“Man of Steel” writer David S. Goyer has weighed in on James Gunn’s new “Superman” film, offering high praise for the fresh take on the iconic character while drawing thoughtful comparisons to his own work on darker superhero films.
A Different Superman for Different Times
In a recent interview with Cinemablend.com, Goyer reflected on how superhero interpretations evolve with the times. “Each generation gets the Superman they need,” he explained, acknowledging the shift from his grittier approach in “Man of Steel” to Gunn’s more optimistic vision.
“It felt like the pendulum with Man of Steel, obviously that was a much darker grounded version, and, and we’re in a very different place, and I love that just the tagline that ‘Kindness is punk rock,'” Goyer noted, embracing the tonal departure from his 2013 film.
High Praise for David Corenswet and Surprising Characters
Goyer was particularly impressed with the new Superman’s leading man and some unexpected character choices. “I think that [David] Corenswet is incredibly appealing. I never would have thought to use Krypto, and Krypto was delightful,” he shared.
The veteran writer also highlighted supporting characters that resonated with him personally, particularly Mr. Terrific, a character he helped develop in the comics. “I think the guy that stole the show was Mr. Terrific, who Geoff Johns and I basically turned into a real character in the Justice Society. So I was thrilled, I thought Mr. Terrific was awesome.”
Celebrating DC’s Deep Bench
Goyer expressed enthusiasm for Gunn’s willingness to showcase lesser-known DC characters, saying: “I love seeing a live action Metamorpho, and those are the kind of things that James Gunn can get away with, and God bless him because I love all these those weird quirky tertiary DC characters.”
The Dark Knight Analogy
Drawing from his experience writing “The Dark Knight” trilogy, Goyer made a compelling point about creative interpretation. “People always assume that because I did The Dark Knight, I wouldn’t like The Batman, but I really enjoyed it,” he explained, emphasizing that creators can appreciate different takes on characters they’ve previously worked with.
The positive reception from Goyer—who helped launch the DC Extended Universe with “Man of Steel”—shows that Gunn’s “Superman” successfully captures what audiences need from the character in today’s cultural moment, proving that there’s room for different interpretations in the superhero genre.
What Goyer had to say pretty much lines up with my way of thinking. Which is why I find it fairly aggravating that so many people can’t show a bit of grace in the other direction. It’s fair enough if Man of Steel wasn’t the Superman movie you wanted or didn’t represent your idealised or preferred take on the character. However too many people completely dismiss that movie with a complete lack of nuance. Saying things like “Superman never saved anyone” or Zack Snyder’s Superman doesn’t care about people. Also calling him “Murderman” mainly for killing Zod when the fact… Read more »