James Gunn Responds to Debate of Crucial Plot Hole in 'Superman' (2025)
James Gunn, previously known for writing and directing the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, released his first theatrical film as the co-head of DC Studios with Superman in 2025. The DCU's film debut saw the first appearance of the next generation of the iconic hero, portrayed by David Corenswet.
The importance of this new universe's success put severe pressure on Superman to be a hit, and it did not disappoint. Written and directed by Gunn, the film was a success critically and commercially. Superman currently sits at a 90% critic score and 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and has grossed roughly $619 million worldwide.
James Gunn's ‘SUPERMAN' debuts with 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 8, 2025
Read our review: https://t.co/3sWy8gsNCUpic.twitter.com/bebVXFbjAb
While DC's staple character had a great entry into the universe, films in major franchises are always divisive to some degree. Many fans loved the optimistic, Silver Age tone for the Man of Steel compared to the previous era. However, some missed the darker, more serious tone of the Henry Cavill/Zack Snyder era of Superman. The divide between these two groups will always create discourse online.
Recently, critics of Gunn's take have brought up a possible major plot hole in the movie. X users have been debating how Lex Luthor never discovered that Superman was Clark Kent in the film.
Users on X argued the fact that Luthor created an identical clone of Superman and still did not figure out his secret identity. Additionally, Lex breaking into the Fortress of Solitude in the film and hacks and retrieves data from Superman's computer system showing videos of his Krypton parents as well as his Earth family. There is even a frame of Luthor walking through Superman's home base with images of Jon and Martha Kent being projected in the background.
How do yall defend this. Isn't that ma and pa kent in the back there??? https://t.co/5Vziz3PgKm
— Hells kitchens Dark Knight (@Gothams_Kitchen) April 26, 2026
Gunn took to social media himself this week to explain why Luthor does not know his foe's secret identity.
James Gunn settles why Lex Luthor can't crack Superman's identity even after creating a clone:
— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) April 28, 2026
• Lex doesn't believe Superman has a secret identity
• Hypno Glasses are real
• Even geniuses can miss the obvious pic.twitter.com/c2Vx8EUagm
While the image of Clark's parents in the background is harder to explain, I believe most tend to give more grace to movies with Superman's type of tone and are usually more critical of small plot issues with ones that promise extreme realism.
It is Superman, after all...
Superman's sequel, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, began filming in Atlanta in April and is slated for a 2027 release.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 6:00 AM.