“What about Justice League in Peacemaker?”: Fans Call Out James Gunn After He Slams “Cameo Porn” in Superhero Movies
James Gunn has been on a mission to redefine the DC cinematic universe. His upcoming movie Superman: Legacy will be the first leg of a new, rejuvenated DCU. David Corenswet is set to be the titular hero with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Fans are excited to see what the new DCU brings to the big screen and how their beloved superheroes navigate new stories. In line with this, Gunn recently broke his silence on cameo porn and its impact on big movies.
What Did James Gunn Say About Cameo P*rn?
James Gunn claimed that superhero movies tend to overdo the cameos and take the focus away from the storyline of the protagonist. When a user on Threads pointed out that fans will finally get to see a story without an actor appearing on screen for merely 10 seconds to mark a checkbox, Gunn replied,
“I call that “Cameo P*rn” and it has been one of the worst elements of recent superhero films. If a character is in film, they have to have a reason to be there story-wise.”
(Credits: HBO Max)
Another user claimed that viewers don’t mind watching one of their favourite characters on screen if the appearance serves a purpose and takes the story forward. The DCU director and writer agreed with the user and mentioned,
“I don’t mind actual cameos – if it’s a glimpse or a moment, an Easter egg. What bothers me is when they mangle an elegant story by shoehorning characters in – they aren’t there because the story calls for it, but for some other reason.”
On the same trail, another fan expressed a counter opinion.
“I respect that take, but I definitely know that sometimes as a fan it’s cool to think about the interactions that happen offscreen between characters you like, and a good cameo can validate the idea that relationships have been deepened and they know each other better.”
Also Read: Zachary Levi Branded the “Most immature man working in Hollywood” after James Gunn Comment
How Did Fans React?
Fandom is divided on this opinion because while many people love watching their favorite heroes interact with other characters from that universe, others feel cameos are useless and pull focus away.
What about the Justice League in Peacemaker? Did that served a purpose?
— joey (@Fan_FlickOn) December 13, 2023
However, users have been quick to scour the internet and find Gunn’s past interviews and works to offer a clashing point of view. Before Superman: Legacy, Gunn made Peacemaker, a spin-off series from the Suicide Squad universe. The finale of the show had cameos from the entire Justice League. Users questioned Gunn’s intent behind bringing all the big-shot heroes and how those cameos furthered Peacemaker’s story.
Even Superman: Legacy has a lot of actors set to appear, we wonder how Gunn will justify this comment and make every character add to the overarching plot of the movie.
