Details on the Last-Minute Changes James Gunn Made to SUPERMAN After Mixed Test Screenings

It looks like James Gunn’s Superman is feeling the pressure as it heads toward its July 11th release. With the film locked in as the official launch of the new DC Universe, expectations are massive, and according to new reports, some early test screenings didn’t go quite as planned.

That’s led to some last-minute changes, including reshoots, scene shuffling, and even a tonal overhaul.

A new report from World of Reel, citing “sources close to the production,” claims that “tensions are high at Warner Bros.” following a rough early test screening that “received a mixed reception,” prompting what’s being called a “cascade of changes” behind the scenes.

One of the biggest reported changes is the tone. Apparently, Gunn’s original cut had a lot more humor in the vein of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. That didn’t sit well with some Warner Bros. executives, who were “not entirely sold” on Superman’s level of comedy.

The result… Gunn was asked to tone things down, which included cutting several comedic beats and scenes.

On top of that, the film has allegedly been trimmed down by about 25 minutes overall. Runtime drama has already been a hot topic online, and Gunn even addressed it previously, calling some of the rumors overblown. Still, it seems a shorter, tighter cut is now on the table.

Then, according to the report, one of the film’s original editors was “removed mid-process,” and the structure of the movie was reworked, meaning some scenes were relocated, others added, and the story reshaped.

So, how’s the revised cut going over? Well, Warner Bros. is reportedly planning another big test screening soon, and insiders say execs are “a tad” more confident this time around. Whether that means the creative pivots have improved the film or just calmed nerves in the boardroom… we’ll probably hear about it soon enough.

What’s clear is that these behind-the-scenes tweaks have sparked all kinds of reactions across the fandom. Snyder fans may be happy to hear Gunn’s humor got dialed back. Gunn loyalists might worry the charm they love has been compromised. And everyone else? Probably just tired of watching WB executives step into the editing room every time DC has a big movie on the line.

At the end of the day, Superman is supposed to be the first confident step forward into a new DC era. But, with all this noise, it’s hard not to feel like old habits are creeping back in. Let’s hope that by the time July 11th rolls around, the version that hits theaters is the one that’s great and actually feels like a fresh start.