Why Superman’s 2-Second Squirrel Rescue Is the Heart of James Gunn’s New Movie
Superman’s 2-Second Squirrel Save: More Than Just a Gag
At a recent packed screening of James Gunn’s Superman, the moment that sparked the biggest laugh wasn’t a big fight or a dramatic speech—it was Superman saving a squirrel. This quick, two-shot scene happens during a massive kaiju battle and perfectly captures how Gunn views the hero: kind, goofy, and deeply caring.
- Superman’s squirrel rescue is a hilarious but meaningful moment
- It contrasts sharply with the destruction around him
- The scene reflects Superman’s wholesome and slightly naive personality
- It serves as a subtle jab at previous darker portrayals of Superman
- Gunn’s Superman values every life, big or small
A Tiny Heroic Moment with Big Meaning
During the chaos of a giant monster attack, Superman swoops in to save a tiny squirrel from a wall of falling debris. The scene is quick—just two shots—but it’s packed with charm. First, debris rushes toward the little animal, then Superman (played by David Corenswet) appears, gently rescues the squirrel, and returns to the battle. The audience loved it, and it’s easy to see why: the timing is spot on, and the contrast between the epic destruction and the small act of kindness is delightfully absurd.
This moment perfectly illustrates this Superman’s personality. He’s a hero who listens to pop-punk music, lets a dog bully him, and struggles with social cues—making him feel more relatable and less godlike. Thanks to Corenswet’s charm and Gunn’s warm direction, the audience laughs with affection, not mockery. It’s a Superman who’s adorably wholesome, almost to a fault.
A Clear Contrast to the Snyderverse
Gunn’s squirrel rescue also carries a sharp message for fans of the previous Superman movies. Unlike Henry Cavill’s version in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, who lets Metropolis suffer massive destruction during his battle with Zod, Gunn’s Superman won’t let a single creature suffer—even a tiny rodent—during a monster fight. It’s a direct poke at the darker, more violent Snyderverse.
Alternatively, the scene can be seen as a nod to a more innocent era of superhero films, like the 1966 Batman movie where the hero comically tries to dispose of a bomb amid distractions like marching bands and ducks. In 2025’s Superman, sometimes even a giant kaiju can’t stop the little things from mattering.
The Heart of Gunn’s Superman
But beneath the humor, this small scene holds the emotional core of the movie. Gunn repeatedly shows Superman using his powers to save individuals—people and animals alike—with these intimate moments carrying as much weight as the big battles. The squirrel rescue is part of a larger effort to contain the kaiju’s destruction, including Superman pleading with his team not to kill the monster. The real victory isn’t the monster’s defeat, but the careful way Superman lays its body down without harming the city.
This theme echoes later when Superman stops a collapsing building from crushing a bridge full of fleeing citizens. Instead of showing a massive crowd, Gunn zooms in on one desperate mother whose stalled car is saved by Superman’s timely intervention. It’s classic Superman iconography, but with a deeply personal touch.
The best hint that Gunn understands his hero comes from the film’s original trailer, where Superman shields a little girl from debris in slow motion during the kaiju fight. It’s a more dramatic take on the squirrel save, showing that for Gunn, every life matters.
Saving Everyone, Even Villains
When Superman finally confronts Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), he speaks with anger but also compassion. For this Superman, saving the world isn’t just about stopping villains—it’s about saving everyone, even those who seem beyond help. As Gunn puts it, he’s here to save you, whether you’re a villain or a squirrel.
