Even the legendary Grant Morrison, the mind behind the iconic All-Star Superman, has some strong feelings about James Gunn's latest take on the Man of Steel! It's a tale as old as time: a beloved character gets a fresh interpretation, and the fans – and creators who shaped him – have a lot to say. While many cheered for David Corenswet's debut as Superman, Morrison found himself in a whirlwind of both admiration and a touch of frustration.
Gunn's vision for Superman, a lighter and more optimistic hero, has been a breath of fresh air for audiences tired of the recent trend of dark and gritty superhero sagas. Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent as earnest and hopeful resonated deeply, grounding the film in a way that felt both familiar and new. Morrison himself even hailed it as potentially the best Superman movie to date! But, as with any masterpiece, there are nuances that catch the eye of a seasoned artist.
Speaking on the Half the Picture podcast, Morrison elaborated on what didn't quite hit the mark for him. He explained that while the film captures the essence of Superman remarkably well, certain directorial choices left him pondering. "I had a few things I didn't like about it," Morrison admitted. "[James] made specific choices that I think were made for dramatic reasons that were understandable in order to make him seem more relatable, he had him getting beaten up an awful lot. I want to see him stop getting beaten up and fight back.”
But here's where it gets controversial: For Morrison, seeing Superman constantly battered and bruised detracts from his almost mythical stature. He believes that making Superman too vulnerable, too often, diminishes the very qualities that make him extraordinary. The idea of relatability, in his view, shouldn't hinge on him absorbing a relentless barrage of punches.
Another significant point of contention for Morrison was the film's reinterpretation of Superman's Kryptonian heritage. Instead of the classic narrative of a benevolent civilization lost to time, Gunn's film, echoing Invincible, suggests a darker truth: Krypton's legacy wasn't as pure as Clark believed, and his original purpose might have been more sinister.
"I didn't like it because I prefer it when Krypton's this lost utopia," Morrison explained. "I like the idea that there was something amazing, and nature just wiped it out. Their own lack of attention to detail allowed them to be wiped out. I think there's something much more poignant about that.”
And this is the part most people miss: This shift in backstory, for Morrison, fundamentally alters Superman's moral compass. The notion that Clark's core ethics could be shaken by revelations about his home planet felt like a betrayal of the character's unwavering principles. "The thing I found almost upsetting in it was that it felt like Superman's morality was quite fragile. It was just based on this wish-fulfilment bullshit.”
Despite these critiques, the film managed to win Morrison back over by its conclusion. The climactic scene, where Superman stands resolute against a defeated Lex Luthor, served as a powerful reminder of the character's unyielding moral core. "They put him in a position where I was concerned that he would break down, lose his compass. The fact that he didn't was just nice to see." This moment underscored the enduring power of Superman's commitment to compassion and restraint, even in the face of immense pressure.
With James Gunn clearly charting a course for new thematic explorations for Superman, the future promises even more intriguing developments. The upcoming Man of Tomorrow, slated for release on July 9, 2027, is set to explore a complex dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor, and will also introduce the cosmic threat of Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger, hinting at an even grander scale for the saga.
Now, I'm curious to hear your thoughts! Do you agree with Grant Morrison's critique that Superman shouldn't be beaten up so much, or do you think vulnerability makes him more relatable? And what do you make of the darker twist on Krypton's history – does it enhance the story, or undermine Superman's inherent goodness? Let me know in the comments below!
