James Gunn, Once in Favor of DEI & Race-Swapping Characters, Now Says He Just Focuses on “Telling the Best Stories”
With James Gunn’s Superman set to hit theaters in July, the conversation around the film has taken an unexpected turn. As the release nears, questions about how the movie fits into today’s cultural landscape—especially under the second Trump administration—are being raised. When asked about what makes his version of Superman relevant to the current moment, Gunn had a surprising response.
“In some ways, I would say it’s the right Superman because I don’t think he’s a part of the cultural moment,” Gunn said. “He’s a character that stands for something that is solid—basic human morals, integrity, protecting the weak, being good to people, and being honest. He stands for the rules that don’t change.”
Different reporter pressed Gunn on Hollywood’s growing hesitation to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, especially given Trump’s push to remove such initiatives from government and public life.
The topic is especially sensitive since any strong defense of diversity from Gunn could potentially fuel backlash from Trump’s supporters and impact Superman’s marketing campaign.
I know what you’re saying. I understand your words, but I’ve been off working on stories for three years, and I just try to tell the best stories I possibly can, and that’s all I care about.
He also mentioned that he no longer keeps up with the news or social media as much, both for his own mental health and due to his packed schedule working on Superman and Peacemaker.
This response marks an interesting contrast to Gunn’s past stance on diversity in films. In previous projects, he made notable casting decisions that altered characters’ races.
In The Suicide Squad, he race-swapped Deadshot from white to Black when Will Smith played the role in the first film, and later did the same with Bloodsport, played by Idris Elba.
More recently, he cast Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, a decision that sparked debate among fans.
In fact even the DCU has race-swapped characters. Terence Rosemore will play a race-swapped version of Lex Luthor’s henchman Otis and Wendell Pierce will be portraying Perry White in the upcoming movie.
It’s also presumed that Booster Gold will be played by Kumail Nanjiani, and this rumor alone was met with incredible backlash although it wasn’t officially confirmed as of yet by WB or DC Studios.
Today, Gunn insists that his approach hasn’t changed:
We’re just off trying to make the best movies we can in the best way we can. No matter who is telling me who I’m supposed to put in my movie, for whatever reason, I don’t give a shit. I was always about creating the best story possible with the best characters possible. It was that way, you know, five years ago, and it’s that way today.
His comments suggest that, while he has previously supported race-swapping characters in comic book adaptations, he now prefers to focus on storytelling rather than engaging in wider cultural debates. Whether this shift is a response to growing political tensions or simply a personal choice remains to be seen.
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