In a world where capes have become commonplace and cinematic universes stretch to the stars, James Gunn’s Superman reboot is emerging as the shining beacon fans did not know they needed. With Gunn now steering the DC Universe, expectations are sky-high, blending anticipation with the curiosity of what a modern Superman can truly become under his unique creative lens. Rumors swirl, theories multiply, and everyone wants a piece of the cape. Now, Gunn has dropped a thrilling clue to fuel the fire.

James Gunn has revealed that a high-stakes, peril-driven film has heavily influenced his take on Superman’s story.

James Gunn, writer-director of the upcoming film Superman and co-Chief Executive Officer of DC Studios, revealed in a remote interview that his vision for the character was influenced heavily by Japanese special effects cinema. Gunn specifically cited Godzilla Minus One, as revealed by JP news, “My goal is to make a film that depicts Godzilla like Godzilla Minus One, but also has a great human drama”. The film will blend superhero tradition with the grandeur and tension of classic Kaiju storytelling.

Gunn grew up idolizing the Ultraman series and has expressed a deep affection for Japanese tokusatsu culture. At the 2017 Tokyo International Film Festival, he shared a photo with Ultraman and Alien Baltan, and has spoken openly of his love for Kamen Rider. “Do I like Kamen Rider? It is not just that I like it. I love it,” Gunn tweeted when the series gained U.S. attention. He aims to bring that same affection to a Superman whose core remains human.

‘Superman’ Takes Flight for a Cause With Free Screenings, Bringing Big Screen Wonder to Deserving Kids

As James Gunn cites his source of inspiration, a closer examination of how it shapes his craft becomes essential.

The Superman trailer released by DC Studios offers a clear visual homage to Japanese tokusatsu cinema, most notably Godzilla Minus One. Towering Kaiju-like beasts, engulfed in flames, rampage through an urban skyline as Superman confronts them mid-air. The scale of destruction, the ominous lighting, and the raw physicality of these creatures mirror Takashi Yamazaki’s treatment of Godzilla. James Gunn has not only introduced spectacle but is also going to make history as his Superman is rumored to dethrone Henry Cavill and every prior Superman interpretation.

Beyond the monsters, the trailer integrates emotional depth in a way reminiscent of Godzilla Minus One’s human core. Clark Kent, portrayed with visible vulnerability, is placed in a world where destruction is vast but the human experience remains central. Scenes between Clark and Lois Lane carry a gravity that recalls the intimacy between Godzilla’s survivors. This suggests Gunn aims to blend superhero grandeur with heartfelt storytelling, rooted in fear, resilience, and moral clarity.

"Marvel of engineering"- David Corenswet Recalls Wearing Henry Cavill’s Iconic Superman Suit, Just as the Former Superman Did Christopher Reeve's

Did you catch the Godzilla Minus One vibes in the Superman trailer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!