Does the World Still Want Superman?

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As a lifelong comic book enthusiast who grew up with Christopher Reeve’s Superman as my guiding light, I must say that this trailer for James Gunn’s Superman has me absolutely buzzing! It’s been quite some time since we’ve had a live-action take on the Man of Steel that truly captured the essence of the character and his world.

There’s a lot of excitement in the air! After much anticipation, James Gunn’s long-awaited Superman trailer has been released, and everyone is gazing expectantly at the sky. As the inaugural live-action film within the DCU, there’s a great deal resting on the success of Superman. Not only does the fate of an entire cinematic universe hinge on this movie, but Gunn faces the challenge of creating a portrayal of the character that has connected with audiences since 1978, as many have felt disconnected from previous cinematic representations.

However, it’s evident from the trailer that Superman ’25 is not a reboot of Superman ’78. The reimagined theme music by John Murphy infuses fresh energy into the Superman character, implying that Superman remains true to his traditional themes while also continuously adapting and growing as a symbol, much like an electric current flowing through our world.

From the trailer, it’s clear that there are some darker aspects at play. Contrary to the emphasis on hope in Warner Bros. Discovery’s press release and James Gunn’s intention to reintroduce optimism into Superman, the teaser suggests a gritty portrayal of the world. In an unexpected twist, the trailer doesn’t begin with the traditional image of a cheerful Superman, but rather shows him falling from the sky and landing in the Arctic, near his Fortress of Solitude. He appears injured, battered, struggling to breathe, and seemingly unable to return home without Krypto’s assistance.

It’s somewhat disconcerting, yet not unpleasant, to listen to Superman labor for breath. This scene serves as a reminder that even Superman can experience pain. A common criticism of Superman by those who are not avid comic readers or have missed out on shows like Superman: The Animated Series and other adaptations is that he’s too powerful and seldom encounters tough physical obstacles. This sneak peek quickly addresses this issue, demonstrating that Superman is indeed physically vulnerable.

In this rendition of Superman, we witness him not only receiving physical blows but also emotional ones. He trudges through a hostile mob that hurls bottles and cans at him while being escorted into Stagg Industries by the police. The burden of the world seems to rest heavily on his shoulders, indicating that Superman is far from universally adored. This portrayal mirrors contemporary America’s struggles and we see our iconic hero at his most vulnerable. Although there appear to be considerable shifts in tone and the incorporation of new comic book aspects compared to past Superman movies, it’s intriguing that the same criticisms about a humorless Superman and his contentious image persist in Gunn’s interpretation.

The question arises: Is it necessary for modern adaptations of Superman to incorporate these particular themes in order to make the story compelling? In 2006, “Superman Returns” explored the idea that the world doesn’t need a Superman, while in 2016, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” questioned whether there should be a Superman at all. The answers suggested that the world does indeed need a Superman and there is one. However, it seems director James Gunn is more concerned with figuring out how to create a desire for a Superman rather than confirming his necessity or existence. This question isn’t just relevant within the film’s universe, but also for moviegoers: given all the superhero movies available, what unique aspects would make us want another Superman film?

In spite of Superman’s visibly injured state, there remains a yearning for dreams and envisioning a world as we wish it to be – a longing that feels particularly strong now. As hinted by snippets from the trailer, Superman saving a young girl, and Superman’s symbol being waved as a banner in the fictional nation of Boravia (originally depicted in Superman #2 from 1939, though its location seems to have been relocated from Europe to the Middle East), there appears to be an underlying message that hope is alive and well among the newer generations.

It’s intriguing to see a character initially designed for a young audience resonating with children once more, particularly given how Superman films from the new millennium have moved towards older viewers. The phrase “Look Up” in the modern Superman tagline echoes the same sense of wonder and childlike curiosity as the ’78 tagline “You’ll Believe A Man Can Fly.

Gunn’s version of Superman is not just about Superman, but a universe filled with numerous other marvels, as suggested by the trailer. Despite being populated with a multitude of characters, which might cause apprehension regarding maintaining focus on Clark, it successfully infuses the movie with a unique comic book essence that was missing in earlier Superman films.

The teaser shows quick glimpses of superheroes Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan). Our first look at the film’s villains includes a brief glimpse of a mysterious, black-clad behemoth in a face mask, and the ever-devious Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) who appears to be brimming with emotion. There’s also a giant monster, that may be connected to the giant purple and green orb in the sky – colors associated with a villain Superman fans have been waiting for decades to see onscreen – Brainiac.

Watching that trailer, the potential action and construction sets surely sparked intrigue, but what truly captivated me was Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark, reminiscent of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s “All-Star Superman” where he donned oversized garments, leaning posture, and a messy mane. In the trailer, I saw Clark embracing a heartfelt moment with his father, Jonathan (Pruitt Taylor Vince), and engaging in numerous scenes with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). The connection between them is palpable from the start.

In simpler terms, the initial glimpse at James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman presents him as an ordinary individual juggling multiple responsibilities, such as work, a pet, and a relationship. He experiences highs and lows, some of which leave him drained physically and emotionally, while others bring him immense joy. The allure of Superman lies in the fact that he embodies our everyday struggles and aspirations – representing the person we are today and the potential we strive to become – the man of tomorrow, living among us today.

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2024-12-19 21:25