James Gunn’s Superman influences: What to watch and read before film hits cinemas

When James Gunn’s Superman soars into cinemas on July 10, the skies above Metropolis won’t be the only thing getting a second look. The film doesn’t just reboot the world’s most recognisable superhero – it launches a whole new chapter for DC, one that’s aiming to mix reverence with reinvention.

With David Corenswet donning the cape and flanked by Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Skyler Gisondo, Nathan Fillion and Wendell Pierce, Gunn’s take already feels distinct – familiar, but not safe. And if the early trailers are anything to go by, it’s clear the filmmaker is wearing his influences proudly on his sleeve.

Gunn has never been shy about the stories that shaped him, and this Superman seems stitched together from decades of comics, cinema and Saturday morning serials. So whether you’re a diehard fan scanning each frame for deep cuts, or a newcomer wondering where to begin, here’s a guide to what to read and watch before Superman lands.

Superman #1

Published in 1939 by DC Comics (then called National Comics), the cover of Superman #1 is one of the most memorable images in comic book history. Drawn by Joe Shuster, it features Superman lifting a green car above his head while people flee in panic, capturing the excitement and novelty of the character.

During the production of the film, Gunn shared the image of the cover on social media, hinting that he was taking the character back to his roots.

This particular influence – which presents him as a hopeful, grounded figure – runs counter to more recent Superman depictions, especially Henry Cavill's dark and brooding loner in director Zack Snyder's films.

All-Star Superman

All-Star Superman is a critically acclaimed 12-issue series published between 2005 and 2008, written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely. It offers an emotionally resonant portrayal of Superman as he confronts his impending death, brought on by overexposure to solar radiation. The story balances warmth, wit and imagination, celebrating both his humanity and his extraordinary powers.

Gunn has frequently cited the series as a major influence on the film, and its impact is already evident in the released footage. This version of Superman, while far stronger than his enemies, is also vulnerable – relying at times on help from his loyal dog Krypto and the robotic assistants in his Fortress of Solitude.

Superman: The Animated Series

Inspired by the success of Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series is a celebrated part of the DC Animated Universe created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini. Airing from 1996 to 2000, the show presents a thoughtful version of Superman, blending action with strong storytelling, exciting animation and emotional depth.

The new film’s trailers reveal glimpses of the show’s distinct art deco style, especially in the architecture and feel of Metropolis. The animated series was also instrumental in introducing many characters in the Superman universe to a wider audience, including Brainiac and Darkseid.

Superman: The Mad Scientist

Released in 1941, Superman: The Mad Scientist was the first of the Fleischer Studios’ animated shorts – and marked the Man of Steel’s official screen debut. Just 10 minutes long, the short sees Superman saving Metropolis from a deranged inventor armed with a destructive energy cannon.

Despite its brevity, the animation captures Superman’s powers with striking clarity – from bending steel to deflecting projectiles midair. It also helped define the art deco aesthetic now closely associated with Metropolis, setting a visual tone that continues to influence the character’s world.

This version of Superman is stoic and unwavering – a figure of near-mythic strength who doesn’t falter, even in the face of danger. Quietly, it laid the foundation for how generations would come to see him.

Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come is a landmark 1996 graphic novel set in a dystopian future of the DC Universe, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross. It follows an older Superman who emerges from self-imposed exile to confront a new generation of reckless, morally ambiguous heroes and villains.

Celebrated for its mature and philosophical take on superhero mythology, the story explores themes of legacy, power and responsibility. Ross’s hyper-realistic painting style has previously influenced the look of Snyder’s DC films – but in Gunn’s case, it’s the costume designs from Kingdom Come that appear to inform the aesthetic of his Superman.

Smallville

Smallville aired from 2001 to 2011, chronicling the formative years of Clark Kent before he officially becomes Superman. Framed as a coming-of-age story, the series follows a young Clark as he grapples with friendships, school and the growing weight of his destiny.

The show also reimagined Lex Luthor as a complex and conflicted character, portrayed memorably by Michael Rosenbaum. His performance has had a lasting impact – including on Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex in Gunn’s upcoming film.

Speaking to Rosenbaum on a podcast, Hoult credited the actor as his first introduction to the character. “I think the first ever Lex I saw was you. I love your portrayal – it’s the best,” he said. “You inhabit him with such depth and charm. And that ability to switch, which makes him dangerous and formidable – I just loved what you did.”

Top Gun: Maverick

At first glance, Top Gun: Maverick – the legacy sequel to the 1986 film directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Tom Cruise – might not seem like an obvious influence on a Superman film. But its groundbreaking aerial cinematography has left a clear mark.

Speaking to the press earlier this year, Gunn explained that capturing Superman in flight posed a major technical challenge. To overcome it, the production borrowed techniques from Top Gun: Maverick, particularly its innovative use of drones.

“We took a lot from films like Top Gun: Maverick,” Gunn said. “We shot much of our action with actual drones flying in and around Superman and the people he’s flying with – The Engineer and whoever else he’s fighting up in the air.”

Much of that was done on soundstages using next-generation drones piloted by some of the world’s top operators, allowing Gunn to bring a visceral realism to Superman’s aerial sequences.

Justice League Unlimited

Justice League Unlimited is the follow-up to the acclaimed Justice League animated series, and widely regarded as one of the finest explorations of the DC Universe on screen. Expanding the original roster, the show, which ran for three seasons between 2004 and 2006, introduced a wide range of heroes – including Green Arrow, Black Canary, The Question and Huntress – while deepening the philosophical and moral themes that defined its predecessor.

Gunn has confirmed via a post on X that the series has been a key influence on the interconnected DC universe he is building – with Superman as its foundation. That influence is already visible in the trailers, which reveal the inclusion of characters such as Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern and Metamorpho – all staples of the Justice League Unlimited ensemble.

Much like the animated series, Gunn’s approach appears to prioritise character dynamics and ideological tension over spectacle alone – suggesting a Superman film that may be as much about the team around him as the man himself.