In a discussion on his Threads social media account, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has revealed that he thinks cameo appearances are “one of the worst elements” of modern superhero films.
“I call that ‘Cameo Porn’ and it has been one of the worst elements of recent superhero films,” he said. “If a character is in a film, they have to have a reason to be there story-wise.”
He did clarify his position by adding that minor cameos are fine as long as they don’t interfere with the story, “It’s the plot contrivances that develop from a cameo, not the cameo itself”.
“I don’t mind actual cameos – if it’s a glimpse or a moment, an Easter egg. What bothers me is when they mangle an elegant story by shoehorning characters in – they aren’t there because the story calls for it, but for some other reason.”
With the cast of “Superman: Legacy” set to include Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Gunn is adamant these characters are far more than simple cameos yet won’t detract from Superman being the focus of the film.
“It’s NOT a large film – I mean, not in terms of cast. It’s normal for single protagonist films to have other characters – much more unusual for them not to.”
“What single-protagonist movie doesn’t have more than ten speaking roles? There will be more.”
The cast of “Superman: Legacy” features David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.
Directed by James Gunn, “Superman: Legacy” is scheduled to be released July 11, 2025.
