Superman Sequel Title Confirms James Gunn’s Hero Is the Opposite of Zack Snyder’s

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James Gunn is deliberately shifting away from the DC Extended Universe while preserving a good deal of continuity for the revamped DCU. In the second season of Peacemaker, the initial moments saw revisions to the Justice League’s presence in the first season, swapping them out with the Superman-led Justice Gang, which includes Superman, his cousin Kara Zor-El, and other members. The surprising inclusion of Enchantress from the original Suicide Squad into this new continuity is a testament to Gunn’s creative vision for this universe.

As a die-hard movie fan, I can’t help but reflect on the captivating tale that is Superman – a story that beautifully portrays how an alien, who only wishes to aid humanity selflessly, often faces skepticism and hostility. Despite these adversities, our beloved protagonist remains steadfast in his noble deeds, even risking his life for the greater good.

Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Superman strives valiantly to embody such unwavering heroism; however, it occasionally falls short of achieving that lofty standard. Upon closer examination, comparing the titles of Superman’s sequels and the DCEU’s debut film sheds light on the contrasting depictions of DC Comics’ foremost superhero in these two iterations.

Man of Steel‘s Superman Lets the World Shape Him

Just like many Superman tales, in the story of “Man of Steel”, it’s me, Kal-El, who gets adopted by a humble farming couple in Kansas. The Kents guide me through life, showing me the line between right and wrong, yet holding me back from fully unleashing my powers. My father, Jonathan Kent, is particularly apprehensive about revealing my true identity to the world, fearing public judgment. This upbringing leaves me questioning my place in the world. Although I secretly aid those in need, I do so discretely, not wishing for any unwanted attention. It isn’t until I find a Kryptonian spacecraft and meet my birth father, Jor-El, that I start embracing my heroic nature.

Initially, Superman encounters Zod, who intends to rebuild Krypton using Earth. Their battle devastates most of Metropolis, yet Clark persists, seeking to be a symbol of hope. However, when someone confronts him next, he’s on the verge of giving up. Lex Luthor skillfully manipulates Superman, making him feel powerless. In the end, Superman perishes at Doomsday’s hands shortly after beginning his conflict with Luthor, but the grief felt by the world seems insincere. Contrastingly, in the DC Universe, Superman is proactively determining his own fate, defying the skeptics.

Man of Tomorrow‘s Superman Is Helping Shape the World

In the concluding scene of the 2025 film, Superman catches up with his counterpart Lex, and gives an impassioned speech about what it signifies to be human from his perspective. Throughout the movie, Luthor had been attempting to create a rift between Superman and humanity, aspiring for people to seek guidance from him rather than the Man of Steel. However, good prevails over evil, and Earth’s inhabitants come to recognize their error in not trusting Superman.

Moving forward, as suggested by the sequel’s title, Superman’s mission will extend beyond merely safeguarding the world but also propelling it towards a more constructive future. He’s demonstrated his ability to overcome obstacles like bureaucratic hurdles, which is advantageous, provided he remains focused on his goal.

In the DC Universe, just like in the DCEU, villains will challenge Superman’s integrity, thinking they can expose him as a fraud. However, Superman should tune out the negativity and have faith in himself. Luckily, his supportive parents in Kansas remind him of their pride in him constantly. By staying true to himself, Superman can help instill an optimistic perspective in everyone living in the DCU, much like his own.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow hits theaters on July 9, 2027.

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2025-09-06 14:40