‘Superman’ Scraps Episodic Structure as James Gunn Refines Film’s Tone Ahead of Release

It’s worth emphasizing that test screenings rarely represent a film’s finished product. These early showings often feature unfinished visual effects, and studios rely on audience feedback to make adjustments before the movie’s official release.

Still, test screenings can provide meaningful feedback. In the case of “Superman,” the response has been mixed for a while, prompting several changes behind the scenes—including the hiring of a new composer and editor, as well as the removal of about 15 minutes of footage from the film.

That said, one of the more intriguing elements in the version shown to test audiences was its structure—unfolding over the span of a week in an episodic format, complete with title cards like “Monday,” “Tuesday,” “Wednesday,” and so on. However, according to The Hot Mic, it appears James Gunn has decided to scrap that approach during the editing process. The film has been turned into a continuous, single narrative in the final edit.

The original structure likely offered a stylized, segmented rhythm that emphasized time progression and allowed for tonal variety. Ultimately, the change suggests a strategic shift toward broader appeal, favoring clarity and flow over a more unconventional or ambitious narrative approach.

DC Studios have been taking a more “cautious” approach with “Superman.” Gunn nixing the “days of the week” structure had to do with audience feedback, which also led to the other drastic changes.

One important point that some missed in my recent piece on the significant changes made to “Superman” in the past few months is that Warner Bros. and James Gunn are genuinely convinced the film is much stronger as a result …

Granted, these are the same people who, back in early 2022, were touting “The Flash” as one of the greatest comic book movies ever made —but let’s set that aside for now and give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to “Superman.”

Even so, it’s worth recognizing Gunn’s openness to taking creative risks—if you want to call it that—with the superhero genre. Still, given the high stakes riding on Superman’s success, aiming for a broad-appeal blockbuster that can revitalize the DC brand might be the most strategic choice.