With James Gunn’s new Superman movie set to debut soon, I felt compelled to revisit Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, the 2013 film that launched the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). This rewatch was driven by my anticipation and a desire to reconnect with the earlier cinematic portrayal of Superman before stepping into a fresh chapter for the character and the broader DC Universe.
Henry Cavill first embodied Superman in Man of Steel, with subsequent appearances in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, making him a defining figure for the DCEU era. While David Corenswet is poised to introduce a new Superman within the rebooted DCU, revisiting Snyder’s film offered a moment to appreciate the origins and tone of the universe Snyder envisioned over a decade ago.
The Distinctive Portrayal of Superman in Man of Steel
Zack Snyder’s approach presented Superman as a powerful, almost god-like figure, marked by a deep sense of determination and internal conflict. Cavill’s Kal-El wrestles with his identity and the consequences of revealing his extraordinary abilities to the world, creating a narrative charged with existential weight and realism.
This version of Superman diverged from the traditionally bright and optimistic hero by embracing a darker, more serious tone. Despite this, the character still symbolized hope, albeit through a more grounded lens that highlighted the heavy responsibility of someone with immense power. The portrayal sparked strong discussions, including controversies like James Gunn’s comment describing Man of Steel’s Superman as an immigrant, underscoring the complex themes woven into the film.
The film emphasized how the emergence of such a being would fundamentally alter human perspectives, a core argument Snyder explored passionately. This serious vision offered a contrast to the lighter tone predominant in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, allowing the DCEU to carve out a unique space among superhero franchises.
Watching Man of Steel again was an emotional experience, reminding me of the immense potential Snyder’s DCEU held before it faced setbacks following Justice League’s troubled release and studio-related disruptions. The struggles of that period are often viewed as a major misstep within Hollywood, involving many attempts to realign the franchise afterward.
Anticipating James Gunn’s Reimagined Superman
While Man of Steel and the earlier DCEU films remain accessible for fans who cherish Snyder’s creation, the impending arrival of a new Superman marks the beginning of a fresh narrative direction. My recent rewatch carried a sense of closure in appreciating the Superman story that captivated me, just prior to embracing the reboot headed by James Gunn.
The new Superman, played by David Corenswet, is set to embody qualities aligned with hope, truth, and justice, similar to Cavill’s hero, but with a renewed emphasis on positivity and a brighter portrayal that aligns more closely with the comics. This shift promises a revitalized energy, inviting audiences to look forward to a hopeful and vibrant Superman on screen.
An important focus for this reboot is highlighting Superman’s humanity, which was less pronounced in Snyder’s interpretation. While Cavill delivered a formidable and compelling Superman, the new film aims to deepen emotional connections by exploring Clark Kent’s human side with greater emphasis. This fresh approach feels crucial for differentiating the new franchise and inspiring confidence in the character’s future.
James Gunn’s Superman is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, from DC Studios, ushering in what could be a transformative era for the character and the entire DC cinematic world.
