What if the boy from the stars decided to conquer Earth instead of saving it?

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Brightburn reimagines the classic Superman origin story as a dark, violent horror film. When an extraterrestrial child crashes in Kansas and is adopted by a struggling couple, his burgeoning superpowers lead not to heroism, but to a terrifying, murderous rampage that challenges the traditional good-versus-evil superhero narrative.

Released in 2019 and directed by David Yarovesky, Brightburn explores a grim subversion of the alien-savior trope. Produced by James Gunn, the film follows Brandon Breyer, a young boy who discovers his extraterrestrial origins on his 12th birthday. Rather than embracing humanity, Brandon deciphers an alien command to take the world, turning his flight and super-strength into tools for destruction against his adoptive parents and community.

The film was produced on a budget of $6–12 million and grossed $33.2 million worldwide. Despite its premise, it received mixed critical reception. Critics praised the visual effects and cinematography but felt the execution fell short of its potential. Some reviewers, such as those at Empire, noted that while the film benefited from James Gunn's signature black comedy, it was hampered by uneven writing and a failure to fully cultivate a sense of dread.

The project was shrouded in secrecy during development, with plans to potentially expand the narrative into a wider cinematic universe. The credits hint at other superpowered beings, including a sea creature and a powerful witch. While director David Yarovesky expressed interest in sequels, James Gunn later cast doubt on the possibility in 2024, citing complications regarding the rights held by The H Collective.

The production utilized unique locations, including the now-defunct Patrick Henry High School in Georgia, previously seen in Stranger Things. The film also incorporated real-world footage, such as the 2014 demolition of the Sir John Carling Building in Ottawa, to depict the destruction caused by Brandon. Ultimately, the film serves as a deconstruction of the superhero genre, forcing audiences to confront a version of the alien-child myth that is defined by malice rather than morality.

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