James Gunn’s Superman Reimagined in Stunning 1940s Animated Cartoon Style Video Evokes Nostalgia

David Corenswet steps into the iconic role of Superman in a new iteration from the DC Universe (DCU), echoing the character’s roots and celebrating his legacy through a nostalgic lens. The highly anticipated Superman film, helmed by James Gunn, draws from significant influences, including the acclaimed story arcs of Kingdom Come and All-Star Superman, alongside retro-style elements reflective of the hero’s early comic book depictions. This version of Superman aims to capture a timeless essence, with a vibrantly retro-futuristic Metropolis serving as a backdrop for his adventures.

In a delightful homage, illustrator and dedicated DC enthusiast Dylan Odom created a captivating fan animation on Instagram featuring David Corenswet as a 1940s-styled Superman, reminiscent of the beloved Fleischer animated shorts. The animation showcases Corenswet’s Superman in action—rescuing a young girl, facing off against a mysterious masked villain, and leaping from the iconic globe of the Daily Planet. For a nostalgic trip down memory lane, check out the fan-made video below:

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James Gunn’s Superman: Acknowledging the Legacy of All DC Eras

Since the iconic portrayal by Christopher Reeve in 1978, each live-action Superman has paid tribute to its predecessors. Brandon Routh’s Superman channeled Reeve’s legacy, while Henry Cavill’s DCEU interpretation incorporated elements from various narratives like Superman: Earth One and Injustice. Remarkably, Corenswet’s portrayal may be the first cinematic version to draw directly from the character’s 1930s and 1940s incarnations, particularly the Fleischer cartoon series.

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James Gunn’s Superman: A Visual Tribute to the Fleischer Shorts

The recently released trailer for James Gunn’s Superman reveals several visual callbacks to the Fleischer cartoons. Notably, the film’s array of villains, like Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, mirror the “classic sci-fi”antagonists from the Fleischer era, including characters such as the Mad Scientist and the Arctic Giant. Potentially, Gunn’s narrative could draw thematic inspiration from these classic shorts, with plot elements reminiscent of kaiju threats and even high-tech menaces from the original animated series.

In the Fleischer cartoons, Superman rescuing Lois Lane from perilous situations became a recurring motif. With Rachel Brosnahan portraying Lois in Gunn’s adaptation, it is likely she’ll mirror this trope, requiring Superman’s aid in a similar vein—though with an empowering twist. Brosnahan’s interpretation promises to lend the character more agency compared to her largely dependent animated predecessor, while her style strikingly reflects the classic look.

Source: Dylan Odom / Instagram

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