James Gunn Explains Why Superman’s Post-Credit Scene Won’t Copy Marvel’s Style

June 11, 2025: Superman director James Gunn is setting clear expectations for fans when it comes to the upcoming film’s post-credit scene. While audiences can expect a little something extra after the credits roll, Gunn made it clear in a recent interview that it won’t be the kind of future-teasing moment Marvel fans have come to expect.

In a candid conversation with Entertainment Weekly, the 58-year-old filmmaker opened up about his evolving approach to post-credit scenes, influenced heavily by lessons learned during his time with Marvel Studios.

“I have a philosophy about post-credit scenes. It’s somewhat related to my own mistakes in my time with Marvel,” Gunn said.

Why Gunn is Changing the Post-Credit Formula

Gunn recalled his regret over inserting Thor into the Guardians of the Galaxy storyline during Avengers: Endgame, despite not feeling comfortable writing the character.

“I said in the script notes: ‘I’m not gonna put him in. I don’t want to do a movie with Thor. I don’t understand the character that much,’” he admitted.

He also reflected on setting up Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, calling it a mistake that created storytelling challenges later in Vol. 3.

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“It was not easy to work Adam Warlock into Guardians 3. At the end of the day, was he kind of fitting a weird square peg into a round hole? A little bit, yeah,” Gunn added.

Instead of using post-credit scenes just to tease sequels or future projects, Gunn now prioritizes moments that feel complete and rewarding on their own. One example he liked? The random appearance of Howard the Duck in the first Guardians movie — a fun surprise without strings attached.

When It Does Work

Gunn pointed to The Suicide Squad’s post-credits scene — which directly set up the HBO Max series Peacemaker — as a rare case where forward teasing worked smoothly.

“I started shooting the Peacemaker show and then I shot [the post-credits scene] and then put it in there, so it was easy,” he explained.
“But I got to be a little bit careful about it.”

Still, Gunn said fans can expect something at the end of Superman, even if it’s not a major setup for the future.

“I do love giving something back to the audience, so I will try to put something in the end credits… I want you to stick around and see who the gaffers were,” he said jokingly.

About the Upcoming Superman Film

The upcoming Superman reboot — the first in Gunn’s revamped DC Universe — stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The highly anticipated film is set to release in theatres on July 11, 2025.

While fans can still look forward to a fun or memorable post-credit moment, Gunn’s thoughtful approach suggests that it won’t be a forced preview of things to come — but rather something meaningful and satisfying in its own right.