Super (2010)
James Gunn's raw, darkly comic origin story of the Crimson Bolt — a wrench-wielding everyman superhero with zero powers and maximum conviction.
Super - Movie Information
- Original Title: Super
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: James Gunn
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Action, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 26, 2010 (Italy), April 10, 2011 (United Kingdom - 18), January 27, 2012 (Germany - 18), March 31, 2011 (Brazil - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 犀利人夫 (CN), ฮีโร่พันธุ์รั่วมหากาฬ (TH), Супер (RU), スーパー! (JP), 슈퍼 (KR), Super – Shut Up, Crime! (DE)
- Production Companies: This is that, Ambush Entertainment, Crimson Bolt
- Production Countries: United States of America
Super - Plot
After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt, a superhero with the best intentions, though he lacks for heroic skills.
Super - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Crimson Bolt's chaotic crusade unfold:
Shut up, crime!
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Super - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Gunn
Main Cast
- Rainn Wilson
- Elliot Page
- Liv Tyler
- Kevin Bacon
- Gregg Henry
- Michael Rooker
- Andre Royo
- Sean Gunn
- Stephen Blackehart
- Linda Cardellini
Writers
- James Gunn
Producers
- Ted Hope
- Miranda Bailey
- Iris Ichishita
Super - FAQs
Who plays the Crimson Bolt in Super?
Rainn Wilson plays Frank Darbo, the ordinary man who becomes the Crimson Bolt. Best known as Dwight Schrute from The Office, Wilson delivers a raw, intense performance that swings between heartbreaking sincerity and darkly comic violence throughout the film.
Is Super based on a true story or comic book?
Super is not based on a true story or an existing comic book. James Gunn wrote the original screenplay himself. The film draws on superhero comic book culture as a backdrop, but the story of Frank Darbo and his homemade vigilante crusade is entirely Gunn's own invention.
Where can you stream Super (2010)?
You can watch Super on The Roku Channel and Pluto TV for free with ads, or stream it through AMC+ Amazon Channel and Philo. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, and to purchase on Google Play Movies.
How violent and dark is Super compared to other superhero films?
Super is significantly darker and more violent than mainstream superhero films. It earned its R rating through graphic gore, strong language, and deeply uncomfortable tonal shifts. James Gunn deliberately subverts superhero conventions, making the violence feel real and disturbing rather than stylized or consequence-free.
What is Super (2010) about?
Super follows Frank Darbo, a meek short-order cook whose wife leaves him for a charming drug dealer. Inspired by a religious TV superhero, Frank reinvents himself as the Crimson Bolt, armed with a wrench and zero actual superpowers. It's a darkly funny, surprisingly emotional deconstruction of vigilante heroism.
What is the age rating for Super?
Super is rated R in the United States. The film contains strong bloody violence, pervasive language, sexual content, and drug use. It's strictly for adult audiences and is considerably more graphic than typical superhero fare, so it's definitely not one for younger viewers.
Did Super launch James Gunn's superhero career?
Super is widely seen as a pivotal stepping stone for James Gunn. Released in 2010, it showcased his unique ability to blend dark humor, genuine emotion, and superhero tropes — a sensibility that directly led Marvel Studios to hire him to direct Guardians of the Galaxy just a few years later.
What are movies similar to Super (2010)?
If you enjoyed Super, you'll likely love Kick-Ass, Defendor, and Deadpool — all films that deconstruct the superhero genre with dark humor and real-world consequences. Office Space shares the everyman-in-crisis energy, while Hellboy offers another offbeat take on costumed heroism with a cult following.
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