Warner Bros. has officially released the full screenplay for James Gunn’s “Superman” for awards consideration, giving fans and critics a meticulous look at the blueprint for the film that took cinemas by storm in July 2025. While the screenplay aligns with the core narrative of the theatrical release, the text provides nuanced characterisations and specific world-building details that offer a fresh perspective on Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe.
A Structured Introduction to a New Era
The screenplay opens with a rhythmic “count-up” of the world’s history, establishing that metahumans first appeared three centuries ago, ushering in an era of “gods and monsters”. This structure continues down to the “3 minutes ago” mark, where the story begins with Superman’s first-ever defeat at the hands of the Hammer of Boravia in Metropolis. The script describes a severely injured Superman whistling for help in the Antarctic snow, Starkly contrasting his usual invulnerability.
The “Terrible Dog” and the Fortress of Solitude
The script provides a humorous yet touching look at Krypto, whom Gunn describes as a “terrible dog”—untrained, joyous, and completely lacking respect for boundaries. This lack of restraint is vividly displayed when he drags a severely injured Superman toward the Fortress of Solitude, passing through a grizzly field of corpses belonging to “gigantic white kaijus covered in fur”. These creatures, which are scattered across a several-hundred-yard radius around the Fortress, appear to be a recurring target for the canine. Despite being in critical condition, Superman finds the strength to wheeze a reprimand, telling his pet, “Krypto… you need to stop killing… abominable snowmans”.
Inside the Fortress, we see Superman Robots—simple metal automatons with “no consciousness whatsoever”—who serve Superman despite his injuries. The script also reveals that the iconic message from Jor-El and Lara was damaged in transit, leading to the pivotal misunderstanding regarding Superman’s purpose on Earth.
Lex Luthor’s Master Plan: Envy and Ultraman
The screenplay confirms that the “Hammer of Boravia” was actually Ultraman, a misshapen clone of Superman created by Lex Luthor. Luthor’s motivation is rooted in pure envy; he admits that he created the Boravian military conflict specifically as an excuse to kill Superman, whom he views as a “dopey Venusian” whose strength only highlights human weakness.
Luthor’s plan to ruin Superman’s reputation involved:
– The Damaged Message: Using “state-of-the-art translating software” to prove Superman was sent to “rule without mercy” and create a “secret harem” to propagate Kryptonian genes.
– Monkey-Bots: Utilizing capuchin monkeys with metal tech to farm “outrage” online and trend hashtags like #Supershit.
The Justice Gang Dynamics
The script highlights the internal friction of the metahuman group Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) insists on calling the “Justice Gang”. While the group includes Hawkgirl and Mr. Terrific, they are initially hesitant to help Superman when he is federally incarcerated, with Gardner citing a “vow” to stay out of politics—a claim Hawkgirl scoffs at as something he says whenever he doesn’t want to do something.
Imprisonment in the Pocket Universe
A major portion of the script takes place in the Pocket Universe created by Luthor via a “mega-collider”. Here, Superman is held alongside Metamorpho (Rex Mason), whom Luthor coerces into service by threatening Metamorpho’s young son, Joseph. The script details Superman’s brutal treatment and his eventual escape, aided by Metamorpho’s ability to create a “miniature sun” to restore Superman’s powers in a sunless dimension.
The Human Heart of Clark Kent
Despite the cosmic stakes, the script focuses heavily on Clark’s humanity. He is described as a “clumsy galoot” who is the “real” person somewhere between the mask of Clark and the persona of Superman. His relationship with Lois Lane is grounded in mundane debates, such as whether “breakfast for dinner” is a legitimate celebration and whether pop-radio bands like “The Mighty Crabjoys” qualify as punk rock.
A Surprising Ending: Supergirl’s Arrival
The screenplay concludes with a sequence in the Fortress where Superman is recovering. In a final character introduction, his cousin, Supergirl, arrives. She is described as a “waifish girl of twenty-one” who is “surly” and “drunk,” having spent time partying on planets with red suns where she can actually feel the effects of alcohol.
The Film’s “Punk Rock” Message
The overall message of James Gunn’s “Superman” centres on the idea that identity is defined by personal choices and moral character rather than biological destiny or the expectations of others. Although Clark Kent is devastated to learn that his Kryptonian parents originally intended for him to be a conqueror sent to “Rule, without mercy,” he ultimately accepts Pa Kent’s wisdom that a person’s actions—not their origin—determine who they truly are. The script highlights that Superman’s “real strength” is not his alien power, but his essential humanity, specifically his capacity to love, experience fear, and persevere through difficult decisions. This moral core allows him to reject Lex Luthor’s cynical view of him as a “dopey Venusian” or a mere “it,” proving that he belongs on Earth as a protector who views humanity as “beautiful” rather than “weak”. Ultimately, the narrative suggests that true heroism lies in the simple, “punk rock” act of choosing to be good and trusting others, even when faced with a legacy of “gods and monsters”.
