James Gunn Avoids Reshoots by Not Filming ‘Until I Have a Finished Script’ and More: ‘I’ve Done One Day of Reshoots on My Past Two Films Combined’

By Zack Sharf

According To The variety James Gunn wrapped filming on “Superman” at the end of July, but there’s still plenty of work to be done on the 2025 comic book tentpole. Responding to fans on Threads, the writer-director said he’s not nearly finished with the movie that will kick start his new DC Universe.

“Heck no. Once you’re done shooting you’ve only just begun!” Gunn wrote in a message on Threads. “Still lots of editing, VFX, sound, and scoring to be done!”

When one follower suggested there will also be a significant time spent on reshoots, which have become something of a staple on big Hollywood tentpoles, Gunn replied with a surprising revelation: “I don’t know. I’ve done a total of one day of reshoots on my past two films combined.”

Considering Gunn’s last two movies were comic book tentpoles, 2023’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” for Marvel and 2021’s “The Suicide Squad” for DC, it’s mighty impressive that he didn’t need a bulk of reshoots to get either film completed. One follower asked how he manages to reduce the need for reshoots, to which Gunn responded with six tips.

“1) Over-prepare,” Gunn answered. “2) Don’t start shooting until I have a finished script my whole team is happy with 3) Hire actors and department heads I know can do their jobs 4) Surround myself with people who will challenge me and not just yes-sir everything 5) Ask myself daily – are there any small imperfections in the script or what we’re shooting that might end up feeling like huge imperfections when we cut the film together? 6) 1 and 2 again!”

Elaborating on his third tip, Gunn wrote that there’s “usually a lengthy audition process” on his films to find the right actor. He also does “background checks, talking to people they’ve worked with before.”

When it came to casting Superman, Gunn found his Man of Steel in David Corsenswet. The 31-year-old actor is best known for his supporting roles in two Ryan Murphy-created Netflix series, “The Politician” and “Hollywood.” Corenswet also appeared in “Pearl,” the Ti West-directed horror movie led by Mia Goth.

Joining Corenswet in the film are “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, plus Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl) and more.

Gunn’s “Superman” is set to open in theaters July 11, 2025, from Warner Bros.