James Gunn has officially unveiled the runtime for the highly anticipated "Superman," set to grace theaters on July 11th. As both the director and screenwriter, Gunn is orchestrating this cinematic venture, which serves as the gateway to a rejuvenated DC Universe. The star-studded ensemble of "Superman" boasts David Corenswet embodying the iconic Man of Steel, Rachel Brosnahan portraying Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as the nefarious Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion stepping into the shoes of Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as the soaring Hawkgirl, and Skyler Gisondo capturing the essence of Jimmy Olsen.
During an engagement on Threads, when prompted to verify the movie's runtime, Gunn affirmed that "Superman" spans two hours and nine minutes, inclusive of the closing credits and post-credits sequences. He promptly corrected any previous misconceptions about a two-hour and two-minute runtime. Fans eagerly anticipating this DC spectacle now possess a clear understanding of its duration and can better visualize their cinematic experience.
Recent superhero films, such as DC's "The Batman" with its extended runtime of two hours and 56 minutes, have pushed the boundaries, but "Superman" opts for a more conventional length. Considering it encompasses the end credits and post-credits scenes, the core narrative will wrap up neatly within the two-hour mark.
While this runtime seems apt for a summer blockbuster targeting broad appeal, one might ponder whether it adequately addresses the expansive DC character roster featured in "Superman." Trailers hinting at the prominent roles of Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Metamorpho (played by Anthony Carrigan), and other figures underscore a storyline that transcends the traditional trio of Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor. While primarily focusing on the Man of Steel, the film also aims to unlock the gates to the broader DCU, posing a potential challenge within the confined timeframe of two hours and nine minutes.
Given Gunn's proven track record with the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise, "The Suicide Squad," and "Peacemaker," I harbor unwavering faith in his creative direction, including his decision on runtime. However, a glimmer of skepticism lingers regarding the film's capacity to introduce and do justice to a fresh interpretation of Superman/Clark Kent alongside numerous other pivotal characters within just two hours. I anticipate Gunn will silence my doubts upon "Superman's" July release, yet it remains fascinating to witness how the narrative will skillfully balance this diverse character ensemble.
