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Could Michael Bay have been the perfect fit for Superman? The infamous director was apparently eyed to join the DC Universe before James Gunn got the job.
One of the most historic days of in comic fandom history was when fans learned that James Gunn would be helming his very own Superman movie, ushering in a brand new age for the DC Universe after a long period of darkness. However, one detail about this event is often lost: Gunn was far from the only director being considered to reboot the Man of Steel. And the latest name fans have found out from these alternate candidates is none other than Michael Bay.
Michael Bay is often loathed in fandom spaces due to his overly serious takes on childhood franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers. Though if anyone remembers the state of the DC Universe at that time, he may have been the perfect fit. Warner Bros seemed to agree, with a report from The Wrap revealing that the director was being considered to helm Superman film with Henry Cavill back in 2022. However, it seems as though he was never in official discussions with the studio to actually join the project.
Was Michael Bay Going To Direct A Superman Movie?
This actually isn’t the first time Michael Bay had been considered to helm a Superman film. The director was actually in the running to take over Superman Lives with Nicolas Cage after Tim Burton’s departure, but he ultimately turned down the offer. It’s likely history would have repeated himself if Warner Bros. approached him about brining the iconic character back to the forefront of the DC Universe, as he’s made it clear that he has no plans to direct any superhero movies anytime soon.
“I wouldn’t want to, it’s not my thing,” Bay told Collider back in 2016. “It’s just not my gig. I don’t ever wanna take someone like a third of something or second of something. I gotta do my own thing, because the most fun is when a real director creates the world.”
“You know, you talk to Ridley Scott, one our favorite things to do is to create the world. Steven Spielberg, create the world. That is what it’s about. If I were to do something I would have to redo it my way.”
Of course, even if Michael Bay was jumping at the chance to make a Superman film, it seems everyone is happy with James Gunn taking up the reigns instead. The former MCU director has a long history with superhero films, and the nerd bonafides to craft a truly compelling DC Universe by fans, for fans. Even though one must admit: a Superman movie with Bay-level explosions would be pretty hardcore to see on the silver screen.
Superman is currently scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the DC Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!
