Pure Break Films Actu published an interview with Chloé Zhao, director of the new Marvel movie “Eternals,” who admitted that Zack Snyder’s version of Superman influenced the character of Ikaris (played by Richard Madden).
In the film, a young boy (Phastos’ son) points to Ikaris and exclaims, “Dad! That’s Superman! With the cape, and you were shooting laser beams out of your eyes.”
The character of Ikaris does possess a number of powers similar to Superman, including super-strength, flight, enhanced senses, invulnerability and heat-vision of sorts.
When asked about Superman’s existence in the Marvel universe, Zhao says that he is “everything you want him to be.”
“In this sequence, he seems to exist in pop culture. But you never know.”
Marvel Studios or President Kevin Feige gave Zhao no pushback over Superman being mentioned in the film, saying that Feige actually found the idea “cool.”
The character of Ikaris is, according to the director, a direct result of Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” (starring Henry Cavill). Zhao said, “Out of all the modern interpretations of Superman, Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel inspired me the most because it covered the myth in a very authentic and real way. I remember when I saw the trailer, I thought it was Superman by Terrence Malick. The film left a huge impression on me. But Ikaris is certainly our own interpretation of Superman.”
You can read the full interview at Pure Break Films Actu.
What’s funny about this, is that I remember reading a magazine a few years back in which a comparison was made with actor Richard Madden for his likeness to Henry Cavill. I don’t remember which magazine though.
This isn’t the first time that Superman was referenced in a Marvel movie though. In Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man film released in 2002, Superman’s name was referenced by Aunt May to Peater Parker by saying” You’re not Superman ya know.” It’s a fun fact. 🙂