James Gunn shared the complete screenplay for “Superman” on social media Monday, providing an unprecedented look at the script that powered the summer blockbuster.
Gunn posted on X, “For your enjoyment, the Superman screenplay,” along with a link to the screenplay on the official Superman website. The post had garnered 1.4 million views by Tuesday morning.
The release followed Warner Bros.’ official decision to make the screenplay available for awards consideration as part of the studio’s campaign for the film during the 2025-2026 awards season.
The screenplay aligns with the core narrative of the theatrical release but provides nuanced characterizations and specific world-building details that offer fresh perspective on Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe.
The script opens with a rhythmic count-up of world history, establishing that metahumans first appeared three centuries ago, ushering in an era described as one of “gods and monsters.” The structure continues down to the “3 minutes ago” mark, where the story begins with Superman’s first defeat at the hands of the Hammer of Boravia in Metropolis.
The screenplay describes a severely injured Superman whistling for help in the Antarctic snow, a stark contrast to his usual invulnerability. Inside the Fortress of Solitude, Superman Robots serve him despite his injuries. The script reveals that the iconic message from Jor-El and Lara was damaged in transit, leading to a pivotal misunderstanding regarding Superman’s purpose on Earth.
Gunn’s script provides a detailed look at Krypto, whom he describes as a “terrible dog” who is untrained, joyous, and completely lacking respect for boundaries. The screenplay shows Krypto dragging the injured Superman toward the Fortress of Solitude, passing through a field of corpses belonging to gigantic white creatures. Even in critical condition, Superman finds strength to wheeze a reprimand: “Krypto… you need to stop killing… abominable snowmans.”
The screenplay concludes with a sequence introducing Superman’s cousin, Supergirl, described as a “waifish girl of twenty-one” who is “surly” and “drunk,” having spent time partying on planets with red suns where she can actually feel the effects of alcohol.
The overall message centers on the idea that identity is defined by personal choices and moral character rather than biological destiny. Although Clark Kent is devastated to learn his Kryptonian parents originally intended for him to be a conqueror sent to rule without mercy, he ultimately accepts Pa Kent’s wisdom that a person’s actions determine who they truly are.
“Superman” opened with a domestic box office of $125 million and a global launch of $220 million. According to industry reports, Warner Bros. submitted the film in several Golden Globe categories, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor – Drama for David Corenswet, Best Supporting Actor for Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, and James Gunn for Directing and Screenplay.
Despite the submissions, the Golden Globes gave “Superman” no nominations when the ceremony aired on January 11. The awards left out Gunn’s film from the Outstanding Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category, which honors films that grossed over $150 million worldwide. The exclusion was noted as a major snub, given that “Superman” was the highest-grossing superhero movie of 2025.
The film remains in the race for the 2026 Academy Awards. In December, the Academy released shortlists for 12 categories, including “Superman” in the Sound and Visual Effects categories. The film is the only DC title to appear on the shortlists. The Academy will announce final Oscar nominations on January 22.
Gunn previously announced that the next film in what he calls the “Superman Saga” is titled “Man of Tomorrow” and is scheduled for release on July 9, 2027. David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult are expected to reprise their roles.
