James Gunn Says He and Zack Snyder Are 'Friendly' Despite Rumor They've Been 'Pitted Against Each Other'

Mar. 15, 2025

James Gunn and Zack Snyder.Photo:James Gunn/Instagram

James Gunn/Instagram

James Gunnhas no beef withZack Snyderdespite what fans online may speculate.

At a media event for DC Studios held Friday, Feb. 21, according toVariety,Supermandirector Gunn, 58, was asked whether he is collaborating withMan of Steeldirector Snyder, 58, after he recently shared a photo posing with him.

“We knew that people have this view that somehow we have been pitted against each other,” Gunn told reporters of posting the photo, per the outlet.

He added, “It’s odd to have someone who you’re friendly with in real life be the guy that is positioned as your Lex Luthor, or I’m his Lex Luthor,” in reference to the iconic Superman villain. “It’s just such a weird dynamic that’s been created between factions online.”

Snyder directed Gunn’s screenplay for 2004’sDawn of the Dead,and Gunn says the two “sometimes talk about different things.”

Snyder directed 2013’sMan of Steel, kickstarting the DC Extended Universe, based on the popular DC comic books. The filmmaker went on to direct two follow-ups and executive produce 2016’sSuicide Squad.He alsoproduced and co-wrote the story for 2017’sWonder Woman, executive produced 2018’sAquaman, and produced the 2020Woman Womansequel.

Gunn is taking over the Superman mantle with his anticipated 2025 movie that is set to reboot the franchise. Additionally, he wrote and directedGuardians of the Galaxyand its two sequels for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Gunn, who shared the photo with Snyder onXand Instagram, wrote in the caption, “Always a pleasure catching up with my friend Zack Snyder, consummate filmmaker (and a doubly consummate storyteller!).”

Directors Zack Snyder and James Gunn arrive at the premiere of Universal Picture’s “Slither” at the Vista Theater on March 9, 2006 in Los Angeles.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

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Elsewhere in the media presentation, according toVariety, Gunn spoke about bringing Superman to life in this day and age. “In some ways, I would say it’s the right Superman because I don’t think he’s a part of the cultural moment,” he said.

Gunn continued, “He’s a character that stands for something that is solid, for basic human morals, basic human integrity, the basic belief in protecting others, the weak and being good to people and being honest. He stands for what I think of as the rules that don’t change.”

David Corenswetwill star as the titular character in the upcoming movie, in theaters July 11, alongsideRachel Brosnahanas Lois Lane andNicholas Houltas Lex Luthor.

source: people.com