Reimagining Legends: From Family-Friendly Cheer to Unsettling Darkness

James Gunn has shared new insights into his How about this: "distinctive artistic perspective behind several of the most renowned" characters, emphasizing a bold shift in tone from previous portrayals. His thoughts reveal a clear distinction between the lighthearted world he envisions for one hero and the intense, shadowy realm of another.

In his recent family film featuring a well-known hero, Gunn aimed for a version that is bright, cheerful, and accessible—a definite departure from the darker interpretations seen in past adaptations. He worked with the studio to recreate a costume reminiscent of the classic comic book style, complete with vibrant red details that give the character a warm, approachable aura. The intention was always to make this hero seem huggable, with a design so disarming that it naturally invites affection.

Conversely, when imagining the portrayal of another legend from the same universe, Gunn outlined an approach that would have embraced a far more extreme and unpredictable vision. He described this character as someone who, in his distinctive dark attire, deliberately sets out to unnerve and unsettle those around him. This portrayal would lean into his notorious reputation as a figure of relentless intensity, far removed from the cuddly and comforting image he crafted for the other.

• The first hero is represented as inviting and family-friendly, with a costume that pays homage to vintage design.
• The focus on a bright, joyful appearance contrasts sharply with earlier, grimmer depictions.
• The second character is envisaged as embodying a wild, unsettling nature, perfectly suited to his emblematic dark persona.

In the end, these contrasting visions highlight Gunn’s aspiration to redefine familiar characters in fresh and memorable ways—making one a symbol of warmth and heroism, and the other a figure whose disturbed intensity sets him apart in the realm of vigilant justice.