This article contains spoilers for Superman.
For years, Superman’s immense power has posed a storytelling challenge, as creators struggled to craft compelling narratives around a seemingly invincible figure. James Gunn’s latest portrayal reimagines the iconic hero by emphasizing emotional vulnerability amid immense strength, offering a fresh perspective on the character in this year’s film.
Gunn’s Superman starts off depowered, seen battered and defeated as he crashes into the Arctic following his initial fight. This vulnerable depiction continues through scenes where Superman is nearly suffocated and temporarily blinded by his own eye lasers, illustrating a departure from the classic unshakable image. Yet, the character’s most profound weakness lies beneath the surface, revealed during his powerful closing speech, which serves as the emotional heart of the story.
Exploring Superman’s Emotional Core
The film builds to an intense peak with Superman engaged in a fierce battle against the Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) and his clone, facing dire stakes for the entire planet. Nevertheless, the true climax emerges in Superman’s confrontation with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor at Luthor’s headquarters. The human Luthor, unable to match Superman physically, resorts to labeling him an “alien” as a derogatory term, which triggers a deeply emotional response in Kal-El.
Superman’s reply is a heartfelt declaration: he acknowledges his imperfections and failures in striving to do good, affirming that those struggles make him as human as anyone else. Featuring a rare display of vulnerability, the hero‘s words challenge Luthor and underscore his love for humanity and desire for connection rather than dominance. This nuanced portrayal highlights Clark Kent’s longing to belong and empathize with people instead of simply showcasing his Kryptonian strength.
This interpretation of Superman fundamentally contrasts with previous versions. Unlike Zack Snyder’s portrayal of Superman as a godlike figure burdened by resentment towards humanity, Gunn’s hero embraces compassion openly. It also diverges from the depiction in Superman Returns, where Superman remains distant and elevated beyond human reach, observing Lois Lane from afar. Gunn’s version surpasses even Christopher Reeve’s classic Superman, who, although emotionally connected, still maintained his alien separation. Here, Superman’s yearning for humanity makes Luthor’s accusation sting on an emotional level, emphasizing a uniquely human pain beyond the physical wounds he endures.
Behind the Scenes: A Director-Actor Discussion on Humanity
The film‘s climactic speech sparked a notable moment off-camera as well. A behind-the-scenes glimpse revealed a creative tension between James Gunn and David Corenswet, the actor portraying Superman. Corenswet expressed confusion about Superman’s insistence on proving his humanity to Luthor, stating that it seemed like the character was trying to convince others rather than truly knowing who he is.
“trying to prove it still instead of [showing] I really know it.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
This admission inspired Gunn to take a direct approach with Corenswet, emphasizing the complexity of Superman’s emotional state. Gunn explained that having mixed feelings and not fully understanding them is a very human experience, validating the hero’s inner struggle.
“There are feelings and there are thoughts. Your feelings about feeling bad are okay. It’s not wrong for you to feel that way.”
—James Gunn, Director
This conversation reveals Gunn’s commitment to portraying Superman as a multidimensional person rather than an archetypal, infallible hero. It highlights the emotional realism embedded in the story, where even superheroes face confusion and hurt.
The Challenge of Redefining a Superhero
Many fans find it difficult to accept such emotional uncertainty in Superman during critical moments, preferring a display of confidence and strength when faced with evil. The tension between viewer expectations and Gunn’s interpretation fuels ongoing debates about what makes a hero compelling. While some argue that a vulnerable Superman risks undermining his status, many agree that an invincible, flawless hero lacks depth and limits engaging storytelling.
Gunn’s solution strikes a balance by preserving Superman’s physical resilience yet placing greater emphasis on his emotional sensitivity. This human vulnerability does not weaken him but instead enriches the character, making his heroism resonate more deeply with audiences. His care for those around him becomes the true measure of his strength, distinguishing him from countless other superheroes who rely solely on brute force or invulnerability.
Continuing the Conversation About Superman’s Legacy
The lively discussion around James Gunn’s take shows that Superman remains a character open to reinterpretation, capable of reflecting different values and ideas across generations. As the film introduces a more humanized Man of Steel, it challenges traditional notions of what makes a superhero worthy of admiration.
By presenting vulnerability as a core trait, Gunn’s Superman emphasizes the importance of kindness, empathy, and the courage it takes to confront not just external villains but internal conflict. This portrayal suggests that true heroism lies in the willingness to be open and flawed, which may redefine how audiences connect with future incarnations of the character.
Ultimately, James Gunn’s Superman is not only a physically powerful figure but a deeply feeling individual who struggles to fit into the world he cherishes. His emotional depth and vulnerability mark a significant evolution, offering a superhero story that is as much about human connection as it is about saving the planet.
