As a movie critic, I can confidently say that James Gunn’s take on Superman in the box office smash, with earnings surpassing $551,256,392, is nothing short of brilliant. David Corenswet delivers an endearingly corny yet heartwarming portrayal as Clark Kent, while Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific steals the show, earning him the secret MVP title. For Superman enthusiasts, this DC Universe debut offers plenty to adore.
However, one point of contention among fans is the new origin story presented in this latest big-screen adventure. If you haven’t yet watched Superman, I strongly advise against reading further, as we are about to delve into spoiler territory.
If you’ve watched the movie, you’re aware that James Gunn made a notable adjustment to the Superman lore by modifying the motive behind his parents sending him to Earth. Instead of being sent to save humanity, they now intend for him to rule over humans. This shift in narrative has caused some fans to express their disappointment, with some speculating that it might have been a scheme engineered by Lex Luthor, despite Gunn clearly stating otherwise. However, we’re going to argue the other side and propose that Gunn’s modification to Superman’s origins was not only justified but also improved the quality of the film.
Superman’s Parents Not Being the Best People Actually Comes From the Comics
Initially, it’s important to clarify that James Gunn didn’t originate the concept of Jor-El and Lara becoming antagonistic. Instead, this idea stems from John Byrne’s post-crisis adaptation of Superman’s origins in “The Man of Steel.” Regardless of whether Gunn himself conceived this twist about Clark Kent’s Kryptonian parents acting maliciously, it remains an apt development for the 2025 version of Superman.
Superman is frequently depicted as having both alien and human characteristics. He serves as a symbol for the debate between nature and nurture, implying that if this extraterrestrial being had grown up in a lab rather than in a loving Midwestern home, he might have turned into an evil dictator instead of a heroic figure. In essence, the show “The Boys” revolves around this very idea.
The dilemma arises when both the adoptive parents and the biological parents are exceptionally kind. In the case of Superman, if his Kryptonian parents were already admirable figures, it’s not necessary for him to make extraordinary efforts to emulate his adoptive parents. Instead, he benefits from positive influences all around, with Jor-El encouraging his son to aid those less powerful and Martha Kent reminding Clark to express gratitude while helping others by saying “please” and “thank you.
From another perspective, having Superman raised by parents with fascist beliefs, forcing him to rebel, creates a far more captivating character. This approach is particularly effective in Superman, serving to emphasize the profound impact John and Martha Kent had on their son’s upbringing. James Gunn’s Superman story offers an interesting twist: it’s not a given that the hero will fight for truth and justice; instead, it’s a conscious decision he makes.
Having Clark Choose to be Good Gives his Actions More Weight
Through Clark deliberately opting for dinner-as-breakfast and rescuing people out of moral obligation rather than duty, Gunn underscores the human aspect of his character. This Superman rejects the confines of his genetic heritage, as Pa Kent advises him, “It’s your decisions, Clark, your actions, that shape who you are.” Additionally, this scenario presents Superman with a chance for self-development as he evolves from a person striving to meet the expectations of two sets of parents to recognizing that his ‘real’ mother and father are the ones whose love and guidance shape him.
People who’ve found surrogate parents more influential than their biological ones can relate deeply to Clark’s situation in Superman. The decision to mold one’s identity around the love received, rather than conforming to a genetic predestination, is a potent choice. This same choice is made by Rey at the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , when she decides to disregard the Palpatine blood within her in favor of emulating the values demonstrated by the Skywalker family.
James Gunn’s portrayal of evil Kryptonians sets the stage for the DC Universe to delve deeper into Superman’s Kryptonian roots. Could it be that Supergirl’s knowledge of her uncle being a proponent of eugenics contributes to her struggle? Are there other races that Krypton subjugated which may pose challenges for Superman, the last living Kryptonian? Exploring Superman’s confrontation with the legacy of his father and Krypton as a whole could be a compelling narrative in future Superman films.
In essence, James Gunn’s choice to alter the commonly accepted origin story of Superman displayed courage, and it ultimately proved beneficial for him. We support creative departures from original sources when they serve a valid purpose, like how Batman: The Animated Series reimagined Mr. Freeze. In our opinion, Gunn had a solid justification for his actions.
Now, if he changes anything about Batman’s parents, that’s another story.
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2025-08-04 22:03