Superman, the movie, and the parallels
I just wanted to talk about this because it’s really funny to me how Superman, both as a character and as a film, faces the same uphill battle. In the story, he’ll carry the burden of being the “good guy” in a world that already has heroes and favors those who are darker and grittier. Many see him as outdated, unwilling to believe he can shine or do what’s necessary. Likewise, the Superman movie will come out in an age where superhero movies are common and outdone too. It bears the entire weight of the DCU’s future—if it fails, the universe may never take off. The general audience are skeptical of this new iteration too, and some prefer Zack Snyder’s version or the more, grittier and “realistic” heroes of The Boys and Invincible. A lot of people don’t believe a Superman who is a boy scout is a good idea anymore. Just as Superman has to prove his worth in a world that doubts him, the film must too convince audiences in an era where superhero fatigue is setting in. The movie and the character both are the embodiment of Superman.