After 13 Years, Man of Steel Has Aged Better Than I Expected

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When Man of Steel was released 13 years ago, it sparked a lot of debate and criticism. Many viewers objected to certain scenes – Jonathan Kent’s death, the high number of casualties during Superman’s fight with General Zod, and ultimately, Superman killing Zod himself. Unfortunately, discussions quickly became polarized, with fans dismissing any positive or negative opinions that didn’t align with their own. This pattern continued throughout Zack Snyder’s time directing DC films, making it difficult for many to view them objectively. Despite all this, Man of Steel is still considered the strongest film from Snyder’s run in the DCEU.

Despite a few flaws, Man of Steel actually holds up surprisingly well when compared to other superhero films made around the same time.

Man of Steel Has Several Great Moments

As a critic, I have to revisit the controversy surrounding Man of Steel. A lot of DC fans took issue with Superman killing Zod, and I get why – it felt extreme. The film tried to justify it, painting Superman into a corner where Zod was simply too powerful and wouldn’t surrender. But it still didn’t sit right with many. Looking back, though, it’s important to remember this was new territory for him. He hadn’t faced a villain on his level before, and honestly, he lacked the experience to talk Zod down. Zod wasn’t just strong; he was a brilliant military strategist who, power for power, outmatched Superman. Yes, the city-wide brawl got a bit over the top, but it effectively conveyed the sheer physical and emotional toll this fight was taking on the Man of Steel.

Despite some initial criticism, Man of Steel holds up well today, largely thanks to Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman. While some still debate his actions against a villain and his early frustration, Cavill effectively showed Superman’s journey of growth throughout the film. The movie focused on a powerful being learning to navigate a world that wouldn’t fully embrace him. Though it often presents a pessimistic view of the world, that reflects current realities, and in retrospect, shows Superman doing what he could under difficult circumstances.

The film Man of Steel truly excels at addressing a long-standing criticism of Superman: that he’s always been portrayed as too perfect and therefore uninteresting. For years, even in classic films starring Christopher Reeve, Superman was seen as overly virtuous. Man of Steel changed this by presenting a more complex and relatable character within a gritty, troubled world. While James Gunn’s recent movies also feature this darker tone, Man of Steel distinguished itself by showing Superman responding to the problems around him rather than being separate from them – making him uniquely compelling.

Although Wonder Woman is generally considered Zack Snyder’s strongest DCEU film due to its inspiring portrayal of the character and her values, Man of Steel comes in a close second – and stands out as his best directed movie. Despite some criticisms, Superman’s depiction in Man of Steel is more effective than how he was shown in Batman v Superman or Justice League. Overall, Man of Steel was the most successful standalone Superman film since Christopher Reeve’s debut, and it deserves a better reputation than it currently has.

Man of Steel Still Has Its Problems

The controversy stems from the long-held belief among many Superman fans that he would never take a life. This was compounded by the generally darker portrayal of Superman throughout the DC Extended Universe. Even earlier films, like Man of Steel, showed him acting in ways that weren’t entirely heroic, such as destroying property. The large-scale destruction and resulting deaths during his fight with Zod – particularly in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – upset fans who felt Superman could have found a way to move the battle away from the city. However, this version of Superman was still learning and ultimately chose to improve, making a difficult decision he felt he had no other option for. It’s also worth remembering that Superman has killed in the comics before, so this isn’t a complete departure from established storylines.

Despite its strengths, the movie has some weaknesses, most notably the way Jonathan Kent dies. While Zack Snyder likely intended to show Superman learning he can’t save everyone – a key reason for his difficult choice regarding Zod – the execution felt off. Having Jonathan essentially ask Clark to let him die wasn’t the best approach, especially following his earlier suggestion that Clark should have sacrificed the school children to protect his secret. Although Jonathan’s motivation was to protect Clark, it came across as prioritizing self-preservation over saving lives, which doesn’t align with the values of the man who instilled heroism in Superman.

Despite its flaws, Man of Steel remains a strong film. Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman, the genuine danger posed by General Zod, and the film’s exploration of a hero struggling for acceptance all contribute to its appeal. It has held up surprisingly well over time and is still a very enjoyable superhero movie to watch.

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2026-06-16 00:12