*Warning – this article contains major spoilers for Superman*
With James Gunn’s latest reboot of Superman soaring in cinemas, fans have been buzzing with excitement. The film’s phenomenal opening weekend grossed over $120 million globally, and it boasts an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This marks a promising start for Gunn’s revamp of the Man of Steel and the DC cinematic universe.
The critical response has been largely positive, and as a dedicated film critic, I made it a priority to catch the release right away. After being let down by previous DC entries, this new vision left me pleasantly surprised and eager for what’s coming next, as reported by the Mirror.
So, let’s dive into the aspects I hope to see in a potential Superman sequel. Note that these wishes focus strictly on a Superman follow-up, leaving aside Justice League-style crossovers or spin-offs.
Protecting the Heart of Superman
One of the standout choices Gunn made was to omit the clichéd origin story of Superman. He rightly argued that audiences have seen it too many times, and there’s no need to rehash those plot points. This also applies to the roles of his adoptive parents, Ma and Pa Kent, who remain integral to the film without the need for tragic backstory.
Many adaptations often highlight the demise of Kent Senior as a vital plot device, pushing Superman toward his heroic destiny—a trope that’s been done to death, with films like Man of Steel leading the charge. Yet, Gunn’s approach allowed their continued presence to motivate Kal-El. It would be refreshing to see this dynamic preserved in at least one more film. If any turmoil were to unfold, perhaps it could occur off-screen, allowing Superman to develop further without the weight of parental loss.
Expanding the Metahuman Universe
One of the highlights of the film is Edi Gathegi's portrayal of Mr. Terrific. While some have criticized the film's packed character roster, I found each additional Metahuman added a unique flavor to the narrative without overwhelming it. Mr. Terrific stands out as a great example of this balance, eclipsing his lesser-known comic roots while fitting seamlessly into the story.
Could we expect Gunn to introduce another lesser-known character in future films? An ally who surprises audiences by transforming into a formidable antagonist could be an exciting twist.
Also, a thrilling aspect missing from this film was a showcase of Superman’s combat skills. While Mr. Terrific delivered a mesmerizing action sequence against soldiers, Kal-El was often portrayed as predictable, with Lex Luthor studying him to counter his moves effectively. It would be entertaining to see Superman unleash his iconic powers more prominently, perhaps through a jaw-dropping sequence reminiscent of the team dynamics in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Avoiding a rapid-fire introduction of heavy-hitting characters like Batman or Wonder Woman is also crucial for a successful sequel. The surprise appearance of Milly Alcock's Supergirl—a precursor to her standalone film—was intriguing, but future installments should resist the temptation to inject significant cameos hastily. Past collaborations rushed through Batman and Superman’s union, leaving audiences yearning for a more thoughtful buildup.
Marvel took time to assemble the Avengers, meticulously crafting their narrative over four years. In contrast, DC seems to be floundering without a solid roadmap for its new Justice League. We should relish the chance to enjoy Superman films again, unfettered by rushed integrations.
Superman is in cinemas now.