Our society constantly promotes role models for masculinity, from superheroes to politicians, where the concept of being a 'man' is based in their ability to be tough, dominant - and even violent when required.

The media need superheroes in science just as in every sphere of life, but there is really a continuous range of abilities with no clear dividing line.

The representation of gay characters on screen is important for us all to think about because there are sadly too few representations of gay characters on screen in mainstream cinema. If Marvel starts making movies about gay superheroes, then we'll be in a really great place. We're not at that place.

Our media provides a continuing message that for men, heroism is defined through association with control, independence, and the ability to commit violence, from superheroes to crime dramas.

I grew up reading '2000 AD' and the occasional Transformers and GI Joe comic, but when I could finance comics myself, I lasted only a little reading superheroes.

A lot of superheroes today are a little self-righteous, and what's cool about 'Deadpool' is that he seems like a guy that you could meet at the 7-Eleven down the street.

He's this amazing ambassador for all superheroes. What we've made as a film not only examines that but is also an amazing adventure story. It's been an honor to work on. As a comic book fan, Superman is like the Rosetta Stone of all superheroes.

I would rather live in a world where people shout, "This is wrong." than live in a world with superheroes saving the day.

The media need superheroes in science just as in every sphere of life but there is really a continuous range of abilities with no clear dividing line.

It's so great in Hollywood now. You have people past 40 sitting and talking about serious stuff writing and making movies and TV but there's laser pistols and superheroes and alien monsters involved. It's viable and mainstream.

I think superheroes are heroes with flaws and in their flaws there is a sense of humor.

There aren't as many girl superheroes but there are cool ones. Banshee for instance.

He's this amazing ambassador for all superheroes. What we've made as a film not only examines that but is also an amazing adventure story. It's been an honor to work on. As a comic book fan Superman is like the Rosetta Stone of all superheroes.