Movies

Weak Superman? Gunn’s Genius Plan Revealed!

BBG News

Critics often argue that the Superman from DCU is “weak,” but I think these comments demonstrate that James Gunn has a deep understanding of the character. It’s important to remember that such opinions are just one aspect of the many ways James Gunn’s Superman movie is being evaluated before its release. These judgments don’t necessarily indicate a negative assessment, as the first film in DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters is bound to face high expectations from both audiences and the studio. Getting it right will be crucial.

According to the number of views on the trailers for the upcoming DC film featuring Superman, it appears that the majority of the attention he’s getting is favorable. Fans seem eagerly anticipating the movie as the summer movie season kicks off, although a certain observation has been noted among viewers. Remarkably, this observation can’t be easily labeled as either positive or negative, despite my efforts to do so, even after watching Superman’s official trailer. It continues to persist nonetheless. Some viewers have expressed that the titular hero of Superman looks “weak,” but I believe this only demonstrates that Gunn understands the Son of Krypton better than others.

The DCU’s Superman Trailers Have Led To Comments That The Hero Looks “Weak”

Superman Is Facing A Lot Of Enemies In The DCU

Initially, I’ll delve into the primary criticisms people have made about the DCU’s version of Superman being “vulnerable.” The initial scene from the movie that sparked this debate was the opening of the film’s teaser trailer. This particular scene depicted Superman falling to the ground near the Fortress of Solitude, battered and bruised, before needing Krypto to take him home. This scene raised questions among viewers about how a character known for his extreme durability could end up in such a powerless state, considering he is typically resistant to most forms of attack.

Approximately a couple of months later, DC Studios unveiled an exclusive sneak peek at their Superman film, further developing that particular scene. This special preview showed Krypto leaping onto a weakened Clark Kent, already injured and bleeding, exacerbating Superman’s agony. Subsequently, the robots dwelling within the Fortress of Solitude focused the sun rays on Superman’s body to mend his shattered bones and injuries. This process triggered intense pain from the hero as his body underwent self-healing.

In the end, the authentic trailer for Superman depicted our hero in some slightly less dominant positions. One scene showed him seemingly overpowered by Ultraman and The Engineer, two of Superman’s adversaries, while another had him falling to the ground and being assisted by a bystander. These various scenes have led some to view the DCU’s Superman as weaker compared to previous versions, but I believe this change in portrayal is undeniably beneficial for the character.

The DCU’s Superman’s “Weakness” Makes A Lot Of Sense For The DC Hero

It Proves Gunn Understands His Character

In James Gunn’s movie, Superman appearing weak should be seen as a good thing, indicating that the character will be portrayed authentically – as a man who deeply identifies with humanity despite his extraterrestrial origins. Though Superman is biologically not human and hails from Krypton, endowed with extraordinary abilities after exposure to Earth’s sun, it’s essential to remember that he was nurtured as Clark Kent, an Earthling boy. This upbringing provides a unique perspective for him, allowing him to empathize profoundly with the people of Earth and live among them as one of their own.

In this depiction, Superman appearing vulnerable underscores his humanity effectively. It’s important to clarify that this doesn’t imply a lack of strength for Superman from DCU; he consistently demonstrates resilience by withstanding explosions, fire blasts, and even breaking through Lex Luthor’s glass prisons. However, by highlighting Superman’s more fragile instances, James Gunn is emphasizing the hero’s human side.

The unique quality that sets Superman apart as the iconic hero we know is his resilience to fall and rise again, continuing to battle. Though his extraordinary powers aid him, it’s during those moments of weakness when he relies on other humans for support—lifting him up and propelling him forward—that embody the optimism inherent in humanity, which Superman embodies. Whether it’s a random bystander, Lois Lane, or his adoptive parents Ma and Pa Kent, Superman’s humanity shines through James Gunn’s portrayal, demonstrating a deep comprehension of the character’s essence.

The DCU’s Superman Fixes A Small Issue I Had With The DCEU’s Superman

Superman Is No Longer An Unrelatable God

Personally, I’m pleased with how James Gunn’s portrayal of Superman aligns with my preferences, as it addresses one minor concern I had about the Superman character in the DCEU. To begin, I must express my fondness for “Man of Steel” and, although “Batman v Superman” didn’t resonate with me as strongly, I also appreciated “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.” Henry Cavill was a terrific Superman, and he arguably deserved better treatment, but the tone of his character wasn’t entirely to my liking, particularly in contrast to the atmosphere the DCEU’s new Superman is creating.

In my opinion, I found the DCEU portrayed too much of Superman’s divine aspect instead of his relatable human qualities. While Clark Kent in the DCEU movie timeline was acceptable, I felt he lacked a warm and approachable demeanor, largely due to Snyder’s emphasis on how incredibly powerful and almost god-like Superman appeared. Among the three films mentioned, Batman v Superman stood out the most in this regard, as it presented Superman as a being who rescued humans, but one who was almost beyond them.

The trailers for DCU’s Superman, as portrayed by Corenswet, appear to depict a character who seems deeply rooted among humans, rather than superior to them. In other words, he presents a Superman who appears to be one of us, and this is underscored by the emotional scenes that highlight his humanity. It’s worth noting that this interpretation of Superman caters more to those who appreciate a less grim, more humanized portrayal. While some may prefer the grittier, realistic version from DCEU, I find myself drawn to this more relatable, character-focused, human Superman, and the instances where his vulnerability is revealed in the DCU only strengthen my appreciation for him.

Some Superman Comics Support The DCU’s Depiction Of Superman

Superman Has Always Had More Hopeful, Wholesome Elements

One method to rephrase that statement in a more natural and easy-to-understand way is: The final piece of evidence backing my belief that DCU’s portrayal of Superman is outstanding comes from the original source material. Comics published by DC have consistently associated Superman with hope, and this theme has been carried over into live-action productions by the DC Universe. A lengthy discussion on the Superman subreddit provides clear evidence of this, as fans share their favorite heartwarming instances involving the character from the comics.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Superman for his unwavering commitment to humanity, whether it’s rescuing people from peril, saving cats stuck in trees, or sharing his inner turmoils with ordinary folks. The scene in “Superman: Blanket Badguy Summer Special #1” stands out as particularly poignant, where Superman opens up to another individual about his personal worries, humanizing him even more. This same emotional depth is echoed in the DCU’s Superman, with the title character’s vulnerable moments underscoring Gunn’s understanding of what it means for Superman to be not just an alien from Krypton, but also a son of Earth.

Read More

2025-05-19 17:08

Previous post Billy Bob Thornton Reveals Taylor Sheridan’s Strict Script Rules for Landman Season 2
Next post Cooking Battles mixes fast-paced gameplay with flavorful fun, now in open beta on mobile