Superman’s Shadow: Why We Need to Chill Out About James Gunn’s Reboot
The anticipation surrounding James Gunn’s Superman movie is palpable. It’s been a year since the announcement of a younger, fresh take on the character, leaving behind Henry Cavill’s portrayal. Set photos of David Corenswet in the iconic suit alongside new heroes like Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl are flooding the internet, fueling a frenzy of online discussion. But amidst the excitement, a sense of hyper-expectation is brewing, an almost desperate desire for this film to be the perfect antidote to the recent superhero slump.
The truth is, we’ve been here before. Warner Bros. has repeatedly struggled to find the right formula for a Superman movie following the divisive reception of Man of Steel. The DCEU never truly solidified its identity, leaving the Last Son of Krypton as a supporting player instead of the leading man he deserves to be. Cavill’s return in Black Adam, once a beacon of hope for fans, was ultimately cut short by Dwayne Johnson’s power play, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of many.
The legacy of Superman is further complicated by the rise of anti-hero narratives in popular culture. The success of Injustice, a game series featuring a morally gray Superman, popularized the idea of a corrupted, evil version of the iconic hero. Shows like The Boys and Invincible capitalize on this trope, showcasing Superman-esque figures like Homelander and Omni-Man as frightening representations of power gone wrong. Even Gunn himself dabbled in this dark take with his 2019 film Brightburn.
This cultural shift has created a paradox for Superman, making even relatively grounded shows like Superman & Lois and My Adventures with Superman feel like daring departures from the norm. The expectation of darkness and moral ambiguity weighs heavily on any new interpretation, creating a sense that only a radical departure from tradition can truly succeed.
Unfortunately, 2023 was a rough year for superhero films, with both DC and Marvel releases failing to meet expectations. This has fueled a conversation about the future of the genre, with many questioning whether it can maintain its position as the dominant force in Hollywood. This uncertainty has further amplified the pressure on Gunn’s Superman, making it the flagship film of a nascent DCU, one that must succeed if Warner Bros. wants to re-establish its footing in the superhero landscape.
This "all or nothing" mentality is dangerous, however. We’ve been down this road before, where the overhyping of a film inevitably leads to disappointment. In the 2010s, we saw studios and fans alike succumb to this phenomenon, only to find themselves facing a wave of toxic fandom and unrealistic expectations.
The upcoming Superman is essentially a blank slate, a chance to tell fresh, engaging stories about the character without the burden of previous continuity. Instead of clinging to the past or seeking out the most radical interpretation, we should treat this film as simply a new installment in the long and rich history of Superman.
We should embrace the opportunity to witness a new portrayal of the character, with David Corenswet stepping into the iconic red cape. The film’s focus on a younger, more relatable Superman promises to be a refreshing take, exploring themes of identity, purpose, and responsibility in a contemporary context.
Ultimately, the future of the DCU, and of Superman himself, is not contingent on this one film. Instead of projecting our hopes and anxieties onto this upcoming release, let’s approach it with open minds and a sense of anticipation, rather than a desperation for validation.
After all, the true power of Superman, just like the character himself, lies in his ability to inspire hope and remind us of the good that exists in the world. Let’s not let the weight of expectation suffocate that potential, and instead, allow ourselves to be captivated by the new stories and possibilities that James Gunn has promised to bring to the big screen.
