As James Gunn wraps up filming for his highly anticipated Superman, he’s taking the opportunity to shed light on how his approach to visual effects (VFX) could be the key to avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued many recent blockbusters.
The Troubled World of Hollywood Visual Effects
Hollywood’s relationship with visual effects is notoriously complicated. Despite the millions poured into VFX, the industry often struggles with inconsistent quality, especially in big-budget films. The root of the problem lies in chaotic production schedules, last-minute scene additions, and a general disregard for the needs of post-production. This has led to some glaringly bad VFX moments in otherwise high-profile movies.
In recent years, the marketing tactic of boasting “No CGI” has gained traction, as if emphasizing practical effects automatically makes a film superior. While practical effects have their place, the notion that CGI is inherently inferior has become a bit of a joke. Fortunately, some filmmakers are starting to push back against this narrative.
James Gunn: A Champion for Quality VFX
James Gunn is one such filmmaker. From his work on Guardians of the Galaxy to his current leadership of the new DC Universe (DCU), Gunn has consistently praised the work of VFX artists and supervisors. Unlike many of his peers in the superhero genre, where tight deadlines and constant rewrites are the norm, Gunn has always prioritized giving VFX teams the time and respect they need to do their best work.
Now at the helm of Superman and with a fresh slate for the DCU, Gunn’s approach stands in stark contrast to some of Warner Bros.’ previous missteps—like the infamous digitally altered mustache of Henry Cavill in Justice League. On the social media platform Threads, Gunn was asked about his methodology, especially after announcing that filming had wrapped on Superman a full year before its release.
“In doing some research, you’ll see that my films have always taken a different approach,” Gunn responded. “I’ve always given VFX artists the time to do their work properly and the respect they deserve. That’s why the quality of VFX in my films is consistently great (and because my friends at Weta, Framestore, and ILM are incredibly talented). That’s why we finished filming Superman a year before its release, and why they had already started working on many shots months earlier. That’s also why we started editing seriously during the shoot. I also only film completed scripts, which is why Supergirl, which I’m not directing, is being handled the same way. I can’t praise the VFX artists enough who help us create this magic.”
A New Hope for Blockbusters
Gunn’s careful planning is a rare but much-needed approach in today’s Hollywood. It’s telling that Superman required just half a day of reshoots—a minor tweak for a blockbuster of this scale. Gunn’s experience, from his early days at Troma to his success with Marvel, has clearly taught him the importance of clear communication and collaboration with VFX teams.
In contrast, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has often been criticized for hiring young, independent filmmakers who may lack the experience needed to handle large-scale productions and complex visual effects. This disconnect is often why we see inconsistent VFX in some MCU films—directors aren’t always equipped to articulate their vision, and the shooting process doesn’t always align with the demands of post-production.
Gunn’s dedication has already paid off; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earned an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects, with a staggering 3,000 visual effects shots ranging from subtle touches to the fully CGI characters Rocket and Groot.
As more professionals in the VFX industry speak out about the toll of unrealistic deadlines and poor planning, it’s refreshing to see a director like James Gunn setting a new standard. Here’s hoping his approach inspires others to follow suit. With Superman set to hit French theaters on July 9, 2025, anticipation is only building.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.