The recent release of Superman has ignited passionate debates among fans, particularly regarding a significant twist in Clark Kent’s origin story. Unlike previous narratives that focused on his escape from Krypton’s demise, this latest adaptation reveals a more complex motive. Jor-El and Lara, Superman’s biological parents, send him not just to escape destruction, but as a last hope to save their race, positioning him to potentially dominate the human race.
Unbeknownst to Clark, crucial parts of the message from his parents are lost, leading him to believe that he was solely sent to do good. However, Lex Luthor unearths the darker elements of their message and broadcasts them, turning public sentiment against Superman. This scheme triggers a minor existential crisis for Clark, who grapples with the dissonance between his heroic intentions and the newly revealed motivations of his parents.
This plot twist has stirred significant controversy, with some audiences speculating that Lex manipulated the message. In a candid discussion on Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz, James Gunn, the film’s director, responded, “How can someone not think it’s real?” He elaborated that test audience reactions indicated skepticism about the authenticity of the recovered footage, hinting at potential AI manipulation. Gunn reinforces its legitimacy by weaving in dialogue from powerful characters like Mr. Terrific and the Secretary of Defense, both attesting to the message’s authenticity.
“In the movie […] Mr. Terrific says, ‘I know those computer forensics guys. There’s no way.’ That’s Mr. Terrific. Smart as Lex Luthor. Then I have my Secretary of Defense say, ‘I think whatever you think about Luthor, but it’s real.’ And then the clincher is that Gurkos and Lex are walking together, right? And you know, Gurkos says, ‘Ah, you doctored the message. This is great.’ And Lex says, ‘It’s not a message. You know, it’s not doctor. It’s real. And who thought his own parents would be the ones to bring him down?’”
While the notion of Jor-El harboring a sinister agenda is not entirely new, this bold choice by Gunn adds complexity to the character. Interestingly, he suggests that this revelation may not carry significant weight in future DC Universe films, stating, “Honestly, I think he deals with it in this story pretty much.”
For Gunn, Superman is “about a guy who’s doing things he thinks for reasons outside of himself,” yet ultimately discovers through parental love that it’s his own convictions driving him. Clark’s journey of self-discovery is pivotal; he realizes his choices stem not from Kryptonian expectations but from an intrinsic desire to help others.
Though the altered backstory has sparked debate, it finds its footing within the context of Gunn’s vision. This Superman champions kindness and moral integrity, with Clark’s internal struggles reflecting his choice to rise above his Kryptonian lineage. Ultimately, the film portrays a hero who embodies compassion amid adversity, emphasizing that his heroic journey is defined by choices rooted in his beliefs rather than his origins.
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