Imagine working on a superhero film that's equal parts hilarious and horrifying, and then watching your director soar to the top of Hollywood's biggest franchises—what a wild ride! Dive into the untold stories behind Elliot Page's collaboration with James Gunn on the quirky cult classic Super, and discover how this under-the-radar project shaped careers and sparked big-time success.
Elliot Page, the talented actor we know and love, first burst onto the scene with his iconic portrayal of Kitty Pryde in the X-Men universe. He appeared in X-Men: The Last Stand back in 2006 and made a significant impact in X-Men: Days of Future Past, even though his screen time was limited. His character wasn't just a side player; Kitty Pryde's phasing abilities were crucial in key moments, like manipulating environments to save the day. But beyond the blockbuster X-Men series, Page explored lesser-known superhero territory in James Gunn's 2010 film Super. This satirical take on heroism stars Rainn Wilson as Frank, a downtrodden guy battling depression who dons a homemade costume to fight crime. Along the way, he teams up with Libby, a comic book store clerk played by Page, who becomes his enthusiastic sidekick. It's a dark comedy that blends absurdity with raw emotion, poking fun at comic book tropes while exploring themes of mental health and redemption. For beginners getting into Gunn's style, think of it as a quirky blend of Kick-Ass meets Office Space, but with a sharper, edgier twist that some might find unsettling.
While Super never hit the mainstream spotlight like a Marvel blockbuster, it's built a devoted following among James Gunn's hardcore fans, turning it into a cult favorite. Fans appreciate its bold, unconventional storytelling that dares to be weird and wonderful. And even though production wrapped up over a decade ago, Elliot Page still cherishes the memories. During a lively live episode of Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast (check it out here: https://youtu.be/EqWXRMKBFhE?si=5x2k-uv397YI1VzF), where he chatted with fellow X-Men alum James McAvoy, Page reflected on his time shooting Super with Gunn. He gushed about the experience, saying, "It was so fun. Such an enjoyable set to be on. Such a nice vibe and energy. Everyone there had to just work together to tell this crazy story, and [it was] such a fun, full-blown character to play. With someone like James, you really trust him when you are pushing it and going far, that he's gonna sort it out tonally. That was definitely one of my favorite characters to play for sure."
But here's where it gets controversial—could this underground gem have been Gunn's secret weapon for breaking into the big leagues? Page was also quizzed on whether Gunn's path from indie oddities like Super and Slither to commanding the DC Universe alongside Peter Safran surprised him. He admitted, "Yes, for sure. But, you can see how well those qualities and those strengths have fed into and made these great projects." It's fascinating to see how Gunn's knack for blending humor with heart translated so seamlessly into massive hits. Critics might argue that Super's niche appeal limited its reach, but Page's endorsement suggests Gunn's unique vision was always destined for bigger stages.
And this is the part most people miss—the mutual respect that fueled their creative synergy. Back in 2011, Gunn spoke glowingly about Page in an interview with CinemaBlend (available here: https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Exclusive-Interview-Super-Writer-Director-James-Gunn-23968.html), praising their collaboration. To clarify for newcomers: Gunn noted that he connected with Page on a personal level, which was essential given the fast-paced production. He explained, "[In] meeting [Elliot], I loved [him] as a person, and that was a very important thing because we were going to move so fast that I couldn't have somebody who I didn't trust. But I really thought [he] understood the role intellectually. And [he] didn't audition, I didn't have that luxury, but I thought [he] understood it intellectually, and I knew that [he] knew the kind of movie I was making, because we talked a lot about the different films that influenced me, which are films that most people don't think of—Lucas Moodysson's films out of Sweden, or [he] turned me on to this movie called Ratcatcher, which is a great movie. And that was the kind of film style we were doing, so [he] understood what I was making. I had a trust that [he] was going to be able to do it." For context, Moodysson's works are introspective dramas with emotional depth, and Ratcatcher is a poignant Scottish film about childhood and loss—Gunn drew from these to craft Super's offbeat tone, proving that hidden gems can inspire mainstream masterpieces.
As Horowitz pointed out, both Page and Gunn have skyrocketed since Super. Page not only returned for X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014 but also took on a starring role in Netflix's hit series The Umbrella Academy, showcasing his versatility in sci-fi adventures. Looking ahead, he's set to appear in Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic The Odyssey in 2026, which promises to be a visually stunning exploration of epic journeys and human resilience. Gunn, meanwhile, directed the wildly successful Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy for Marvel, became co-CEO of DC Studios, helmed the reboot of Superman, and is now prepping the sequel, Man of Tomorrow. It's a testament to how one quirky project can launch careers into the stratosphere.
What do you think—does Super deserve more mainstream recognition, or is its cult status part of its charm? And here's a thought-provoking twist: Could Gunn's indie roots make him a better fit for DC's darker vibe than traditional superhero fare? Do you agree that trust and shared vision are key to blockbuster success, or is it all about star power? Share your opinions in the comments—we'd love to hear if you're a fan of Super, Gunn's evolution, or Page's journey!
