In celebration of Superman Day, take a look behind the scenes of James Gunn's DCU journey.

      For James Gunn, his connection to Superman started in childhood.

      “As a kid, I was drawn to the purity of Superman,” Gunn shared in a behind-the-scenes video about the film. “It was when I began to grasp what movies were all about.”

      Gunn initially made a name for himself as a notable superhero writer-director in the Marvel universe with the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. After a brief dismissal from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Gunn transitioned to DC to direct 2021’s The Suicide Squad. He concluded his Marvel journey with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Subsequently, Warner Bros. appointed Gunn and producer Peter Safran as the new co-CEOs of DC Studios.

      As one of the key figures in this new universe, Gunn now has the opportunity to work with DC characters such as Batman, Wonder Woman, and, most crucially, Superman. At first, Gunn was uncertain about whether he was the right person to lead another movie featuring the Man of Steel.

      “James didn’t realize that Superman was part of his future. He was unsure if this was the project for him,” Safran explained in the new Superman video. “Then he called me one day and said, ‘I have an idea. I know what I want to explore.’”

      Gunn’s version of Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet, focuses on hope. As Rachel Brosnahan, who portrays Lois Lane, puts it, “He [Superman] helps others because it’s the right thing to do.”

      The reel showcases clips of the cast on the Superman set, interspersed with action sequences from the film, including a brief appearance by Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

      Superman also features Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Neva Howell.

      Corenswet aptly noted that Superman represents the “start of an entirely new adventure.” This film marks the beginning of the new DC Universe. There is significant pressure on the film’s critical and commercial success. If Superman succeeds, it will pave the way for a fresh era of superhero narratives for DC.

      Until Superman premieres this summer, audiences need to have confidence, or as Brosnahan said, “In James Gunn we trust.”

      Superman is set to be released on July 11.