James Gunn: “Superman” Animal Rescue Scene Was Cut After Test Screening, Then Reinstated
According to CinemaDrame news agency, James Gunn revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that he initially cut a scene from the film “Superman” after a test screening, but later added it back to the final cut because he “missed” it.
Gunn, who wrote and produced the film, said he was initially hesitant about showing Superman rescuing a squirrel during a battle with a kaiju. After the screening, this scene became “the second or third most talked-about moment” in the film.
He agreed with Rolling Stone that the scene symbolizes “kindness and hope,” explaining: “Because we test-screened it, and some people didn’t like the squirrel. They were like, ‘What’s the point of saving a squirrel? Why does he pause to save a squirrel?'”
Gunn continued: “There was a cut where I took the scene out, but I thought, ‘I really miss the squirrel. He needs to save the squirrel.’ Plus, if he didn’t cross over the squirrel, it would create geographical problems. So I brought the squirrel back, despite some objections from the crew.”
Some fans on social media have praised Gunn for the decision. One wrote: “This scene shows that he cares not just about human life but all living creatures. And that’s what we want.”
The 122-minute superhero film stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult plays the supervillain Lex Luthor, and Anthony Carrigan (from the series “Barry”) appears as Metamorpho, a DC archaeologist. Other cast members include Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Wendell Pierce as Daily Planet writer Perry White, and Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern.
The film “Superman” has surpassed $407 million in worldwide box office revenue this week.
