Thescreescore – James Gunn, the visionary behind the DCU’s latest Superman iteration, has revealed a surprisingly contentious scene that almost didn’t make the final cut: Superman saving a squirrel. While the film showcases David Corenswet’s charming take on the Man of Steel, prioritizing minimal collateral damage even at the cost of public perception, this particular moment sparked heated debate amongst audiences. Speaking with Josh Horowitz, Gunn admitted to being caught off guard by the negative reaction. "Saving the squirrel," Gunn stated, "Heatedly debated. Some audience members didn’t… ‘Why is he saving a squirrel?’ ‘Cause it’s a cute little adorable squirrel that was about to be crushed by a tail." He added with a chuckle, "It wasn’t a small amount of people. There are a lot of squirrel haters out there. Who knew?"
This seemingly minor act of heroism, however, speaks volumes about the character’s core values. Unlike more pragmatic heroes, Superman, in Gunn’s portrayal, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to saving every life, regardless of scale. This contrasts sharply with the cold, utilitarian worldview of Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, who readily sacrifices his own team in the film’s climactic battle. The squirrel scene, therefore, serves as a potent symbol of Superman’s inherent goodness and the compassionate heart of the DCU.
The incident also highlights a potential shift in superhero storytelling. While spectacle and large-scale destruction remain crucial, the inclusion of smaller, more intimate moments like this suggests a refreshing focus on the human element of heroism. The screescore.com article suggests this might be a defining characteristic of the Gunn-led DCU, potentially inspiring similar scenes with other heroes – imagine Batman comforting a child victim or Wonder Woman showing compassion to a defeated foe.
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This seemingly insignificant detail might become a defining feature of the new DCU, humanizing its heroes and enriching their narratives. The impact of this "Squirrelgate" controversy remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds another layer of intrigue to Gunn’s ambitious vision for the franchise. The film, clocking in at 130 minutes, is directed by Gunn himself, with a screenplay co-written by Gunn, Jerry Siegel, and Joe Shuster. It stars David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and is produced by Lars P. Winther, Nik Korda, and Peter Safran. The film opened on July 9th, 2025. Thescreescore.com gives it a 9/10 rating.
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