Photo Credit: DC Studios
James Gunn has offered new insight into what fans can expect from Supergirl, addressing how closely the film will align with its comic book inspiration. The DC Studios co-head hinted at a more flexible approach to adaptation, drawing from the source material without strictly following it.
James Gunn says Supergirl will not follow Woman of Tomorrow ‘religiously’
James Gunn confirmed that the upcoming Supergirl film will not follow Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic “religiously.” Speaking on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Gunn clarified, “We’re not adapting Woman of Tomorrow religiously. We’re taking elements of it. That’s a great comic book. I love it. But we’re not making that exact story.” Gunn emphasized that while the comic heavily influenced the film’s tone and structure, it is not a direct adaptation.
Gunn previously cited Woman of Tomorrow as one of the foundational texts guiding DC Studios’ new direction. He also pointed to Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman as a major influence. However, he drew a distinction between inspiration and strict adherence. “The tone and the general approach and the structure are inspired by it, but we are not telling that story,” Gunn said.
In his discussion about Superman and Man of Tomorrow, Gunn explained his overall philosophy for DC’s storytelling approach. “I wanted to make something about goodness,” he said about Superman. Gunn described the character as “not perfect,” but “good-natured” and “loving,” adding, “That big lug of a superhero being genuinely kind — that’s what I took from the book.”
Gunn said Man of Tomorrow centers on the relationship between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor: “I relate to both of them… minus the murder,” he added. He credited the creative team’s continuity and praised the VFX work, particularly by Framestore and ILM on Krypto the Dog. “Framestore’s work on Krypto is extraordinary. I’ll put those shots up against anything I’ve ever seen.”
As co-head of DC Studios with Peter Safran, Gunn noted the partnership has allowed them to unify the creative and production sides. “Peter’s the best. He does everything I don’t do well,” Gunn stated.
