James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, received an enthusiastic reception at Comic-Con, celebrating the success of Superman and his contributions to comic book culture.
James Gunn’s Heroic Reception at Comic-Con
With Superman emerging as a box office sensation in North America, filmmaker and DC Studios co-head James Gunn took a victory lap, receiving a hero’s welcome at the heart of geek culture, San Diego Comic-Con.
A Standing Ovation in Hall H
On Saturday, Gunn was met with a standing ovation in the packed Hall H, which holds 6,500 attendees, during the panel for the HBO Max series Peacemaker. Star John Cena and moderator Josh Horowitz rallied the crowd, amplifying the excitement.
Surprising the Fans
Just over an hour later, Gunn surprised guests at the Jim Lee & Friends panel, where he was once again greeted with wild enthusiasm.
Giving Back to the Community
While the spotlight was on him, Gunn reciprocated the love, expressing gratitude to his Peacemaker cast, comic book creators, and fans. Few filmmakers champion the comic medium as passionately as Gunn.
Emotional Moments
At the Lee & Friends panel, Gunn became emotional discussing his love for comics, particularly the art and story of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, created by Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Matheus Lopes, which serves as the foundation for DC Studios’ next film.
“I make these kinds of movies because I respect and love what these people do so much,” Gunn shared, his voice wavering. “It touches me so deeply…it’s so beautiful.”
Thanking the Real Fans
Gunn made a special effort to thank the comic book enthusiasts attending the Lee panel, stating, “The reason I’m so happy to be here with you guys is because this is the real fans here,” which resonated with the audience.
Shared Memories with Jim Lee
Like Lee, Gunn grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, recounting how they both attended the classic Richard Donner-directed Superman on opening weekend at the same theater, unknowingly sharing a significant moment that shaped their comic book dreams.
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Gunn also reflected on a pivotal day when his father took him to a comic convention in Chicago, hoping to bond with his son. “To this day, it was the greatest day of my life,” he said.
A Leader in Comic Book Culture
During the high-energy Peacemaker panel, his actors depicted Gunn as a leader worth following into comic book battles. Actor Frank Grillo expressed his eagerness to join the Peacemaker production for its second season, emphasizing the trust he has in Gunn.
“When James Gunn calls you, it’s not like, ‘Well, send me the script.’ It’s like, ‘You don’t have to send me anything. Just tell me when to show up,’” Grillo shared.
Humor and Camaraderie
Gunn also shared in the humor, leading a recurring joke about Grillo being an “asshole,” despite his policy of “no assholes on set.”
Near the end of the panel, Gunn and the actors discussed their favorite episodes, revealing a humorous realization that Gunn had named the three episodes he directed.
