James Gunn Unveils Full 'Superman' Script Online—Fans Dive In

Seven months after his Superman film hit cinemas, James Gunn has decided to do something rather unexpected: he’s published the entire script online for all to see. This isn’t just any superhero outing—it’s the first chapter in DC Studios’ ambitious new saga, Gods and Monsters, which Gunn and Peter Safran are steering across both film and television. With the animated Creature Commandos series already out in the wild, Superman has set the tone for a universe where metahumans have been around for quite a while, and the world is already teeming with extraordinary individuals.

Gunn has a bit of a habit of sharing his scripts with the public. He’s previously released the screenplays for his Guardians of the Galaxy films, making it clear that, for him, the story always comes first. He’s adamant about having a finished script before anything else gets underway in pre-production. Now, with Superman, fans can pore over every line, including a scene featuring Krypto that never made it to the final cut. Gunn had mentioned this moment before: Superman telling Krypto off for dispatching Abominable Snowmen—described as “gigantic white kaijus covered in fur”—who happen to live near the Fortress of Solitude. It’s a sequence that leans into the more fantastical side of the new DC universe, a far cry from the grounded beginnings of the MCU and DCEU, where new heroes were introduced at a much more measured pace. Gunn’s approach is to throw audiences straight into the deep end, letting them get to know the world and its inhabitants without bogging things down with endless explanations.

Behind the Curtain: Deleted Scenes and Character Focus

With the script now out in the open, there’s plenty for fans and critics alike to dissect. Gunn’s knack for blending genuine emotion with a touch of levity is on full display, and his emphasis on character over world-building is particularly striking. One early section, for instance, devotes a surprising number of pages to Lois Lane’s interview with Superman, highlighting just how much Gunn wanted to explore Clark’s values and his dynamic with Lois.

There’s also the matter of what didn’t make it to the screen. The Krypto scene is just one example; the script offers a window into the creative decisions that shaped the final film. It’s a rare opportunity to see how Gunn balances the fantastical with the personal, and how he’s unafraid to let new heroes simply exist in the world, rather than painstakingly introducing each one.

Alternate Drafts and the Evolution of Superman

Interestingly, an earlier draft of the script—previously posted to the WB Awards site—shows a different rhythm, especially in the climactic third act. The pacing of the fights between Superman and Ultraman shifts, with more tension in the Jarhanpur sequences and a solo appearance from Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho. These variations offer a fascinating glimpse into the writing process, revealing how scenes and characters evolve before reaching the screen.

For those interested in the nuts and bolts of filmmaking, having access to the script is a treat. It’s not just about what ended up in the film, but also about the choices made along the way—the scenes that were trimmed, the dialogue that was reworked, and the moments that never quite fit. Gunn’s willingness to share this process is a boon for fans, offering a peek behind the curtain and a chance to get excited for what’s next in the DC universe.