Summary
Supermanis already rectifying one of the characterization problems prevalent in the DCEU’s version of the Man of Steel.James Gunn’sSupermanstoryis currently in production, meaning more updates about the film are being revealed daily. Although these updates are coming in the form of set photos and videos, Gunn has insisted that he expected these reveals and would never film anything containing spoilers in the eyes of the public. As such,Superman’s costume and character revealshave been at the forefront of DCU updates of late, adding anticipation to the 2025 film.
Another exciting element of the costume reveals is simply getting to seeSuperman’s cast of charactersassembled as the promise of the DCU becomes more real than ever. Taking the expected spotlight is David Corenswet’s Clark Kent/Superman, as audiences are getting the first look at the figurehead of Gunn’s DC Universe. Already, without seeing official footage from the film,James Gunn’s movie is proving to fix an issue that was found in the DCEU’s version of the Man of Steel, building on a promise from the filmmaker whenSupermanwas first announced.
Who Is David Corenswet? James Gunn’s Superman Actor Explained
David Corenswet has officially been cast as Clark Kent in the DCU’s Superman: Legacy, leading many to wonder about his career up to this point.
Superman Set Photos Show Clark Kent As A Guy Who Simply Wants To Help
Superman’s Interactions With Civilians Stand Out Amid Many Set Photos
Despite the more surface-level reveals of costumes, characters, and sets being exciting, it is what some of the set photos show about the DCU’s Clark Kent as a character that is more important. In the various reveals, Superman is shown as a man who just wants to help people. Corenswet has been snapped interacting with various extras that resemble the people of Metropolis. In these images, it is clear that Superman is saving various people in the DCU, from young children to a small dog.
Another more recent set video shows Superman walking with the film’s other superhero characters through a crowd of people. The children of the crowd rush forward, completely ignoring heroes like Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Guy Gardner. They surround Superman as he interacts with the children of Metropolis, whileother set photos show Corenswet’s Clark lifting the children and carrying them for a short while. All of this proves that Superman is not an otherworldly alien and that he is just a man from Kansas who wants to help, as evident by his interactions with civilians.
Superman’s Interactions With Civilians Were Slightly Different In The DCEU
These set photos highlight a stark contrast between theDCU Superman and Henry Cavill’s in the DCEU. It is worth noting that Cavill was a fantastic Superman regarding performance and that most of the characterization issues were the fault of the DCEU’s writing teams, not Cavill’s. With that in mind,the depiction of Superman saving lives in the DCEU was always somewhat problematic. One of the only scenes that stands out as a positive interpretation of Superman saving civilians was the oil rig scene inMan of Steel.
Besides that, Superman saving people inMan of SteelandBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicewas always riddled with controversy. The former movie received a great deal of criticism for its final act in which tens of thousands of people died in Superman’s battle against Zod. While this was addressed inBvS,it would have been nice to have Superman be more actively careful about saving civilians while fighting Zod. The only scene in which this happened was again divisive, as Superman had to kill Zod to save a family from destruction.
There was a montage inBatman v Supermanof Clark saving people, yet he never looked joyful or happy to be doing so…
AlthoughBatman v Supermandirectly addressedMan of Steel’s destruction, Clark’s character arc was dour, cold, and emotionless. There was a montage inBatman v Supermanof Clark saving people, yet he never looked joyful or happy to be doing so. It was a noted choice in the script that Superman was becoming disillusioned with the attacks against his character, leading to the incredibly controversial line"No one stays good in this world.“Again, it was the point ofBvSto explore this conflicted version of Superman, but it does not make the fundamental switch from DC Comics any less divisive.
Superman’s Set Photos Prove Gunn’s Promises Were Correct
The Differences Between The DCU & DCEU Superman Prove Gunn’s Assurances Right
Above anything else,Superman’s set photos prove that Gunn’s view of the character will be depicted in the movie. SinceSupermanwas first unveiled, Gunn has insisted that the movie will depict a more classic version of the character. Instead of the version of Superman seen in the DCEU that had his moral code tested regularly, the DCU Superman will be an unwavering pillar of kindness and goodness in theupcoming DCU movie and TV slate.
The Brave and the Bold
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One line used by Gunn to symbolize the DCU’s version of Superman proved this,“He is kindness in a world that thinks kindness is old-fashioned.“More so than anything else, the set photos fromSupermanprove this is being depicted correctly. From helping his fellow heroes to saving children and dogs, and even simply interacting positively with the greater public, the DCU Superman is proving to fix the characterization issues prevalent in the DCEU before the movie has even finished production.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
