Why and How Is Superman So ‘Poor’ in the DCEU?

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) faced a significant challenge when integrating the iconic character of Superman, as Zack Snyder purposefully redefined the character to fit within the narrative framework of the universe. While this approach has been praised for making the character more relatable and grounded, it has also led to a perception of Superman as 'weak' or 'poor' among many fans. Let's explore the reasoning behind this decision and the strengths of the DCEU Superman.

Down-to-Earth Superman in the DCEU

Following the lead of Clint Eastwood in Million Dollar Baby where his character is deliberately made armed with weaknesses, Zack Snyder chose to craft a down-to-Earth Superman that can better blend into the complexities of the DCEU. According to Zack Snyder himself, the character is intentionally portrayed as a character who can stand side by side with other heroes without overpowering them, making the character more relatable and believable in the context of the story.

Scaling Down Superheroes

The practice of making superheroes less overpowered is not exclusive to the DCEU; the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) also follows this trend. For instance, the Gray Hulk, a toned-down version of the iconic character, can still destroy planets, showcasing the complexity of balancing character strengths and storytelling. By making Superman more 'weak' or less overpowered, filmmakers can focus on his heroics and struggles, making his journey more relatable and compelling for the audience.

Undeniable Strengths of the DCEU Superman

Despite the nerfing, the DCEU Superman remains an exceptionally powerful character. Here are some key moments that showcase his strength:

Enduring the World Engine’s beam, which would have terraformed Earth in a few weeks, and then one-shotting it. The immense shockwave from the impact destroyed a mountain. Trading blows with General Zod and holding his own against Doomsday. He was unharmed from falling through a mountaintop and towed a giant ship across the Arctic. Holding up a collapsing tower and casually carrying a whole building. He also saved a rocket and could overpower Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Cyborg before incapacitating Wonder Woman with a headbutt. Flying from Ellesmere Island to Mount Kilimanjaro in seconds during his first flight and traveling into space multiple times. He is faster than Wonder Woman and maintains a pace to keep up with Flash, even when Flash is running backward. Using his strength to save people and protect the world from various threats, effectively showcasing his continued power and abilities.

Conclusion

The DCEU Superman remains a powerful and relatable character, despite the decision to reframe him as a 'weaker' version. This approach allows for a richer narrative, where the hero struggles with skepticism and his own limitations. Ultimately, the true strength of Superaman lies in his unwavering dedication to the greater good, rather than his physical prowess alone.