James Gunn Explains Why Superman’s Squirrel Scene Was Almost Removed

As Superman enjoys a triumphant second weekend at the box office, writer-director James Gunn has shared insights into the film’s creation, particularly highlighting a scene that almost didn’t make the final cut.

The film has captivated both critics and audiences, rapidly approaching a $500 million gross and receiving a commendable score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Our review awarded the movie four stars, emphasizing that it is “epic, emotional, and a testament that the Man of Steel can indeed captivate; by the film’s conclusion, you’ll be convinced that James Gunn’s DC Universe is ready to soar.”

However, one notable scene faced scrutiny and was at risk of removal due to an unexpected factor: a general aversion to rodents.**Mild SPOILERS ahead…**

Controversy Surrounding the Beloved Squirrel

Superman communicating with Krypto in the Fortress of Solitude. — Warner Bros.

In a particularly thrilling segment of Superman, the titular hero engages in battle against a Kaiju that is wreaking havoc in Metropolis. During this intense confrontation, a building collapses, seemingly threatening a charming squirrel. Remarkably, Superman pauses in the midst of action to rescue the little creature.

This moment not only reflects Superman’s compassion but also demonstrates his commitment to protecting all life on Earth, not just humanity. Interestingly, this scene was almost left on the cutting room floor.

James Gunn revealed in a recent appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused”podcast that the decision surrounding the squirrel’s fate led to significant debate. He recounted, “We had three or four scenes that sparked heated discussions. The decision to save the squirrel was one of those debates, with much contention surrounding it.”

He further explained, “Some members of the audience questioned, ‘Why save a squirrel?’ But it’s just an adorable little critter about to be crushed by a giant foot.”

“It wasn’t a small amount of people. There are a lot of squirrel haters out there. Who knew?”

This amusing revelation underscores how viewer preferences can significantly influence filmmaking decisions. The inclusion of seemingly small, yet impactful moments not only serves to enrich character development but also can sway the audience’s emotional engagement with the story.

As audiences continue to flock to theaters to witness Gunn’s reinterpretation of the iconic superhero, it’s clear that even the tiniest details can spark larger conversations about the values and messages portrayed on screen.

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