What's Inside?
- John Murphy says working with James Gunn at DC felt like an indie film experience with trust and minimal studio interference.
- The Superman composer revealed Marvel’s setup made him feel like a cog in a big machine, lacking emotional connection.
- Murphy’s long-standing relationship with DC's music head gave him creative liberty, making the DC environment feel more personal and collaborative.
James Gunn’s trusted musical collaborator, John Murphy, has finally opened up about what sets DC apart from Marvel Studios—and his words offer a rare look behind the curtain of Hollywood’s two superhero powerhouses. As the composer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and most recently, Superman (2025), Murphy has scored for both universes. But his heart, it seems, beats more freely at DC.
John Murphy Reveals Why DC Feels Like Home Compared to Marvel’s Big Machine
John Murphy’s reflections shine a spotlight on a key difference in how creativity is managed. While Marvel is known for its precision and tight ship, Murphy compared his experience to “being part of a big machine.” There was a palpable sense of professional formality—one that required careful navigation of studio politics. “I had to deal with politics separately with working on Marvel,” he admitted. “You feel like you’re part of a big machine.”
In contrast, his time with DC—especially under the direction of James Gunn—felt liberating and deeply collaborative. “Even with The Suicide Squad, there was so much respect for him that I don’t remember any studio notes… I think he was just trusted, and it was really just dealing with him.” That level of autonomy, he implied, is rare in large-scale franchises.
James Gunn, now the co-head of DC Studios, has fostered a creative environment that feels more like indie filmmaking blown up on a massive canvas. “One of the best things about working with him is that it’s like working on an indie film, but blown up,” Murphy said. He recalled FaceTime calls and casual email exchanges that reminded him of past collaborations with Danny Boyle and Guy Ritchie. “It was just like you chilling… going, ‘What are we going to do here?’”
John Murphy’s Bond With DC: It’s About Trust and History
John Murphy’s connection with DC isn’t just about James Gunn. It’s personal. “I’ve known the head of music at Warners since I first came to Hollywood,” he revealed in an interview with ScreenRant. “Paul Broucek—he gave me my first movie.” That long-standing relationship gave him freedom and comfort: “I could get away with a bit more. I could throw a tantrum and not be fired. I couldn’t really do that with Marvel.”
This familiarity may have influenced the emotional depth of his latest project—Superman (2025). The soundtrack, created in collaboration with David Fleming and Gunn, blends orchestral arrangements with punk and indie influences, while paying homage to John Williams’ original Superman theme. Tracks like “Lois & Clark” and “Walking on Air” already have fans buzzing.
Murphy clarified he wasn’t trying to spark a Marvel vs. DC debate: “It’d be unfair to go ‘DC is better.’ It’s just different.” Still, his insights underscore how creative freedom and personal rapport can shape the artistic outcome of even the biggest blockbuster.
As DC charts a bold new era under Gunn, Murphy’s experience could signal a fresh, artist-first approach that redefines the superhero movie experience—one where creators don’t just follow the script, but help write it.
