Superman is a surprisingly difficult character to portray effectively. While he represents ideal values like truth and justice, that’s not enough to make him a compelling character, especially considering his immense power. Most villains can’t even challenge him, and when they do, they usually lose. This makes him a less appealing subject for filmmakers, who often prefer Batman. Batman is relatable as a flawed human with a troubled past, and his story naturally lends itself to dramatic storytelling on film.
When Zack Snyder was announced as the director of a Superman film, many people thought he was making a mistake. Some suggested he follow Christopher Nolan’s lead and modernize Superman’s costume, ditching the red trunks for a darker look. While Snyder eventually got to explore a darker superhero aesthetic, he also put his own unique vision into the Superman story. Here are three of the most common criticisms of Snyder’s take on Superman that haven’t held up well over time.
3) He Was Too Strong
Okay, so Man of Steel really lays out Superman’s beginnings – we see Clark Kent figuring out his powers and his alien heritage. Honestly, he barely has time to process it all before this villain, General Zod, shows up and puts Earth in serious danger. But even with a Kansas farm upbringing, Superman handles Zod pretty easily, and later, in Justice League, he makes short work of Steppenwolf too. It’s cool to see him come into his own so quickly, even with the stakes being so high.
Some people think the Superman in the DC Extended Universe is overpowered, but that’s not really accurate. The stories Zack Snyder tells aren’t just about Superman battling physical enemies. A lot of his struggles are internal – he’s fighting against the very idea that he shouldn’t exist as Superman.
2) He Didn’t Care About Collateral Damage
The showdown between Superman and Zod in Metropolis is explosive, with Superman finally unleashing his anger after seeing Zod harm innocent people. Fueled by rage, Superman makes a few mistakes, like letting a runaway tanker almost hit a building. However, it’s crucial to remember this is all new to him – it’s essentially his first day as a superhero.
After those first moments, Clark consistently goes above and beyond to help others, and he deeply regrets when he can’t. He’s genuinely kind, even making time for Freddie Freeman when Shazam asks, proving it’s wrong to define someone by a single mistake or bad day.
1) He Wasn’t Optimistic Enough
James Gunn’s Superman movie explores a more human side of the character, emphasizing his emotions and struggles. This is a departure from previous DC films, which often portrayed Superman as an almost flawless figure. Those earlier movies challenged the idea of a purely ‘good’ hero by subjecting him to intense pressure and difficult choices, like endangering his mother and forcing him to bear the weight of the world.
Ultimately, Superman doesn’t have much reason to be hopeful in Snyder’s movies. He just has to keep going, and that’s really all anyone can expect. Most heroes wouldn’t have survived what Superman has been through.
What are your thoughts on the criticisms leveled against Zack Snyder’s portrayal of Superman? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-10-20 23:12