James Gunn’s Superman, set to launch the new DC Universe (DCU) on July 11, 2025, has fans buzzing with anticipation. But lately, rumors have been flying about Warner Bros. forcing Gunn to trim the film’s runtime for a leaner cut. On June 4, 2025, Gunn took to Threads to shut down the speculation, confirming the movie’s length and making it clear the studio didn’t touch his vision. “Zero truth to that,” he said, adding, “And they couldn’t even if that’s something they wanted to. It’s a DC Studios film.” Here’s the lowdown on what’s got everyone talking and why this matters for the Man of Steel’s big return.
Gunn, who’s writing and directing Superman while co-running DC Studios, responded to a fan asking if the reported 2-hour-9-minute runtime was legit. “Inclusive of credits/post-credits, the runtime is 2 hours 9 minutes,” he confirmed. That’s shorter than Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2 hours 23 minutes) but right in line with classic superhero flicks that hover around 110-135 minutes. When another fan pressed about Warner Bros. allegedly pushing for cuts, Gunn was crystal clear: no one forced his hand. His role as DC Studios co-head, alongside Peter Safran, gives him the final say, reporting only to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, not a gaggle of studio execs.
This isn’t the first time runtime chatter has stirred the pot. Back in March, a report claimed a test screening cut ran 140 minutes, with some humor trimmed after mixed feedback. Then in May, a 122-minute rumor popped up, which Gunn quickly debunked, saying the film was “almost totally locked” but not at that length. Now, with the 129-minute runtime locked in, including credits and a post-credits scene, Gunn’s putting the rumors to bed.
The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, with supporting players like Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern Guy Gardner), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), and Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho). Milly Alcock’s Supergirl and Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. will cameo, setting up DCU projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Gunn’s been vocal that this isn’t an ensemble piece—Clark, Lois, and Lex are the core, with the story diving into Superman’s struggle to balance his Kryptonian heritage and human heart. No origin story here; Gunn’s skipping the overdone “baby Kal-El lands on Earth” bit for a world where superheroes are already a thing.
The December 2024 trailer, which Gunn called “the most-viewed and most-talked-about trailer in DC and Warner Bros. history” with over 250 million views, set the tone: epic action, humor, and heart, with Clark facing tough questions from Lois about his role as a hero. Fans loved the vibe, though some worry the packed cast—like Krypto the super-dog and other heroes—might crowd the story. Gunn’s response? He’s not here to set up sequels at the expense of a good tale. “If something’s just there for future stuff, it’s outta here,” he’s said, keeping the focus on a standalone story.
This clarity is huge for the DCU. After the DCEU’s rocky run, with hits like Man of Steel ($670 million globally) and misses like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Superman is a high-stakes reboot. Early box office tracking predicts a $154-$175 million domestic opening, a big win for DC Studios if it lands. Rumors of a $300 million budget and test screening tweaks—like less humor and a new editor—had fans nervous about studio interference, especially after reports of Warner Bros. eyeing a Michael Bay-led Man of Steel sequel in 2022 before Gunn took over. Gunn’s firm grip on creative control, backed by Zaslav, eases those fears.
There’s also a legal wrinkle: a lawsuit from Superman co-creator Joe Shuster’s estate could delay the film’s release in markets like Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK, though a June 4 court date should clarify things. For now, Gunn’s keeping the hype alive, with the film set to hit theaters and IMAX worldwide on July 11, 2025, facing off against Jurassic World Rebirth and, two weeks later, Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Gunn’s unbothered, saying, “There’s room for us both!”
Gunn’s Superman is shaping up to be a tight, character-driven epic with Corenswet’s Clark, Brosnahan’s “fiercely intelligent” Lois, and Hoult’s scheming Lex at its heart. The 2-hour-9-minute runtime, untouched by Warner Bros., reflects Gunn’s vision—think Guardians of the Galaxy’s punchy storytelling with a DC twist. With fans on X calling it “a new dawn for DC,” the stage is set for a blockbuster that could redefine the DCU. Grab your cape and get ready for July 11—this Man of Steel’s flying in on Gunn’s terms.