Is James Gunn’s Superman Just a Rehash of Batman v Superman?

by

This summer, James Gunn’s version of Superman will kick off the new DC Universe, but it seems that his new journey closely resembles Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in some aspects. David Corenswet plays the latest cinematic Superman, and the first official trailer hints at the struggles he’ll face against Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. The storyline isn’t fully revealed yet, leaving plenty of room for fan speculation. However, this lack of information also allows for comparisons to Henry Cavill’s previous Superman, a comparison that is growing more frequent as we learn more about this new movie and its narrative.

Without a doubt, given his previous appearances in films like “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman,” as well as the broader DC Extended Universe (DCEU), it’s inevitable that comparisons will be drawn to Superman in his upcoming movie. Not only is he taking over as the lead character for the DC cinematic franchise, but also because the DCEU concluded and paved the way for the start of the DC Universe (DCU). Based on the trailer, it appears that similarities to “Batman v Superman” will be a significant talking point in the new film.

Superman’s Plot Bears Some Shockingly Close Parallels to Batman v Superman’s Story

The latest trailer for James Gunn’s Superman reveals several intriguing details about the movie’s plot. For instance, David Corenswet’s Man of Steel faces the anger of the U.S. government after interfering in a foreign military conflict, causing a significant public backlash. Meanwhile, Michael Sundle (presumably Lex Luthor) devises a plan using Kryptonian technology to eliminate Superman. This movie’s rendition of Superman coexists in a universe where other superhumans also exist, and Kal-El endures both physical and emotional abuse while grappling with a divided world opinion on his heroic deeds. He must confront the consequences, both good and bad, that his actions bring about. Furthermore, the film portrays Superman fighting a fearsome creature at some point in the storyline.

If you find the plot of this upcoming movie, “Superman” (2025), strikingly similar to “Batman v Superman”, that’s because Henry Cavill’s Superman encounters many of the same challenges in his film. While “Batman v Superman” elements like the presence of Batman and the potential for Superman’s demise are absent, this new movie appears to be a near-replica, minus Batman. However, it’s worth noting that there might be more to the story of “Superman” than what we’ve seen in its marketing so far. The close resemblance between “Superman” and “Batman v Superman” could inadvertently intensify the impact of “Batman v Superman” on all things DC, making its influence even stronger than it currently is.

Why Superman’s Similarities to Batman v Superman Could Compound WB & DC Studio’s Snyderverse Problem

The DC Universe (DCU) is starting off under a significant challenge that many superhero franchises would prefer to avoid: the aftermath of the DCEU’s abrupt ending, which left a portion of its audience disappointed. In retrospect, it seems that the DCEU suffered from poor management, most of which can be traced back to Warner Bros.’ hasty response to the mixed reception of “Batman v Superman.” This precipitated rushed reshoots and changes to films like “Suicide Squad” and “Justice League,” attempts to distance these movies from Zack Snyder’s dark and gritty vision for the DCEU. Unfortunately, these efforts backfired as neither film managed to win over critics, with “Justice League” particularly struggling at the box office.

The saga of the DC Extended Universe unfolded with the back-and-forth battle over Zack Snyder’s Justice League finally being released following the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, despite Warner Bros. initially playing down its release and refusing to release the Ayer cut of Suicide Squad. This was followed by a massive outcry from fans with the hashtag #RestoreTheSnyderVerse (reaching 1.5 million tweets in a day on March 25, 2021). Despite Warner Bros. having no clear plan after Snyder’s departure from the DCEU and no visible road map, they eventually cancelled Henry Cavill’s Superman comeback in Black Adam, with James Gunn’s Superman taking its place, along with Gunn’s other DCEU projects like Peacemaker Season 2 being the only ones that seemed to escape a similar fate.

If Gunn’s version of Superman leans towards the style seen in “Batman v Superman” combined with humor similar to that in “Guardians of the Galaxy”, it could exacerbate the ongoing influence of the Snyderverse within the DCU, as previously established by Gunn and Snyder’s suggestive social media interactions and the continuation of plot points between their projects. This implies a potential connection or transition between the DCEU and the DCU, hinted at in “Peacemaker” Season 2, where two Peacemakers meeting in a room filled with doors could represent this link. Moreover, Gunn’s friendly photo with Snyder at DC Studios serves as a subtle nod to the enduring presence of the Snyderverse, despite any denials to the contrary, and fuels speculation about its possible return. Essentially, both Superman and the DCU are entering a scene where the Snyderverse looms large, with Gunn intentionally keeping the audience aware of this lingering presence.

In the context of Superman‘s story, the similarities with Batman v Superman are impossible to ignore. This means that when discussing Superman, it’s likely that Batman v Superman will come up as a significant comparison. If the structure and narrative of Batman v Superman can create a new DC Universe, questions might arise about the need for a reboot if the main differences are a lighter tone and more humor in Superman. Most notably, these similarities could potentially bring Batman v Superman back into the spotlight within the DCU’s launch, possibly even sparking conversations about #RestoreTheSnyderVerse. However, it’s important to remember that despite these similarities, Superman is unlikely to be a carbon copy of Batman v Superman. The years since the release of Batman v Superman and the upcoming release of James Gunn’s Superman have shown that the former still has a strong influence, even if the latter will be quite different.

Batman v Superman Has Stood the Test of Time (& Superman Is Probably Going to Add to Its Longevity)

The film “Batman v Superman” is frequently labeled as divisive, a term that accurately reflects its reception but may underestimate its long-term influence. To put it simply, this movie has sparked as much fervor among fans as it has criticism, particularly in relation to the production troubles of “Justice League.” The #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, which stems from Snyder’s version of “Justice League” aligning with “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman,” gains momentum due to this divisiveness.

In a broader context, whether you love it or loathe it, “Batman v Superman” is a topic that continues to be discussed, analyzed, and debated on a daily basis, something that most superhero movies would envy. Even nine years after its release, the film feels as contemporary and relevant as a fresh blockbuster, with fans and critics alike investing significant energy into it.

In contrast, other DC films from the past have either flopped, been met with apathy or outright rejection, and none have stirred such passion or cultivated a fanbase eager to see the resolution of their planned storylines as “Batman v Superman” has. In essence, “Batman v Superman,” much like the Snyderverse, stands apart from any other abandoned superhero franchise due to its unique nature. Examples include “Catwoman,” “Superman Returns,” “Jonah Hex,” and “Green Lantern.

Furthermore, the favorable response towards Zack Snyder’s Justice League upon its 2021 debut triggered a slow but distinct reevaluation of Man of Steel and Batman v Superman by critics, as many grew to respect them more following the presentation of their intended (though delayed) conclusion in the Snyder Cut. Regardless of personal opinions on Batman v Superman, it’s clear that the film has continued to resonate in popular culture. The twist is that, in Warner Bros.’ attempts to distance themselves from the Snyderverse in terms of tone and continuity, they have instead made it more prominent within the DC universe’s vocabulary.

Gunn’s version of Superman may unintentionally prolong the lasting impact of “Batman v Superman” by featuring a storyline that shares some similarities, thereby reinforcing many of its themes and questions about Superman’s role in society. Despite Warner Bros.’ efforts to phase out the Snyderverse, Gunn’s Superman might make it more pertinent than ever before due to its apparent thematic alignment with “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (particularly if the new movie isn’t as strong as “Man of Steel”).

You can now stream “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” on HBO Max, while “Superman,” directed by James Gunn, is set to hit theaters on July 11th.

Read More

2025-05-26 23:13