James Gunn Isn't a Fan of Pointless Cameos in Superhero Movies, Says They Are "The Worst"

James Gunn recently revealed that all of the superhero characters that he’s casting in Superman: Legacy are going to be more than just cameo roles. This is going to be a true ensemble cast of characters like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. The director has now shared his thoughts on cameos in superhero films and how most of them are pointless and unnecessary. Gunn shared on Threads:

"I call that ‘Cameo Porn’ and it has been one of the worst elements of recent superhero films. If a character is in film, they have to have a reason to be there story-wise." 

"I don’t mind actual cameos – if it's a glimpse or a moment, an Easter egg. What bothers me is when they mangle an elegant story by shoehorning characters in - they aren't there because the story calls for it, but for some other reason."

The filmmaker is referring to Marvel when it comes to throwing in cameos. So, don’t expect Gunn to throw in cameos just for the sake of it. When previously talking about his large cast for Superman: Legacy, he said:

"What single-protagonist movie doesn't have more than ten speaking roles? There will be more. The whole point was it's NOT a large film - I mean, not in terms of cast. It's normal for single protagonist films to have other characters - much more unusual for them not to.”

Superman: Legacy currently stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica, aka The Engineer. Sara Sampaio, the Portuguese Victoria’s Secret model, has also been cast as Eve Teschmacher, and more casting announcements will be coming.

Superman: Legacy will tell the story of “Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.”

Superman: Legacy will launch the movie part of DC Studios’ Gods and Monsters: Part 1. It’s scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025.