SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Explains Approach To VFX And Why The Movie Will Be In Post-Production For A Year

SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Explains Approach To VFX And Why The Movie Will Be In Post-Production For A Year

Superman director and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has addressed his approach to VFX on the first DCU movie and explains why it was necessary for it to be in post-production for close to a whole year.

By JoshWilding - Aug 19, 2024 06:08 AM EST
Filed Under: Superman

Filmmaker James Gunn spent quite a bit of time in the MCU directing the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy (or "quadrilogy" if you could The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special). 

As new DC Studios co-CEO, it appears he's learned from both that and a 2023 which saw him forced to make big cuts to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and help reshape The Flash, a failed blockbuster he'd bizarrely describe as one of the "greatest" superhero movies ever made.

Taking to Threads, Gunn shared insights into how he's approaching VFX and why Superman, which wrapped shooting in July, will be in post-production for close to a year.

"If you do some research you’ll see my films have always taken a different approach and I’ve always given my VFX artist-collaborators time to do their jobs properly, and the respect they deserve," he explained. "And the quality of the VFX in those films is uniformly great because of it (and because my friends at Weta and Framestore and ILM and more are amazingly talented)."

"This is why we wrapped on Superman a year before release and why they’ve been hard at work on many shots for months before that. This is why we start heartily editing during the shoot," Gunn continued. "It’s why I prepare so vigorously and why we only shoot finished screenplays. And Supergirl, which I’m not directing, is being handled the same way. I can’t praise the VFX artists that help us create magic enough."

It's good to hear that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is being handled in the same way, particularly as visual effects in the DCEU were nothing if not hit-or-miss. Who could possibly forget Black Adam's cartoonish villain, Sabbac, or The Flash's bizarre microwave scene?

Gunn later added, "I’ve always had a script essentially finished months before shooting, always completely storyboarded, and I’ve always insisted we be wrapped in time to do quality visual effects. I wouldn’t make a big film like that without the proper amount of post time."

It was always difficult to fault the visuals in Gunn's MCU movies (despite Marvel Studios' reported habit of putting pressure on its VFX artists), so that being carried over to the DCU bodes well for Superman and beyond. 

Check out Gunn's comments in full below.

Superman tells the story of Superman's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.

David Corenswet is playing the Man of Steel, while Rachel Brosnahan has been tapped to star as Lois Lane.

The cast includes Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.

Supporting characters include Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Pa Kent, Neva Howell as Ma Kent, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, Christopher MacDonald as Ron Troupe, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

Milly Alcock is also expected to make a cameo appearance as Supergirl before taking flight in her own movie, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Superman is currently set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.

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JackBurton1
JackBurton1 - 8/19/2024, 6:20 AM
I know someone who works for one of the big VFX companies.He's always told me if you give them a year to a year 1/2 just working on on the finished product meaning what Gunn did here with Superman (all the fliming do) they could make any film look breath taking.

Did add no one wants to work for Lucasfilm anymore and Marvel has a very bad rap with VFX artist right now also.
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 8/19/2024, 8:35 AM
@JackBurton1 - well, good thing DC's got Gunn and his team then.
RedFury
RedFury - 8/19/2024, 6:40 AM
I love how thorough, prepared, and creative Gunn is. Goes to show you that Hollywood doesn't need to be a machine that just churns things out. Give the right creator the reigns, and time, and they'll create something wonderful.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 8/19/2024, 6:44 AM
@RedFury - yeah

I know Isabel Merced said that him being as prepared as he is makes the rest of the actors and crew feel relaxed hence they can just do their jobs and have fun.

Wish more directors had that.
RedFury
RedFury - 8/19/2024, 8:15 AM
@TheVisionary25 - I loved reading her say that. It's no wonder everyone that works on a Gunn film sings nothing but his praises.

The collaborative directors must be heaven for the actors.
Lem1
Lem1 - 8/19/2024, 6:43 AM
This work ethic, I suppose, was lacking for last March's Spider-Man: Beyond The Spiderverse 😬
Vision85
Vision85 - 8/19/2024, 6:58 AM
Good. This is what the industry needs. Not all the "No CGI, we did it practically" BS while working world class studios into closure.
elgaz
elgaz - 8/19/2024, 7:01 AM
It's a pragmatic and sensible approach, rather than rushing VFX artists to try and produce 5-star material in a relatively short timespan. I just hope the flying scenes aren't done using the same style he used for Adam Warlock's flying in GOTG3, I found that swooping camera and face closeup a bit strange looking onscreen.

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harryba11zack
harryba11zack - 8/19/2024, 7:07 AM
@elgaz - they will
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dragon316
dragon316 - 8/19/2024, 8:26 AM
@harryba11zack - that looks more of filter using fish eye lens than visual effects not sure what director was thinking there
Deadinside
Deadinside - 8/19/2024, 1:06 PM
@harryba11zack - That shot gave me nightmares...! ☮️😳
SethBullock
SethBullock - 8/19/2024, 7:07 AM
Hopefully they use that time to fix/change the terrible suit.
DTor91
DTor91 - 8/19/2024, 12:00 PM
@SethBullock - Really cant wait to see tunes on this site change in regard to the suit once the movie drops. Hell even the first trailer. Will be the usual clockwork.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 8/19/2024, 7:08 AM
It’s good to hear how prepared he is and going by accounts from actors , it definitely seems like that’s the case for all his projects which is nice (just makes me wonder when he gets the time lol?).

