James Gunn proposes a shift in storytelling for superhero films by avoiding the repetition of iconic origin stories like Batman, Spider-Man, and Superman. He believes audiences do not need to see familiar origins as they are culturally ingrained. Instead, he advocates for exploring characters on a deeper, more human level, connecting with their struggles without recounting their formative experiences. This approach aligns with the success of recent grounded superhero films that emphasize character development over historical backstory.
I don't need to see pearls in a back alley when Batman's parents are killed. I don't need to see the radioactive spider biting Spider-Man. And I don't need to see baby Kal coming from Krypton in a little baby rocket.
The central purpose those origin stories serve is to connect us with the heroes on a human level. Most of us don't have more money than God or a Batcave nicer than most homes, but we all know losing our parents could emotionally damage us forever.
With the success of grounded superhero movies, we're now seeing more films take a similar approach, relying heavily on exploring their heroes as people as they seek to deconstruct these legendary characters.
We don't need to see his parents' murder early in the film to grasp the nature of his internal torment later on. He's a broken man throughout the film for numerous reasons.
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