James Gunn is shutting down the assumption that “ Superman ” has to be a box office blockbuster. The writer/director, who is also the co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, told GQ that the franchise tentpole film does not carry as much pressure at the studio as critics believe.

James Gunn, writer and director of the off-kilter "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, tussled with various ideas on how to deliver a new take on Superman to the big screen. Gunn said he was aware of the many ways the noble hero had been approached since his 1938 debut,