James Gunn’s Superman: Is Fixing Man of Steel’s Flaw a Huge Mistake?

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In his ongoing efforts to redefine the DC film universe, director James Gunn is keen on delivering an entertaining, family-friendly Superman story, paying homage to the comic book roots. However, being overly loyal to the source material could potentially be a pitfall, considering the impact of Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill’s “Man of Steel” left in its wake.

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It’s clear that the fresh take on Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet, is striving to establish its unique atmosphere. However, in an attempt to shake off any previous shadows of trouble or skepticism and embrace a lighter, optimistic Superman as seen in the comics, there appears to be a potential risk taken by James Gunn’s vision. In a superhero movie landscape saturated with altruists, it seems that this Superman might be losing what sets him apart from other heroes – his unique character traits.

Man of Steel Was Controversial, But Solved Superman’s Biggest Problem

If you’ve been a fan of superhero comics or movies for some time, you might come across creators or actors expressing the thought that “what makes Superman special” isn’t any specific trait, deed, or storyline… it’s more like he “just embodies it.” Whether he is always able to do what’s right because he’s Superman and thus an exception, or can be relied upon to save the day because “‘that’s just what Superman does,’” it’s evident that Superman is fundamentally different from most of us. A lofty ideal, at least in his superheroic identity.

The portrayal of this character is deeply rooted in the comic book genre, where the hero seemingly conquers any challenge. Yet, this very trait often leads to criticism that Superman is dull or distant. Fans might explain his altruistic actions by saying, “‘Because he’s Superman.’” They also argue that he never wavers or falters, “‘Because Superman wouldn’t.’” Even when faced with difficult decisions, it’s believed that “Superman always knows the right choice.” When he can’t save everyone, people expect him to find a solution, “He’s Superman, he would find a way.” Over nearly a century of comic book history, it’s hard to fault fans for their convictions.

The notion of superiority associated with this tradition might offer a sense of comfort, but it also raises valid points for Superman to be considered a deity rather than an engaging character in a story. In fact, such a character would not typically encounter challenges, heartbreak, tension, personal development, or significant victories that resonate deeply. Instead of accepting these unattainable expectations and infallibility as given, writer David S. Goyer and director Zack Snyder chose to create “Man of Steel,” where they placed the impossible burden of those expectations on Clark Kent himself.

Zack Snyder Made ‘Superman’ An Idea, Far Bigger Than Clark Kent

In the tale of “Man of Steel”, I found myself immersed in a world where the journey to superheroism wasn’t just Clark Kent’s personal discovery, but a dream shared by both his fathers. The story subtly hinted that this extraordinary destiny was woven into the fabric of their dreams for him. As the narrative unfolded, young Clark was gently guided towards the grandeur of the role he was expected and yearned to fulfill. His father, Jonathan Kent, nurtured him with wisdom from an early age, preparing him for the challenges he would face. He shared that Clark’s destiny extended beyond mere change; it was about transforming the world, a transformation that humanity might initially resist.

Following his father’s demise as a demonstration of his dedication, Clark matured into adulthood. His biological father, Jor-El, then bestowed upon him an even greater duty. He elucidated the magnitude and importance of his role, and even prepared his optimism-embroidered uniform for the task. Clark was then informed by his birth father about the subsequent events:

You have the unique ability to represent the finest aspects from two worlds. The vision that my mother and I devoted our lives to safeguard, you can now carry forward… Inside you dwells the aspirations and dreams of Krypton… You will inspire people on Earth with a goal to reach for… As time progresses, you’ll assist them in achieving remarkable feats.

“What drives this Superman to stand for justice?” His father(s) instilled those values in him.

“Why doesn’t he waver or falter?” Just like anyone else, he does.

“How does he make tough decisions when unsure?” Well, that’s where the story unfolds!

Jor-El thought his son could shape humanity’s destiny by surpassing them, while Jonathan Kent feared his son would be shunned and despised because of it. Both assumptions proved accurate. The portrayal of Clark Kent in “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman” demonstrated that the role was too daunting to attempt, making him a hero well before becoming any ‘Superman’ we’re familiar with. However, this interpretation of the character was near sacrilege for some, stirring up significant controversy, to put it mildly.

James Gunn’s Superman is ‘Fixing’ The Controversy, But Ignoring The Problem

The upcoming final “Superman” film will show how intensely Gunn has tackled the same issues. However, it appears that some heavy themes such as anxiety, self-doubt, and tragedy introduced by Goyer and Snyder may not be present in Gunn’s version, instead being replaced with a brighter portrayal of Superman. While optimists might hope that Gunn has found equally impactful elements to replace these, skeptics might question this, pointing out details like Clark Kent dismissing global events, Martha Kent cleaning his Super-shoes, or his father Pa Kent still alive, which suggest a different direction for the character.

After receiving extremely intense criticism of the movies like “Man of Steel” that were perceived as overly dramatic, cold, or lacking joy, it’s clear why James Gunn’s “Superman” would aim to lighten up its tone. However, if the filmmakers (or audience) don’t understand why Snyder portrayed being Superman as a legacy rather than an identity, there’s a higher chance that they will encounter the same issues that were seen in the comics.

In my perspective, I’ve always been captivated by the idea of bringing a Superman to life on the silver screen that effortlessly mirrors characters like Star-Lord, Captain America, Thor, and every other hero donning the cape – for they all embody the same extraordinary essence.

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2025-05-24 06:38