Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for James Gunn’s Superman
James Gunn’sSupermanis finally in theaters, introducing audiences to a brand-new Superman for the newDCU. Played by David Corenswet, the Superman we see in Gunn’s new movie is pretty different compared to Henry Cavill’s Superman who debuted in Zack Snyder’sMan of Steel. While both Kryptonian heroes are iconic, there are some big differences between how they’re depicted on-screen.
Released in 2013, Zack Snyder’sMan of Steelwas the first movie in the DCEU, the previous cinematic universe that officially came to an end in 2023. Similarly,James Gunn’sSupermanis the DCU’s first live-action movie, kicking off the brand-new universe.That said, here are some of the biggest differences between James Gunn’sSupermanand Zack Snyder’sMan of Steel.
11Snyder’s Man of Steel Is A God-Like Savior
Changing The Status Quo With A Realistic Global Reaction
In 2013’sMan of Steel, and subsequent appearances from Henry Cavill’s Kal-El in the DCEU,Superman was very much depicted as a godly, almost Christ-like savior. An alien hero who shifted humanity’s entire way of thinking, Cavill’s Superman was depicted as this otherworldly being who was very positioned apart. Wielding immense power, Superman ultimately sacrificed himself to save the world, despite all the controversy against him.
While still representing hope as any Superman depiction should, Snyder’s Man of Steel was a lot more grounded while being more realistically presented as a near-deity. However, this did mean that some of Superman’s humanity seen in the original comics was less of a focus in the DCEU.
10James Gunn’s Superman Has A Lot More Humanity
He’s A Lot More Relatable (Rather Than Being Set Apart)
Conversely, Corenswet’s Superman is incredibly human at his core, despite all his great Kryptonian power. A more accurate take on the character in relation to the comics, James Gunn’s depiction of Superman values all life. At one point, he even goes out of his way to save a squirrel, while also wanting to find a way to stop a massive kaiju from destroying Metropolis without killing it.
María Gabriela De Faría
Angela Spica/The Engineer
A core theme in James Gunn’s movie isCorenswet’s Superman affirming that his greatest strength is his humanity, the result of his Earthly upbringing. While he may be from Krypton, he’s just as human as anyone else. As such, it may be the biggest difference between these two live-action depictions of Superman.
9As The First Movie In A Universe, Gunn’s Superman Movie Is A Lot More Expansive
An Established DCU With Multiple Metas
In Zack Snyder’sSuperman, the first DCEU movie is singularly focused on Superman as its sole superhero.Conversely, James Gunn’sSupermanintroduces audiences to a DCU that’s already well-established. Superman is still the lead, though he’s also joined by other heroes like the Justice Gang, Metamorpho,and even Supergirl ahead of her own DCU movie. BecauseSupermanisn’t an origin story, the movie has a lot more freedom to show off a fleshed-out world.
8James Gunn’s Superman Is Less Connected To Origins/Krypton
We Only See A Bit Of Kal-El’s Past/Heritage
In James Gunn’sSuperman, the only glimpse we get to see of Kal-El’s Kryptonian heritage is the holographic message from his parents, Joe-El and Lara. Again, Gunn’sSupermanis not an origin story. There are no opening scenes on Krypton before its destruction, nor baby Kal-El being sent in a rocket to Earth.
That said, Snyder’sMan of Steelspends a good chunk of time on Krypton. Snyder depicts a fascinating look at the alien civilization and Jor-El’s conflict with both the planet’s leadership and General Zod. Likewise, Jor-El’s artificial consciousness plays an ongoing role throughout 2013’sMan of Steel.
7While Snyder’s Man of Steel Strives For Realism, Gunn’s Superman Is A Comic Come To Life
A Pretty Big Difference Between The Two Versions
There’s nothing wrong with Snyder’s more realistic take on Superman and how the world would most likely react to a being of such great power. However, James Gunn’sSupermanfeels so much more like the comics' Superman.Featuring multiple allies and foes, massive monsters, pocket universes, and even Krypto the Superdog, Gunn’sSupermanis very much a comic book brought to life, and a lot more colorful.
6Clark Kent Is A Lot More Important In James Gunn’s Superman
We Get To Spend Some Good Time With Clark
Clark Kent also gets a lot more focus in Gunn’sSupermancompared to Snyder’sMan of Steel. In the 2013 movie, Clark Kent is only really shown as a child via flashbacks. As an adult, Clark’s first day at The Daily Planet is what closes the first DCEU movie, meaning we don’t actually get to see Superman’s secret identity in his element. Thankfully, this is something Gunn’sSupermancorrects.
5Gunn’s Superman Dives Straight Into A Lex Luthor Story
Man of Steel Opened With General Zod
Another key difference between the two movies is that Gunn’sSupermanjumps right in with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor as the main antagonist. General Zod served as the main villain inMan of Steel, withJesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthorbeing saved for 2016’sBatman v Superman. Who knows? Perhaps the DCU will flip with General Zod as a sequel villain (which would make it more like the original Donner movies).
4Pa Kent Doesn’t Die In James Gunn’s Superman
Also A Difference With Donner’s Superman: The Movie
InMan of Steel,Jonathan Kent dies trying to get his neighbors to safetyin the face of an incoming tornado, unwilling to let his son save him and expose his powers. Similarly, Pa Kent also dies in 1978’sSuperman: The Movie.However, Clark Kent’s father doesn’t die in Gunn’sSuperman, instead sharing a heartwarming moment with his son ahead of the movie’s third act.
3Clark & Lois Are Already An Item in James Gunn’s Superman
Man of Steel Was Very Much The Beginning
In Snyder’sMan of Steel,Superman encounters Amy Adams' Lois Lane for the first time. Likewise, the two aren’t exactly an official couple by the movie’s end. That doesn’t happen untilBatman v Superman, where Clark is intending to propose (the bulk of their relationship happening off-screen).
In Gunn’sSuperman, Lois and Clark are a few weeks into their relationship. Things are still fairly new, and they’re both still trying to figure out if their relationship can work. As such, the movie ends with their romance being further developed and even cemented for the long term.
2Gunn’s Superman Knows He’s Not Krypton’s Only Survivor
Snyder’s Kal-El Thought He Was All Alone
At the beginning of 2013’sMan of Steel, Kal-El thought he was alone while discovering his Kryptonian heritage for the first time. Eventually, he encounters Zod and his fellow Kryptonian criminals, though they’re all destroyed. In Gunn’sSuperman, Corenswet’s Kal-El already knows he’s not alone, havingKrypto the Superdogtemporarily living in his fortress, and his cousin Supergirl, who shows up at the movie’s end.
