James Gunn’s new Superman film is now showing in theaters worldwide, prompting inevitable comparisons to Zack Snyder’s 2013 Man of Steel. Gunn made it clear from the outset that Henry Cavill would not return as Superman, as he wanted to explore his own unique vision for the character. The release has been met with positive acclaim, currently holding an 83% critic score and 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing Man of Steel’s reception and highlighting the success of Gunn’s approach.
Experts Contrast the Core Values in Superman’s Portrayals
Collider’s Chris McPherson consulted Superman authorities Edward Gross and Robert Greenberger, co-authors of the extensive 400-plus page book Superman: The Definitive History, to discuss how Superman’s essence lies in inspiring care for others. Gross praised Snyder’s films while sharing his foremost frustration with Man of Steel.
“I’m not going to do this as any kind of bashing of the [Zack] Snyder films, okay? I like them, actually. I really do, though they’re a very different taste of Superman. But the thing that frustrated me the most about Man of Steel is the fact that there was all this wanton destruction, and Superman didn’t pause for a second. He leaped over a car and let it crash into the tanker and letting all the cars drop, and everything else. In this movie, he stops to rescue a squirrel. That, to me, is Superman. Every life matters. Every life counts. That’s a message that I think kind of gets lost in a lot of these superhero movies, and if anybody’s going to remind us of that, it’s Superman, and they did it. James Gunn certainly locked on to that.”
This perspective points to a shift in narrative focus where Gunn’s Superman demonstrates an attentiveness to every life, big or small, unlike the broader destruction depicted in Snyder’s film. Greenberger further emphasized Superman’s defining trait as intervening where necessary without preaching, reinforcing that Gunn’s version captures this humility and care amid conflict.
David Corenswet Embodies a New Era of Superman
James Gunn’s casting choice of David Corenswet as Superman marked a distinct departure from the expected star power, favoring a fresh face to lead the franchise moving forward. Corenswet has been widely recognized as the ideal candidate to fill the Man of Steel shoes left by Henry Cavill, who brought a darker, more brooding tone to the role consistent with Snyder’s vision. By contrast, Corenswet brings an engaging charisma and warmth that align with Gunn’s aim for a Superman capable of becoming a defining figure for the DC Universe over the coming decade or more.
Gunn’s Superman Reinforces the Importance of Compassion
One of the most talked-about elements from Gunn’s film is the scene in which Superman halts during a battle to rescue a squirrel. Though this moment sparked debate among viewers, it clearly underscores the film’s message that no life is insignificant in Superman’s eyes. This approach mirrors the idea shared by the experts that Superman should never be selective about who he helps, reinforcing his role as a symbol of universal compassion and justice.
Supporting Cast and Storyline Highlights
Alongside Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan stars as Lois Lane, contributing to the film’s dynamic portrayal of familiar characters. The story follows Superman as he balances his alien heritage with his human upbringing, embodying principles such as truth, justice, and the American way in a modern world that often sees kindness as outdated. With its thoughtful approach to character and narrative, the film aims to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
James Gunn’s Superman continues to generate buzz with strong critical and audience responses demonstrating the film’s meaningful impact. As the character moves into this new chapter, the fresh perspective on the iconic superhero seems poised to influence the direction of the DC Universe and resonate with viewers for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Zack Snyder 4 3?
A. The Snyder Cut uses a square 4:3 frame similar to what TV shows used from the 1920s to the late 1990s. This format is deliberately chosen to match IMAX screens better. HBOMax added a note at the beginning of the film explaining that the 4:3 aspect ratio is intentional.
Q. Is Zack Snyder’s cut better?
A. The main stories of both movies are the same, but the Snyder Cut includes extra scenes that give important context. Being nearly twice as long as the 2017 film, these new scenes contribute to a substantial difference overall.
