James Gunn has criticised superhero movies that try to cram in too many meaningless cameos.

The Guardians of the Galaxy director, who is currently working on a new Superman movie, made the comment on Threads when a user criticised superhero movies for featuring cameos for no substantial narrative reason.

“I call that ‘Cameo Porn’ and it has been one of the worst elements of recent superhero films,” Gunn replied. “If a character is in film, they have to have a reason to be there story-wise.”

The Suicide Squad filmmaker clarified that he is not opposed to cameos in general, but he does not approve of character appearances that distract from, or add nothing to, the story.

“I don’t mind actual cameos – if it’s a glimpse or a moment, an Easter egg,” he explained. “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.”

Gunn has assembled a large cast for his upcoming movie, Superman: Legacy, which will star David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

They will be supported by Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, among others.

Gunn previously insisted that all of his actors will have substantial roles in the movie, which is due to be released in July 2025.

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