Superman is the ultimate superhero. Regardless of personal preferences, Superman cemented the superhero archetype in 1938, and through his sustained popularity, he has become an internationally recognized icon. Yet, this flagship DC Comics character has struggled on the big screen. Man of Steel (2013) was the last solo Superman movie, and despite some positive highlights, Henry Cavil’s portrayal of Clark Kent and the overall tone left many mixed. Of course, Zack Snyder can do whatever he wants with Superman, but it feels odd that the current mainstream version of Superman is one that deconstructs and questions his core characteristics.
For a new Superman movie, the temptation is to recreate Richard Donner’s first Superman: The Movie (1979). There, Christopher Reeve encapsulated the cornfed sincerity of both bumbling Clark Kent and smiling Superman. Superman: The Movie holds up wonderfully in many ways, especially Clark’s romance with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), but it’s undoubtedly a product of its ‘70s era and many other aspects (including its goofy streak and bonkers time-travel ending) have aged poorly.
Superman should not just be a nostalgic re-tread of the past. This is what Superman Returns (2006) did, and although that film has its high-points, it is trapped in reverential awe of its predecessors instead of taking new steps forward. There must be a suitable compromise between such old-fashioned sensibility and Snyder’s dark and gritty outlook, a way of innovating Superman while remaining loyal to his foundations.
But there is hope for Superman fans. On the CW, Superman & Lois has the Last Son of Krypton (Tyler Hoechlin) raising his children with big-hearted optimism. And acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates is attached to a new Superman feature. Alongside being an accomplished author and essayist, Coates has also worked with Marvel Comics on Black Panther and is currently concluding a run on Captain America. As with that series, Coates undoubtedly has big ideas of what an American icon like Superman ought to represent in today’s society. Whatever road Coates takes Superman down, including potentially changing his race, here are some humble suggestions of what a new Superman film could use.
Smallville had a show named after it, but Metropolis is the recognized city of Superman, acquiring a character of its own in the comics as the “City of Tomorrow.” Yet in cinematic adaptations, Metropolis has been an indistinct backdrop. Christopher Reeve’s Superman films made Metropolis essentially the same as New York City, down to including the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks. Man of Steel reduced Metropolis to rubble in its climax, and it remained forgettable in Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2019). Superman Returns actually provided the most personality, a mixture of 1930s art-deco and modern-day New York, but the stylization was still lacking.
Compare this with DC’s other famous city, Gotham. Anton Furst won an Academy Award for his neo-Gothic production design on Batman (1989), director Tim Burton calling it if “hell burst through the pavement and grew.” Gotham in Burton’s films is exaggerated and stylized, adding to the brooding, semi-monstrous atmosphere of those films. Similarly, Joel Schumacher’s far gaudier iteration of Gotham in Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) features neon buildings and gigantic statues, with production designer Barbara Ling calling it “like a World’s Fair on ecstasy.” Even the more “grounded” Dark Knight Trilogy by Christopher Nolan made Gotham a sleek modernist city based on Chicago, whom all the villains try to “take over” in their battles against Batman (Christian Bale).
Metropolis should follow Gotham’s model, not in form but in function. Every version of Gotham feels like a reflection of that Batman and its tone, so Metropolis should similarly reflect the “Man of Tomorrow” with an optimistic and forward-looking set design. Superman is a fantastical character, and a location that reflects that ambition and positive personality would go a long in building the groundwork for the film’s overall atmosphere.
Superman can easily be viewed as some detached deity, benevolently saving humanity from above. But the best Superman stories understand his strength comes from such humanity, and he protects them not out of “duty” or “destiny,” but because he genuinely treasures them. This faith in humanity becomes lost when Superman seems disillusioned with those he rescues, as in Batman v Superman, or even the random acts of kindness he performs (like getting a cat out of a tree) in Superman: The Movie.
One remedy is to bolster the interactions Superman has with his supporting cast. Reshoots to Justice League (2017) had Superman talking to some kids in the opening, but more meaningful interactions could be embedded within his own story. Clark Kent connecting with the Daily Planet staff – aside from Lois Lane – could demonstrate his attachment to his “adopted planet,” alongside other human allies like Professor Emil Hamilton or detective Maggie Sawyer.
The DCEU has given lip-service that Superman was a “symbol of hope,” but this was rarely reflected in the actual text. A significant supporting cast around Superman could showcase his societal and inspirational impact. Plus, although a solo Superman film shouldn’t become overstuffed with other superheroes, figures like Steel or the Legion of Superheroes could embody the enduring legacy that Superman has created.
Over his past 80-plus year history, Superman has picked up an expansive and varied rogue’s gallery. Yet in the movies, he has only faced variations of Lex Luthor and evil Kryptonians. Antagonists like Doomsday and Steppenwolf present a bland physical threat, without being particularly interesting to watch. A new Superman film, particularly with modern special effects, should spice up the villains Superman faces and how their battles operate.
Brainiac is an obvious choice, being a classic villain that creates an intellectual threat to Superman, while his alien “anthropological” tendency to miniaturize and collect civilizations darkly contrasts Superman living amongst them. Bizarro is another interesting choice, as despite being another Superman “double,” Bizarro’s misguided motivations and backward-thinking create a unique opponent for Superman to encounter, and perhaps even reason with, instead of simply defeat. Similarly, the fifth-dimensional imp Mister Mxyzptlk has near-omnipotent powers and is someone Superman would need to outwit instead of physically beat (maybe similar to Dormammu in Doctor Strange (2016)).
Even if there had to be a physical confrontation, there are still plenty of fresh options. Toyman, for instance, could leave a series of challenges for Superman to solve, but is not above getting into a giant robot. Likewise, including Titano the Super-Ape would give Superman the opportunity to basically fight King Kong. Superman’s incredible powerset allows him to fight enemies of all shapes and sizes, but beforehand the films have been limited in their technology and imaginations. A dynamic new foe could both meaningfully contribute to the story’s themes, and provide an innovative new obstacle for Superman.
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