Recently, DC Studios released the next trailer for Superman, the first live-action blockbuster of the new DC cinematic universe (DCU) helmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran. This film will not focus on the origins of Superman—a story that has been told many times in various adaptations. Instead, Superman will delve deep into the human side, the emotional aspects of Clark Kent, while highlighting the symbolic meaning of this superhero: hope.
While it may not be clear whether this is due to certain reasons, in the new trailer released by DC Studios, we can see Superman consistently encountering “hardships” and facing many challenges, even from close allies. He struggles with Lois Lane’s expectations as his actions stem from the inherent vulnerabilities of his own humanity; he is pursued by General Waller and Rick Flag Jr.—the director of ARGUS (a research group on superhuman entities)—as they chase and confront the looming threat of Lex Luthor, who has shattered the Phantom Zone, ostensibly to cover up and avoid his battles.
In one scene, Superman even appears to be caught off guard and “under heavy pressure,” which he cannot resist. This aspect is not only emphasized in the first trailer released about four months ago; Superman also appears in a vulnerable form, needing the assistance of his loyal companion, Krypto, to retreat from the Phantom Zone.
All these elements raise the question for many viewers: Why does a character as powerful as Superman appear to struggle so much in the first project of the DCU?
James Gunn aims to create a different Superman for the DCU compared to previous versions
In the comic book universe, Superman embodies the definition of a standard superhero. This character does not only possess immense superhuman strength that is hard to compare, but also has a profound moral compass, operating under high ethical principles, bringing clear hope about the fact that goodness always prevails over evil.
However, over time, the strongest and best traits of Superman have turned him into a barrier, making it difficult to exploit this character in various comic series or film projects where other characters take center stage. Superman is too powerful, symbolically elevated, and can easily “solve” things, but his portrayal often leads to boredom, diminishing the narrative’s tension. Justice League (2017) is a clear example of this, as the entire team faced significant challenges against a mighty Steppenwolf until Superman resurrected. Even the character’s significant weakness, Kryptonite, also became familiar and predictable, reducing its impact for the audience.
Therefore, it can be understood why DC Studios and James Gunn decided to “nerf” Superman slightly, or more accurately, delve deeper into the emotional layers of this character. By doing so, not only will his portrayal be more relatable, but also other superheroes like Green Lantern or the Justice League could shine in their own right. Compared to an invincible Superman, who possesses near-absolute strength, exploring a version of Superman who needs to be vulnerable and requires help from other characters will certainly elevate expectations significantly.
This is also a major distinguishing point of Superman in the DCU compared to many previous versions that have appeared on the big screen.
The deeper meaning behind the portrayal of a vulnerable Superman in the DCU
James Gunn has sparked curiosity among audiences by presenting a new version of Superman that is not easily defined, with a raw and somewhat bloody essence that has yet to be seen. The portrayal of a superhero like Superman should not only be about physical strength but should also delve into the mental struggles of any human being.
Sharing about this decision, Gunn stated: “Indeed, we will witness a Superman who is quite ‘vulnerable’ right from the beginning of the film. That is the nature of our home (the United States). I always believe in the goodness of humanity, and I believe that humanity can be good, regardless of how cynical or critical society may seem. This is also the core message of this film: The goodness inherent in humanity, which may sometimes be overshadowed by the belief that evil prevails.”
The latest trailer also reflects Gunn’s philosophy in producing Superman. Clark Kent, too, is a human being, experiencing many complex emotions, often facing serious struggles. He even seems to become a “thorn” in the eyes of authority figures, or is viewed as a human being through Lex Luthor’s perspective. Despite all the difficulties he faces, Superman always maintains his inherent compassion, ready to sacrifice himself to protect justice. The “nerfing” of Superman will further clarify his goodness and vulnerabilities, making him more relatable and impactful.
Source: ScreenRant
