James Gunn’sSupermanmovie has hit theaters, and the movie has received plenty of positive reviews and word-of-mouth, in large part thanks to Gunn’s script and Corenswet’s performance. The film provides audiences with an earnest and joyous interpretation of the iconic superhero, who has long been portrayed through a much more cynical lens in past projects such as Snyder’s DCEU and theInjusticecomics and video games. Now, Gunn has provided some interesting new commentary on the character, addressing one of the biggest points of discussion surrounding Superman’s willingness (or lack thereof) to take a life.
In an interview with Wired, James Gunn, David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), andNicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor)took turns answering questions people had about Superman on the internet. One question asked why Superman doesn’t kill, something that has always been debated with similar DC heroes like Batman. Corenswet answered the question first, saying, “I think the main reason is that he sees the good in just about everybody, maybe to a fault. He even sees the good in those trying to do him harm.”
Fans Cannot Agree on One Controversial ‘Superman’ Moment That “Goes Against” the Man of Steel’s Code
James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ has been gaining strong reviews, but has still caused several online debates.
James Gunn had his own interesting take, saying, “I believe that he believes in a basic right to life. I think that it’s just not in him. But I’m also not a purist in that respect. I think that if, for instance, he had to kill to protect somebody’s life, he would probably do that. Even though it’d be hard for him.” Interestingly, the exact situation that Gunn describes that would push Superman into taking a life is exactly what happened in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.
James Gunn’s Philosophy on Superman Surprisingly Matches Zack Snyder’s Take
While some Zack Snyder-purists online have been sure to disown Gunn’s iteration ofSupermanand his work at DC Studios, it seems that the filmmaker doesn’t necessarily disagree with how Snyder handled the character in 2013’sMan of Steel. The end of the film sawSuperman (Henry Cavill)forced to kill Zod (Michael Shannon) as he was seconds away from killing an innocent family. This story beat was controversial upon release, with some fans also not believing that it was something Superman would do.
However, the latest comments from Gunn suggest that it is something that even Corenswet’s Superman could be forced to do. Making the decision to kill Zod inMan of Steelnow seems less hasty from the perspective of another filmmaker. The latestSupermanmovie showcases the titular hero trying to save every life possible, providing a refreshing change of pace to what’s been shown in other recent superhero outings that are more focused on catastrophic super-powered fights. Now, all that remains to be seen is whether a future installment will put this new version of the Man of Steel in a position where he has to make a morally difficult choice.
Gunn’s comments about now being a “purist” when it comes to Superman taking a life might surprise Snyder fans online, with some even saying that this new version of the character lacked “gravitas.” Moreover, the fact that Gunn is not completely shutting down the possibility of Superman killing someone in order to protect everyone else just further demonstrates his ability to explore any character development for the sake of a good story and not box himself in creatively.
Source:Wired
Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the first movie in Warner Bros.' rebooted DC Universe to center around the titular comic book hero. It introduces a new version of the Man of Steel after Henry Cavill’s departure from the role, honoring the character’s roots as “the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.”
