized world.
Corenswet, stepping into the iconic role of the Man of Steel, shared with Screen Rant’s Ash Crossan that director James Gunn framed the DCU as “feeling a little more like the Star Wars universe, in the sense that it’s not our world, it’s an alternate world, and it’s not an origin story. You’re just thrown into the middle of this universe, and you learn about it as you go.” This approach echoes the storytelling magic of Star Wars, where viewers are plunged into a richly detailed galaxy with its own histories, cultures, and conflicts, discovering its nuances alongside the characters. For Corenswet, a lifelong Star Wars fan, this comparison resonates deeply, particularly in how Superman immerses audiences in a world where the hero is already established, navigating his dual identity as Clark Kent and Superman without retreading his origin.
This Star Wars-inspired immersion is amplified by the film’s musical choices. The score, crafted by John Murphy and David Fleming, weaves in John Williams’ iconic Superman theme, a nod that Corenswet finds personally thrilling. “A huge part of why Star Wars has stuck in my mind for so many years is the music,” he said, highlighting how Williams’ compositions have shaped his cinematic passions. By blending this classic theme with fresh elements, Superman honors its legacy while carving a new path, much like Star Wars balances nostalgia with innovation to create a timeless yet evolving universe.
The film’s narrative structure further aligns with this Star Wars-like approach, introducing a sprawling cast that populates its alternate world. Alongside Corenswet’s Superman and Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, Superman features Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, plus familiar faces like Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, and even Krypto the superdog. This ensemble establishes a lived-in world where metahumans are a known entity, grappling with complex social and political dynamics. By skipping the origin story, Gunn and Corenswet invite audiences to explore this universe as it unfolds, learning its rules and stakes in real-time, much like the opening crawl of a Star Wars film sets the stage for adventure.
The relationship between Clark and Lois also benefits from this immersive approach. Rather than a slow-burn romance, the film presents them three months into their relationship, with Lois fully aware of Clark’s dual identity. A key scene, described by Corenswet and Brosnahan, showcases Lois interviewing Clark in her apartment, blending flirtation with probing questions about Superman’s power and responsibility. Corenswet explained the scene’s depth: “The flirtation and the romance and the banter is really all a means to a deeper end, which is A. ‘What the hell are you doing? Do you know what you’re doing? Are you sure you’ve thought this through?’ and B. ‘Are we sure this isn’t us breaking up? … Did you just break up with me?’” Brosnahan noted its authenticity, calling it a moment that “feels so real,” grounding the fantastical world in human emotion.
In a separate interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn elaborated on his vision for the DCU, reinforcing the Star Wars comparison. “This is about a connected universe. We’re world-building. We’re not story building,” he stated, emphasizing a focus on creating a cohesive, expansive backdrop where individual tales can stand alone yet contribute to a larger tapestry. This philosophy mirrors the Star Wars model, prioritizing a vibrant universe over rigid narrative continuity, allowing filmmakers creative freedom within a shared framework. For Superman, this means a world where heroes, villains, and everyday citizens coexist, their stories interwoven but not dependent on a single, linear plot.
As the launchpad for DC Studios’ Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, Superman leverages Corenswet’s Star Wars analogy to deliver a fresh yet familiar take on the Man of Steel. By plunging audiences into a fully formed universe, complete with a dynamic cast, a nod to iconic music, and a focus on world-building, the film redefines superhero storytelling. Now playing in theaters, Superman invites viewers to explore a DCU as vast and captivating as a galaxy far, far away, anchored by Corenswet’s heartfelt performance and Gunn’s visionary direction.
