As the most universally acknowledged superhero, one would assume that Superman would garner more cultural relevance in the midst of the 2010s comic movie boom. However, despite his cultural cache, the recent DC Superman films have failed to generate the same recognition as those of Marvel or Batman. While critics and audiences alike praised Christopher Nolan's dark take on the Batman origin story, Zack Snyder's attempts to darken the Superman comics failed to meet audience expectations.
In 2013's Man of Steel, Snyder presents a version of Superman who struggles with his sense of identity as well as his patriotic duty. As an alien originally hailing from the planet Krypton, Clark Kent, while having grown up on Earth, is presented as somewhat of an outsider in the human world. Through this depiction of outsider status, as well as the death of Kent's father (played by Kevin Costner), Snyder characterizes Superman as a kind of a loner, perpetually unsure of his place on the planet that he calls his home. In this way, Snyder's characterization of Superman wildly differentiates from past iterations of the caped crusader, which present Superman as optimistic and goofily earnest. Christopher Reeve, who popularized the hero as a fully-fledged film star, leaned into Superman's corny sensibility. In doing so, Reeve infused Clark Kent with a relatably awkward sensibility and provided the films with a whole lot of heart.
Evidently, following the success of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, the DCEU wanted to capitalize on the somber tone that seemed to be drawing in new audience members. However, while Batman has always been a troubled figure, Superman has always existed as his jubilant and life-affirming counterpart. As a result, DC's attempts to make Superman more like Batman, dilute Superman's intrigue as a distinctly different type of hero figure.
In light of rumors surrounding a new Superman reboot produced by J.J. Abrams and Black Panther comics writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates, it will be interesting to observe whether the Star Wars director continues on from where Snyder left off, or whether he pursues a new narrative route entirely. In a recent article from Shadow and Act, a website dedicated to the African diaspora in the arts, Coates expressed his excitement at being brought onto the project stating, “To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor. I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America's most iconic mythic hero."
As the reboot currently stands, it appears as though Abrams' Superman will also be characterized as a tragic figure. While it is possible that Abrams' iteration of dark Superman will prove more successful than Snyder's Man of Steel, the impulse to burden all DC characters with an existential affliction is unnecessary.
A large part of Marvel's box-office success relative to DC is the studio's ability to infuse their films with a degree of humor and levity. Often, Marvel leans into their characters' quirks, balancing Captain America's corniness with his earnestness, and juxtaposing Spider-Man's childish demeanor against his mature sense of responsibility. DC would be smart to do the same. Superman has always stood apart from Justice League colleagues, due to his immense power and old-school mentality. Like Captain America, Superman's idealism could be construed as naive or boring. However, in the right hands, Superman's idealism can be used as a genuine source of levity. One which has the potential to inspire viewers and leave audiences with an overwhelming sense of optimism and hope.
As Yahoo Entertainment noted on their video historicizing Christopher Reeve's Superman, the iconic figure was created in 1978, amidst the cultural cynicism and moral dubiousness surrounding the Watergate scandal. Rather than leaning into these feelings of uncertainty and having Superman express a lack of faith in humanity, Reeve serves as a moral outlier in a sea of cynicism. He always sees the best in humanity and harnesses his strong moral impulse to imbue all those around him with a similarly optimistic mindset. This optimism is not only refreshing, but also invigorating, and may serve as a much-needed antidote to the depressing films of our time.
In terms of who will play the caped crusader, fans of Cavill's performance may be disappointed to hear that Warners Bros. appears to be in search of a new man of steel. As of late, it is unclear who will play the new iteration of the heroic samaritan. However, Warner Bros. and Bad Robot Productions are looking to cast a Black actor in the role. Rumors have swirled suggesting that Black Panther actor, Michael B. Jordan (Killmonger) has been considered for the role. Yet, no casting has been confirmed, leaving room for other major Hollywood players such as Daniel Kaluuya and John Boyega to be taken into consideration. Audiences can only hope that whoever is cast in the titular role, he is able to capture Reeve's earnest optimism and sense of patriotic duty while providing the franchise with a fresh twist.