James Gunn’s R-Rated ‘Superman Movie Officially Conquers a New Streamer
James Gunn's "Brightburn," an R-rated horror reimagining of the Superman origin story, has arrived on Peacock in the United States as of 1 October. Rather than depicting an alien child who becomes a hero, the film explores a darker scenario in which the powerful extraterrestrial develops murderous tendencies. This marks a significant contrast to Gunn's mainstream DC Universe superhero work and offers an intriguing alternative take on familiar mythology.
The film stars Jackson A. Dunn as Brandon Breyer, the mysterious alien child adopted by an infertile couple (Elizabeth Banks and David Denman). As Brandon approaches puberty, he begins exhibiting dangerous impulses, eventually becoming a "vicious predator" who terrorises his small Kansas town. The supporting cast includes actors from major productions including "Breaking Bad," "Avengers: Endgame" and "Star Trek: Enterprise."
- James Gunn's R-rated "Brightburn" is now streaming on Peacock
- The film reimagines Superman as a murderous alien rather than a hero
- It stars Jackson A. Dunn and Elizabeth Banks
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James Gunn is a filmmaker known for directing major superhero films in the DC Universe. "Brightburn" represents a departure from his mainstream blockbuster work, taking a horror approach to the superhero genre.
The film reimagines the Superman origin story as a horror narrative. It follows Brandon Breyer, an alien child adopted by an ordinary couple in Kansas, who discovers he possesses immense power but develops dangerous murderous intentions rather than heroic ones.
Rather than depicting the arrival of a helpful alien, the film makes this character dangerous and threatening. The horror approach to the origin story provides an alternative angle on how such power might manifest, contrasting with the traditional heroic narrative.