Game of Thrones books are a big influence on James Gunn’s DCU, says Superman director

Game of Thrones books have deeply shaped James Gunn’s vision for the new DCU, and the freshly released Superman is already flying high at the box office, with David Corenswet’s classic charm winning over audiences worldwide. The actor, 32, known for Pearl and Hollywood, now dons the cape as the new Clark Kent, not a confused farm boy, but a man caught between two homes: Krypton and Earth.

Gunn, who directed the film and co-chairs DC Studios, made it clear this is not another origin story, nor a Marvel-like formula. Drawing inspiration from Game of Thrones and Star Wars, Gunn promises a universe driven by layered mythologies, fictional lands, and sprawling arcs that gradually interlace. This isn’t just one hero’s journey; it’s a storytelling structure made of many. And yet, Gunn insists, Superman remains the emotional spine of it all.,

Quick Read:

• Game of Thrones books have greatly influenced James Gunn’s vision for the new DC Universe.
• The newly released Superman is performing well at the box office.
• David Corenswet plays the new Clark Kent/Superman.

James Gunn says DCU is inspired by Game of Thrones

James Gunn laid it out with clarity during an interview with Brazilian site Omelete (via ComicBookMovie), stating:

Game of Thrones, not just the show but the books, is what we’re using as a reference for the DCU.

This vision ditches realism for rooted imagination. Gunn isn’t building a universe that mirrors Manhattan—he’s crafting a world shaped by fiction and lore. He also emphasized:

The DCU is not the MCU. The MCU is kind of our world. It has New York, it has this city or that city, with superheroes in the middle. The DCU is a different universe. Slightly different, slightly transformed.

Rather than recycling a formula, Gunn draws influence from sagas that let characters grow apart before bringing them together. He shared:

At the same time, I also draw a lot of inspiration from Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and other stories that build different narratives within the same continuity. It’s not about telling just one story.

In his model, every thread carries weight. Every arc gets space.

Superman stays central despite DCU’s large cast and layered stories

Although the rebooted DC Universe introduces several heroes, like Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Mister Terrific, James Gunn was quick to reassure fans:

The focus will remain firmly on Superman.

This isn’t a character buffet. Corenswet’s Clark Kent is the emotional anchor, grappling with the collision of his Kryptonian roots and Kansas-raised morality. Gunn further revealed:

Game of Thrones worked by following separate storylines across different locations. Each character had their own arc, goals, and conflicts. All the threads only came together after several seasons. That’s the structure I plan to apply to the DCU. Standalone stories and different narrative threads will eventually connect in bigger crossover events or ‘crises’.

In the midst of speculation, a flying scene of Corenswet leaked online. Gunn addressed the viral moment, confirming:

That shot will not appear in the final version of the movie.

Despite the scale, the compass never shifts; this universe may be vast, but the story begins with Superman.

Superman is now running in theaters; watch now!

Also Read: Sophie Turner says she “never watched” Game of Thrones: “There’s dragons… that’s about it”