Some figures are icons in pop culture, symbolizing hope and heroism across generations. Superman is one of them. With James Gunn directing the new Superman film, fans expect a redefined vision of DC in cinema.
Gunn’s approach to post-credit scenes has already sparked curiosity. Known for crafting memorable moments at the tail end of his Marvel films, he’s now charting a different course. “I’m not gonna set up whole universes with end credits scenes,” Gunn stated.
“I’d rather it be something that’s fun for the fans and not necessarily, ‘Hey, we’re setting up the whole next part of the universe.’”
The birth of post-credit scenes - Superman
Think post-credit scenes are a modern invention? Surprise: they’ve been sneaking into movies for decades! In the 1960s and 70s, comedies began adding extras at the end of the movies.
Said extras were known as "stingers" or "credit cookies." They were a fun reward for those who stayed until the end. What started as a playful bonus became a creative tool for filmmakers to add surprises or tease what's next.
By the time Marvel turned them into a blockbuster staple, these scenes had already proven their ability to keep audiences glued to their seats long after the final frame. With Gunn's promise about the post-credit scenes, it seems he's bringing back the playful spirit of these cookies, however, without the burden of continuity nods.
The first known post-credit scene appeared in The Silencers (1966), a Dean Martin spy comedy. It teased future installments, setting the stage for keeping audiences engaged after the main story ended.
Redefining the post-credit tradition
The post-credit scene is a tradition that began as a playful nod to fans. In the history of cinema, it has evolved into a narrative crutch for many superhero franchises. Gunn, however, seems ready to return it to its roots. His vision? A moment of joy for the audience, free from the pressure of interconnecting universes.
This philosophy echoes Gunn’s growth as a storyteller. Reflecting on his Marvel days, Gunn admitted,
“The one time I f*cked myself was when I put Adam Warlock in because then I’m like ‘Oh sh*t, now I gotta put Adam Warlock in the next movie.’”
It’s a lesson learned: don’t box yourself in. Instead, use those precious post-credit minutes to enrich the present, not mortgage the future.
A flying dog and a giant fortress
Gunn’s Superman isn’t just about soaring capes and steel fortresses. It’s about the heart.
“He’s got a flying dog. He’s got a giant fortress that springs from the ground. He fights giant monsters,” Gunn shared.
It’s as if he’s dipping into the rich absurdity of Superman’s mythology and pulling out treasures often left behind in live-action adaptations.
Could one of these absurd treasures, like Krypto the Superdog, find its way into a post-credit scene? If there’s anyone who could turn a superpowered canine into a scene-stealing moment of levity, it’s Gunn. And while it may sound whimsical, this approach could be the perfect antidote to the overly serious tones that have plagued previous DC films.
Learning from Marvel: a creative school of thought
Gunn’s tenure at Marvel wasn’t just a career highlight; it was a creative school where he mastered the delicate balance between spectacle and story. Guardians of the Galaxy proved he could blend humor, heart, and heroics into something that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Now, with Superman, Gunn has the opportunity to take those lessons and mold them into something uniquely DC. This isn’t about emulating Marvel; it’s about applying the skills honed in that creative school to craft a Superman who feels timeless and fresh.
The weight of a cape
Superman has always been more than a hero; he’s a symbol. For Gunn, this means carrying the expectations of generations of fans while also repairing the cracks left by past DC missteps. This isn’t just about making a good movie. It’s about restoring faith in a cinematic universe that has stumbled more times than it has soared.
Gunn understands the stakes.
“If this thing was real, that’s always where I start,” he explained.
By rooting Superman’s larger-than-life mythology in relatable truths, Gunn is taking a bold approach, blending the fantastical with the grounded.
A new dawn for DC
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This film isn’t merely a stepping stone for future DC projects: it’s the foundation. Gunn’s deliberate choice to focus on contained storytelling rather than sprawling universes suggests a renewed faith in standalone narratives. Could Superman mark the beginning of a golden age for DC films?
The post-credit scene may not lay out the future of the franchise, but it holds the potential to symbolize a fresh start—one filled with optimism, humor, and the unapologetic joy that Superman himself embodies.
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