, July 10 -- Superman is returning to the big screen with more than just superpowers - filmmaker James Gunn hopes the iconic hero will reignite hope in an increasingly skeptical world.

"Everybody's gotten so cynical and ironic," said Gunn. "Everybody's ironic about everything all the time. And he (Superman) is a good-natured guy who wants to be kind. And when you see the world through Superman's eyes, everyone is beautiful."

Opening in theaters nationwide Thursday, Superman marks a tonal shift for Gunn, known for the irreverent energy of Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy. With this film, optimism takes center stage - fitting for a character who has represented hope since debuting in Action Comics #1 in 1938.

Gunn's story introd...