When it comes to the portrayal of Superman, few names are as significant as Grant Morrison, the writer behind the iconic All-Star Superman. Recently, he expressed some reservations about James Gunn’s interpretation of the beloved character in the upcoming film. David Corenswet's debut as Superman, showcasing a vibrant and optimistic take on the Last Son of Krypton, is what many fans have been eagerly anticipating. However, Morrison's insights reveal that not everyone shares the same enthusiasm regarding Gunn's direction.
In a candid discussion with Half the Picture, Morrison acknowledged that while he considers this film to be potentially the "best Superman movie yet," it still has its flaws. He stated, "It came close to capturing the essence of what Superman embodies. Yet, I found several aspects that I didn’t quite agree with." Morrison pointed out that Gunn’s creative decisions were likely made to enhance the drama and relatability of the character, but he expressed concern over Superman being subjected to excessive physical confrontations. "I’d like to see him in a position where he isn't constantly getting beaten up; I want to see him take action and fight back against his adversaries," he remarked.
Moreover, Morrison took issue with how the film depicted Clark Kent’s discovery of his heritage. The narrative choice suggested that Superman was sent to Earth to dominate rather than protect it, an idea reminiscent of themes found in another comic series, Invincible. Morrison voiced his preference for portraying Krypton as a once-glorious civilization that fell victim to its own neglect, saying, "I enjoy the notion that Krypton was this lost utopia. The tragedy lies in its beauty and the way nature ultimately led to its destruction. There’s a deeper emotional resonance in that story.”
This reinterpretation of Superman’s origins left Morrison feeling that it compromised the character’s moral integrity. He expressed discomfort at the perceived fragility of Superman’s values, suggesting that they seemed rooted more in fantasy than in solid principles. "What troubled me was the sense that Superman's morality felt quite delicate, almost as if it were built on wishful thinking," he elaborated.
However, Morrison did find redeeming moments in the film, particularly in its climax where Superman delivers an inspiring speech to a defeated Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. "There was a moment in the final act where I genuinely feared he might falter and lose his moral compass, but seeing him stand firm was a refreshing relief." This pivotal scene won Morrison over, showcasing that even in challenging circumstances, Superman could remain steadfast.
As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how Gunn further develops his version of Superman and his longstanding adversary in the anticipated film, Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for release on July 9, 2027. This film will also introduce Brainiac, a character played by Lars Eidinger, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
With all these elements at play, one has to wonder how much creative license should be taken when reimagining such an iconic figure. What do you think? Should characters like Superman evolve with modern storytelling techniques, or should their core attributes remain untouched? Let's dive into this debate—share your thoughts in the comments!
