James Gunn’s latest Superman film has soared into theaters with a fresh, heartfelt take on the iconic superhero, blending emotional depth and lively storytelling that has resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike. The film’s portrayal of Clark Kent as a beacon of hope and empathy has been widely praised, marking a vibrant new chapter for the character.
Yet, amid the film’s overall warm reception, one surprisingly quirky scene sparked lively debate during test screenings: Superman saving a squirrel. As Gunn revealed in a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, this seemingly minor moment became a hot topic among viewers. “Saving the squirrel. Heatedly debated,” he said. “Some audience members didn't… 'Why is he saving a squirrel?' 'Cause it's a cute little adorable squirrel that was about to be crushed by a tail.'”
Despite the unexpected backlash—“It wasn't a small amount of people,” Gunn noted with a chuckle—he stood by the scene. “There are a lot of squirrel haters out there. Who knew?” The moment, intended to highlight Superman’s compassion and protective nature, ultimately made the final cut, underscoring the director’s commitment to blending earnestness with humor and character-driven storytelling. It’s a reminder that even the smallest narrative choices in blockbuster filmmaking can spark extensive conversations and reveal much about audience expectations.
Alongside this heartfelt storytelling, the film’s soundtrack has also captured attention, particularly through the resurgence of Iggy Pop’s 2006 collaboration with Swedish electronic rock band Teddybears on the track “Punkrocker.” The song plays a significant role in the film’s final scene and end credits, accompanying a poignant conversation between David Corenswet’s Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane.
Originally released by the Teddybears in 2000, “Punkrocker” gained wider recognition after Iggy Pop lent his distinctive voice to a re-recorded version in 2006. James Gunn stumbled upon the track through his Spotify algorithm and decided it was the perfect fit for the film’s tone. Since the movie’s release, the song has experienced a viral moment on TikTok, introducing it to a whole new generation of listeners.
Capitalizing on this renewed popularity, Iggy Pop performed “Punkrocker” live for the very first time on July 26, 2025, closing out his set at the Project Pabst festival in Portland, Oregon. The 78-year-old punk legend’s 20-song set also featured solo favorites like “The Passenger” and “Lust for Life,” as well as classic Stooges hits such as “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and “Search and Destroy.” During the performance, he dedicated “Punkrocker” to Superman, though whether he meant the film or the superhero himself remains a playful mystery.
Following Portland, Iggy Pop is slated to perform in Redmond, Washington, on July 29, before embarking on a series of overseas shows. He will return stateside for the CBGB Festival in Brooklyn, New York, on September 27, and a headlining concert in Washington, D.C., on September 29.
This blend of heartfelt filmmaking and unexpected musical moments encapsulates the spirit of Gunn’s Superman: a story that embraces hope, empathy, and a touch of rebellious energy. The squirrel-saving scene, far from being a trivial detail, exemplifies the film’s commitment to portraying Superman as a protector not only of humanity but of all life, big or small.
Meanwhile, the soundtrack’s revival of “Punkrocker” shows how a well-chosen song can elevate a film’s emotional resonance and cultural impact, bridging generations and genres. Iggy Pop’s live debut of the track adds another layer of excitement, connecting the punk rock icon directly with the film’s audience in a moment that feels both spontaneous and celebratory.
As the film continues to play in theaters everywhere, fans are embracing this new Superman who is as relatable and compassionate as he is heroic. And whether you’re rooting for the hero saving a squirrel or rocking out to “Punkrocker,” it’s clear that James Gunn’s vision has struck a chord.
