James Gunn’s *Superman: Legacy* is hitting theaters, and while many are excited for his take on the iconic superhero, it’s worth remembering that Gunn’s vision of a Superman-esque character has already graced the silver screen—and it was far from the hopeful, inspiring tale we usually associate with the Man of Steel. Six years ago, Gunn produced *Brightburn*, a horror film that explores a chillingly different path for a child with extraterrestrial origins.
*Brightburn* follows Brandon Breyer, a young boy who crash-lands on Earth as a baby. While superficially similar to Superman’s origin story, the similarities end there. Instead of becoming a symbol of hope and justice, Brandon embraces his powers for malevolent purposes, unleashing a reign of terror on his unsuspecting town. The film delves into the dark side of unchecked power and explores what could happen if a being with Superman-like abilities lacked any moral compass.
The stark contrast between the hopeful Superman we expect and the terrifying Brandon in *Brightburn* is what makes Gunn’s previous work so fascinating. It showcases his ability to explore different facets of superhero mythology, moving beyond the typical tropes and delving into the unsettling potential of such immense power. While *Superman: Legacy* promises a more traditional take on the character, *Brightburn* serves as a stark reminder of the potential for darkness lurking beneath the surface, a darkness Gunn clearly understands and isn’t afraid to explore.
This makes *Superman: Legacy* even more intriguing. Knowing Gunn’s capacity to craft a truly terrifying Superman-adjacent story raises the question: how will he balance the classic Superman mythos with his darker sensibilities? Will there be hints of the darkness explored in *Brightburn*? Will the film subtly acknowledge the potential for corruption that resides even within the seemingly invincible? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is palpable. The contrast between the two films promises a fascinating exploration of the duality inherent in the Superman mythos; a duality Gunn seems uniquely poised to unpack.
