2 Bears, 1 Cave: "Superheroes Should Be Flawed & Funny w/ James Gunn" Podcast: 2 Bears, 1 Cave (YMH Studios)
Guests: Bert Kreischer (host), Tom Segura (briefly), James Gunn (guest)
Air Date: September 22, 2025

Overview

This episode features acclaimed filmmaker James Gunn—now head of DC Studios—sitting in for Tom Segura alongside Bert Kreischer. The conversation dives into the evolution of superhero storytelling, comedy’s place in film and TV, actor growth, behind-the-scenes decisions, visual effects, and the creative process. Gunn and Kreischer share anecdotes about Peacemaker, the casting of Superman, and how humor and flaws make characters unforgettable.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. James Gunn on Peacemaker & John Cena’s Growth

• Gunn discusses Peacemaker’s second season and his collaboration with John Cena.
• Cena’s acting evolution is a major theme, as Gunn recalls his transformation into a more emotionally versatile actor.
  • "He’s much more comfortable in his own skin." – James Gunn [03:12]
  • Gunn shares a story of Cena breaking down in a scene, impressive for someone who once found crying on camera daunting.

2. Comedy, Acting, and Creative Backgrounds

• Bert outlines his path from Groundlings improv to stand-up, highlighting the difficulty of balancing multiple creative pursuits.
• Gunn humorously confirms he moved to Tucson (not LA) to pursue music, illustrating the non-linear path for creators.

3. Storytelling: Blending Genres and Grounding the Fantastic

• Both agree that grounded performances and storylines, even in outlandish worlds (like superheroes or cartel doppelgängers) enhance comedy and drama.
  • "It’s a superhero show, but it’s not really a superhero show. It’s about human beings…" – James Gunn [06:01]
  • “What makes the funny part funny is that we’re playing it like it’s real.” – Bert Kreischer [07:01]

4. The State of Comedy in Film & TV

• Both lament the decline of theatrical comedies and discuss how trailers and marketing often fail to capture a film’s true tone.
  • "There hasn’t been a good comedy that’s gotten people to… go to the theater." – James Gunn [09:49]
  • "Some of these big studio comedies, you can just sense that there’s 10 voices." – Bert Kreischer [14:36]

5. Superheroes: The Importance of Flaws and Humor

• Gunn argues that serious, flawless heroes are less compelling—audiences relate to vulnerability and wit.
  • “Pretending like if something’s serious, there’s no humor… is just a crock of shit.” – James Gunn [18:17]
  • Discusses Daniel Craig’s take on Bond, and how imperfection made 007 more interesting [18:59].
  • Gunn highlights that women characters also deserve as many flaws as men.

6. Industry Pressures & Leading DC Studios

• Bert asks about the unique pressures of running DC Studios and making Superman.
  • Gunn opens up about feeling overwhelmed but also exhilarated by the creative opportunity.
  • “When this job first came up, I was really torn… But it was an opportunity that no one had ever had, in terms of being a creative at the head of a studio.” – James Gunn [23:10]
  • Gunn relives the anxiety before the Superman reviews came out and the massive relief when it was a hit [26:23].
  • “Now I can have fun… I know so much more what I’m doing with the character…” – James Gunn [26:42]

7. Audience Connection & Different Voices

• Gunn describes the difference between making R-rated TV versus family films and sees each project as a conversation with the audience.
  • “A movie… is a conversation that you’re having with the audience…” – James Gunn [29:23]

8. The Writing Process

• Gunn details his scriptwriting routine—from loose ideas to thorough treatments and rapid first drafts—emphasizing flexibility and rewriting.
  • "Locking in at that point is really the death of the creative process." – James Gunn [34:09]
  • Shares his method: outlines, notes, evolving drafts, collaborative feedback.

9. Production Realities: Time, Budgets, and Schedules

• Both reflect on shooting schedules and the stress of big productions.
  • Gunn reveals he does not use second units and prides himself on efficiency and coming in under budget [38:00].
  • "I storyboard every single frame of the movie… I don’t like waste." – James Gunn [40:40]
  • Contrasts custom scheduling with recent DC productions that were far more sprawling.

10. Visual Effects and the Rise of the Superhero Blockbuster

• The advancements in VFX are key to the genre’s explosion.
  • “Superhero movies all became the rage… It’s simply visual effects.” – James Gunn [42:02]
  • Bert notes how certain older visual effects now seem laughable, citing 'The Fugitive' [43:22].

11. Casting Decisions: Risks and Chemistry

• Gunn recounts tough recasting decisions on Peacemaker, emphasizing the importance of chemistry and finding the right fit, even after filming has begun [69:06].
  • Tells the story of recasting Vigilante and how sometimes first choices do not work on screen.
  • On casting Superman: "If we can’t find the right guy, I am not gonna make this movie…" [73:15]
  • Gunn found David Corenswet in only the second audition, recognizing his ability to balance humor and weight as Superman [74:03].

12. The Mythology and Emotional Core of Storytelling

• Gunn is influenced by Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and prioritizes the emotional core of characters, even in genres that seem comedic or spectacular.
  • “I am ultimately married to storytelling, not to cinema.” – James Gunn [66:59]

13. Fan Culture, Batman, and Superhero Lore

• Discussion shifts to how deeply personal fans’ desires are about superhero details (Batman’s color palette, eye color, yellow utility belt).
  • "There’s a religious aspect to so much of this stuff…" – James Gunn [50:47]
• Both reminisce about what first drew them to superheroes, from Adam West to Michael Keaton and Neil Adams comics.
• Gunn highlights that Batman’s innumerable interpretations are part of his longevity and appeal [53:14].

14. Personal Life & Having Fun

• Gunn admits he struggles to relax, as work tends to dominate his life, but enjoys weekly meetups with old friends and walks with his dog [63:05].
• Bert laments that high-achieving creative people sometimes lose their sense of playfulness; Gunn admits he takes the work seriously but not himself, and prioritizes storytelling over status [65:59].

15. Memorable Quotes

• "People laugh, man. People say dumb stuff. People make jokes. People laugh. That’s… life." – James Gunn [17:22]
• "I’m here to play and make money." – James Gunn [66:19]
• "I want them to have that feeling of magic… When the first Star Wars came out, I was… Oh my God, I want to inject that into my brain." – James Gunn [60:00]
• "If Rocket was real, what would he be?… the saddest creature in the universe." – James Gunn [61:13]

Notable Moments & Timestamps

• Peacemaker/Cena’s Growth: [02:23–03:15]
• Grounded Comedy in Superhero Storytelling: [06:01–07:19]
• Industry Pressure of Headlining DC Studios: [22:28–24:06]
• Superman Reviews Relief: [26:23–27:33]
• Balancing Creative Control and Studio Voices: [14:36–15:56]
• Visual Effects and Superhero Film Evolution: [41:30–43:14]
• Casting Superman: [72:27–75:10]
• Storytelling vs. Cinema: [66:59]
• Recasting Vigilante: [69:06–70:55]
• Fan Debates about Batman: [50:12–54:56]
• Guardians of the Galaxy’s Emotional Heart: [61:13–62:38]

Conclusion

James Gunn’s appearance on "2 Bears, 1 Cave" is a revealing, candid exploration of filmmaking, creativity, and the ever-evolving superhero genre. Whether discussing John Cena’s surprising emotional depth, the tension of rebooting iconic characters, or the personal philosophy that laughter and flaws make heroes relatable, Gunn remains grounded and insightful. The episode is packed with industry wisdom, deep-cut anecdotes, and plenty of humor—a must-listen for fans of comedy, superheroes, and storytelling alike.