James Gunn Addresses Scathing Fan Reactions to DC Studios’

  • DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn addressed online criticism regarding plans to recast Superman. 
  • Gunn called scathing fan reactions “uproarious & unkind” in a series of tweets. 
  • Gunn’s comments arrive days after Henry Cavill confirmed that he would not return as Superman.

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn used Twitter on Monday to address fans’ criticism since the news broke last week that Henry Cavill would not return as Superman. 

Gunn called scathing fan reactions “uproarious & unkind” in a series of tweets that defended his and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran’s plans to recast Superman with another actor. 

“One of the things Peter & I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious & unkind, to say the least,” Gunn wrote. “Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”

Gunn added: “No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions.”

The DC Studios exec’s latest comments arrive days after Cavill posted on Instagram that he recently met with Gunn and Safran, who told him he would no longer play the Man of Steel but could play another character in the DC universe sometime in the future. 

According to Variety, Gunn has been developing an all-new Superman story for “some time” centered on the superhero’s life as a cub reporter in Metropolis. 

Gunn’s statements also come nearly two weeks after Warner Bros, leadership passed on director Patty Jenkins’ treatment for “Wonder Woman 3” and subsequent reports surfaced that Jenkins had walked away from the project. Jenkins later denied the accusations through a statement on Twitter.

DC Studios did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.