Can’t wait to see Superman , might be my most anticipated cbm of 2025 as of now!!.

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WEAPONXOXOXO
WEAPONXOXOXO - 8/19/2024, 7:16 AM
I wonder when we'll get a trailer?
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 8/19/2024, 8:43 AM
@WEAPONXOXOXO - I'd bet my money on during the Superbowl. It'd be great to have it preview before JOKER 2 but that's more-than-likely not enough time to put something together with full substance.
TheClungerine
TheClungerine - 8/19/2024, 7:21 AM
It's weird because on the one hand, the CGI Gunns films have never been bad IMO but then on the other they have never truly been breathtaking either.

My issue has always been with his costume design. Starro looked very good though I must admit.
BobGarlen
BobGarlen - 8/19/2024, 7:23 AM
I'm excited for Superman. I really wasn't sure about Gunn at first, but I feel like every choice he's made so far regarding the movie has been him just wanting to win any doubters like me over. I'm really optimistic over the movie, I love the suit, I love the cast, I feel like this could potentially be an Instant Classic. I really hope that this movie is the instant classic Guardians 1 was. At this point my only real critique is, after (arguably) 8 Superman films (counting this one) we still haven't had Brainiac as the main villain.
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 8/19/2024, 8:44 AM
@BobGarlen - but we had some weird T-1000 Brainiac on the small screen in Smallville (god i hated that show)
BobGarlen
BobGarlen - 8/19/2024, 10:19 AM
@lazlodaytona - Krypton gave us the best on screen version of Brainiac (and Doomsday). I dug Smallville's take, it felt very in-line with TAS.
lazlodaytona
lazlodaytona - 8/19/2024, 3:29 PM
@BobGarlen - I agree. Krypton is HIGHLY underrated. Sorry I forgot about that. thanks man
DarthOmega
DarthOmega - 8/19/2024, 7:26 AM
Now this is very encouraging.
Fares
Fares - 8/19/2024, 7:54 AM
If anything, I want the DCU to be a massive success just so that other studios consider taking a page out of Gunn's book.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 8/19/2024, 8:17 AM
@Fares - agreed

Plus I’m glad that the DCU has 2 heads in that Gunn is the creative side while Safran is the business side…

It’s a good way to divide the responsibilities so not one person has too much stress or responsibility
Fares
Fares - 8/19/2024, 8:52 AM
@TheVisionary25 - Yup, I just fear that a potential change of management if WB gets bought again could affect Gun's and Safran's operation
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 8/19/2024, 8:57 AM
@Fares - true

I hope not even though I would like Zaslav gone
dragon316
dragon316 - 8/19/2024, 8:28 AM
Dc should keep James gun in charge of Kevin for marvel James for dc they both know what they doing except Kevin sometimes no name off bad ones movies tv shows
bobevanz
bobevanz - 8/19/2024, 8:45 AM
What a class act, this is why Marvel fails when it comes to having 3 or 4 movies a year. PAY ATTENTION FEIGE
quas95
quas95 - 8/20/2024, 12:32 AM
@bobevanz - There is some truth to that. Although I think if Marvel was as well planned as they made themselves appear to be then I could see the 3-4 movies a year thing working.
mck13
mck13 - 8/19/2024, 9:20 AM
It's gonna take a year work of VFX to make that NERF material looking Superman suit look decent Horrible design> Looks like the 1st idea that came to mind. Adam Warlock looked TERRIBLE & I expect the same fro this piece of shit! It will FAIL & DC will be FOR SALE AGAIN!!!
McMurdo
McMurdo - 8/19/2024, 10:27 AM
@mck13 - we KNOW you HATE Gunn AND have a SCHIZOPHRENIC lack OF subtlety WITH your CAPS LOCK button and KEYBOARD
mck13
mck13 - 8/19/2024, 9:22 AM
Superman in red panties looks ridiculous. The suit creases when he moves like plastic! It's supposed to be a SKIN SUIT!! He doesn't need the PADDING! No muscle definition or tone! Guess that's part of the VFX too lol
DocSpock
DocSpock - 8/19/2024, 9:45 AM

Just imagine an iconic Superman movie on the level of Dark Knight, Winter Soldier, and Infinity War.

If Gunn can pull that off with this bloated cast, then he can do anything.

Please give us the definitive Superman movie we have always been waiting & begging for.

4/5 stars isn't good enough.

Steel86
Steel86 - 8/19/2024, 9:48 AM
Funny enough I've said this a few times about the vfx for this film compared to what Marvel is doing. Gunn has already wrapped principle photographer and FF First Steps just stated filming but FF comes out a week later and it has some very VFX heavy characters. Marvel rushing their teams again? We shall see.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 8/19/2024, 1:58 PM
@Steel86 - maybe but Shakman said they had already started working on their VFX so maybe not

As you said ,we’ll see
HistoryofMatt
HistoryofMatt - 8/19/2024, 11:29 AM
So what you're saying is, unlike Feige at Marvel, Gunn understands that giving VFX houses enough time to actually do their jobs is important?

Novel approach to filmmaking, let me tell ya. Hah.
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