Superman is perhaps the most famous of comic book hero having first appeared in 1938. He then was the star of a popular 1950s television series and the subject in two movie franchises – the first beginning in the 1970s. With this latest film the baton is passed from Henry Cavill to David Corenswet.
Given the rather predictable plot elements of superhero flicks, each new film has to bring something a little different from its predecessors. As with the new lead actor, all the other main roles are played by newcomers to the Superman franchise. In addition, Superman has a new team assisting him: The Justice Gang comprising: The Green Lantern, Mr Terrific and Hawkgirl. In addition, a further alien character Metamorpho appears who looks like he’s going to join the Superman team.
‘Superman’ directed by James Gunn, 2025.
The movie also injects a few comic elements, specifically Superman’s pet dog Krypto. This is a white canine in a red cape presumably from his home planet. It is not until the end of the movie that we learn how he came about this super pet – information hinting at yet another sequel.
The superhero assistants also add to the comic element. Mr Terrific is an IT whizz who can solve any intergalactic transport puzzle. While he looks and acts the part of a Marvel Superhero, The Green Lantern is far removed from this ideal. For one thing, he sports a haircut that resembles the characters in Magda Szubanski’s latest TV commercial. Clearly this character is poking fun at the superhero ethos.
These comic elements are interspersed into a much grimmer scenario which seems to reflect something of our contemporary world. In this film Superman’s loyalty and patriotism is questioned when he becomes involved in stopping a mythical country invading a militarily weaker neighbour. (Sound familiar?).
Naturally all this international strife is being manipulated by his arch nemesis Lex Luthor. Nicholas Hoult is brilliant in this role – his shaven head enhancing his sinister presence. As expected, he is cruel, ruthless, and above all obsessed with destroying the caped crusader. Luthor’s deception, technocratic skills and massive wealth give him the ability to manipulate governments to do his bidding. (Is this another disturbing nod to contemporary politics where one ‘disturbed’ individual has far too much power?).
‘Superman’ directed by James Gunn, 2025.
Luthor’s evil machinations cause all sorts of problems for our hero. For the first time we see Superman arrested and trotted away in handcuffs. More than once he comes close to death and not just by kryptonite. He even gets to meet his equal in terms of super human strength.
In the unravelling of the story, it seems that the writers have borrowed a few sci-fi ideas from Star Trek and Dr Who with the glimpses of Black Holes and alternate universes. Inevitably this enhances the film’s impressive visuals and energetic pace. These new elements to the predictable plot line have no doubt contributed to the box office success of this latest instalment in the Superman saga.
On a more intimate level, it seems that the famous liaison between Lois Lane and Clarke Kent is getting more ‘serious’. More worryingly, an increasing number of characters are now aware of Clarke’s Kent’s real identity. (But then this character is approaching 90 so it is to be expected).
Finally there is an end-of-credit sequence but it doesn’t hint at the next sequel so you don’t have to wait until the very end of all those names and professional trades and titles.
Superman flies again!