In a recent flurry of social media exchanges, James Gunn, the creative force behind the upcoming Superman film and a notable figure in the DC cinematic universe, has sparked a wave of discussion among fans with his firm decision to exclude the iconic David Bowie track, “Starman,” from the movie’s soundtrack. This choice has left many Bowie and Superman enthusiasts disenchanted, as they had high hopes of hearing the classic tune accompany David Corenswet’s portrayal of the Man of Steel.
Gunn’s History with “Starman” and Fan Expectations
“Starman” by David Bowie has a rich history of resonating with superhero narratives, frequently appearing in various fan edits and other films, including past suggestions for Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy series. Gunn, known for his active and straightforward communication with fans, recently reiterated his stance on social media. He responded with a definitive “No” to queries about including the song, emphasizing its overuse in fan-made videos as a key reason for its omission.
This isn’t the first time Gunn has had to manage fan expectations regarding soundtrack choices. In addition to “Starman,” he listed several other tracks he plans to avoid, including “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down, Eminem’s “Superman,” Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman,” Taylor Swift’s “Superman,” and Goldfinger’s track of the same name.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Speculation
The decision has not gone without disappointment from the fanbase. Expressions of sadness over Gunn’s unchanged mind have surfaced across various social media platforms. Some fans, holding on to a sliver of hope, speculate whether “Starman” could grace the trailer, if not the film itself. Others humorously noted that regardless of the official soundtrack, enthusiastic fans are likely to overlay “Starman” onto trailer edits themselves, maintaining the song’s association with superhero lore.
Superman Production Updates
Amidst the soundtrack controversy, James Gunn has also provided updates on the production of Superman, revealing that the project is just over halfway through its shooting schedule. The film, slated for a 2025 release, marks the first installment in Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. Alongside Corenswet, the film will feature Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult in significant roles.
As the filming progresses, anticipation continues to build, not just for the final cut, but for the initial trailers and further insights into Gunn’s vision for one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history. While the exact release date for the trailer remains unannounced, fans remain eager to catch the first glimpses of what promises to be a pivotal chapter in the DC cinematic narrative.
James Gunn’s approach to filmmaking—marked by a blend of traditional storytelling and innovative narrative choices—continues to stir discussions and expectations among fans. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on how Gunn’s decisions, both in terms of narrative and music, will redefine Superman for a new generation of viewers.