Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for James Gunn’s Superman

James Gunn’s Superman is finally in theaters, introducing audiences to a brand-new Superman for the new DCU. Played by David Corenswet, the Superman we see in Gunn’s new movie is pretty different compared to Henry Cavill’s Superman who debuted in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. While both Kryptonian heroes are iconic, there are some big differences between how they’re depicted on-screen.

Released in 2013, Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel was the first movie in the DCEU, the previous cinematic universe that officially came to an end in 2023. Similarly, James Gunn’s Superman is the DCU’s first live-action movie, kicking off the brand-new universe. That said, here are some of the biggest differences between James Gunn’s Superman and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.

11

Snyder’s Man of Steel Is A God-Like Savior

Changing The Status Quo With A Realistic Global Reaction

In 2013’s Man of Steel, and subsequent appearances from Henry Cavill’s Kal-El in the DCEU, Superman was very much depicted as a godly, almost Christ-like savior. An alien hero who shifted humanity’s entire way of thinking, Cavill’s Superman was depicted as this otherworldly being who was very positioned apart. Wielding immense power, Superman ultimately sacrificed himself to save the world, despite all the controversy against him.

While still representing hope as any Superman depiction should, Snyder’s Man of Steel was a lot more grounded while being more realistically presented as a near-deity. However, this did mean that some of Superman’s humanity seen in the original comics was less of a focus in the DCEU.

10

James Gunn’s Superman Has A Lot More Humanity

He’s A Lot More Relatable (Rather Than Being Set Apart)

Conversely, Corenswet’s Superman is incredibly human at his core, despite all his great Kryptonian power. A more accurate take on the character in relation to the comics, James Gunn’s depiction of Superman values all life. At one point, he even goes out of his way to save a squirrel, while also wanting to find a way to stop a mᴀssive kaiju from destroying Metropolis without killing it.

A core theme in James Gunn’s movie is Corenswet’s Superman affirming that his greatest strength is his humanity, the result of his Earthly upbringing. While he may be from Krypton, he’s just as human as anyone else. As such, it may be the biggest difference between these two live-action depictions of Superman.

9

As The First Movie In A Universe, Gunn’s Superman Movie Is A Lot More Expansive

An Established DCU With Multiple Metas

In Zack Snyder’s Superman, the first DCEU movie is singularly focused on Superman as its sole superhero. Conversely, James Gunn’s Superman introduces audiences to a DCU that’s already well-established. Superman is still the lead, though he’s also joined by other heroes like the Justice Gang, Metamorpho, and even Supergirl ahead of her own DCU movie. Because Superman isn’t an origin story, the movie has a lot more freedom to show off a fleshed-out world.

8

James Gunn’s Superman Is Less Connected To Origins/Krypton

We Only See A Bit Of Kal-El’s Past/Heritage

In James Gunn’s Superman, the only glimpse we get to see of Kal-El’s Kryptonian heritage is the holographic message from his parents, Joe-El and Lara. Again, Gunn’s Superman is not an origin story. There are no opening scenes on Krypton before its destruction, nor baby Kal-El being sent in a rocket to Earth.

That said, Snyder’s Man of Steel spends a good chunk of time on Krypton. Snyder depicts a fascinating look at the alien civilization and Jor-El’s conflict with both the planet’s leadership and General Zod. Likewise, Jor-El’s artificial consciousness plays an ongoing role throughout 2013’s Man of Steel.

7

While Snyder’s Man of Steel Strives For Realism, Gunn’s Superman Is A Comic Come To Life

A Pretty Big Difference Between The Two Versions

There’s nothing wrong with Snyder’s more realistic take on Superman and how the world would most likely react to a being of such great power. However, James Gunn’s Superman feels so much more like the comics’ Superman. Featuring multiple allies and foes, mᴀssive monsters, pocket universes, and even Krypto the Superdog, Gunn’s Superman is very much a comic book brought to life, and a lot more colorful.

6

Clark Kent Is A Lot More Important In James Gunn’s Superman

We Get To Spend Some Good Time With Clark

Clark Kent also gets a lot more focus in Gunn’s Superman compared to Snyder’s Man of Steel. In the 2013 movie, Clark Kent is only really shown as a child via flashbacks. As an adult, Clark’s first day at The Daily Planet is what closes the first DCEU movie, meaning we don’t actually get to see Superman’s secret idenтιтy in his element. Thankfully, this is something Gunn’s Superman corrects.

5

Gunn’s Superman Dives Straight Into A Lex Luthor Story

Man of Steel Opened With General Zod

Another key difference between the two movies is that Gunn’s Superman jumps right in with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor as the main antagonist. General Zod served as the main villain in Man of Steel, with Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor being saved for 2016’s Batman v Superman. Who knows? Perhaps the DCU will flip with General Zod as a sequel villain (which would make it more like the original Donner movies).

4

Pa Kent Doesn’t Die In James Gunn’s Superman

Also A Difference With Donner’s Superman: The Movie

In Man of Steel, Jonathan Kent dies trying to get his neighbors to safety in the face of an incoming tornado, unwilling to let his son save him and expose his powers. Similarly, Pa Kent also dies in 1978’s Superman: The Movie. However, Clark Kent’s father doesn’t die in Gunn’s Superman, instead sharing a heartwarming moment with his son ahead of the movie’s third act.

3

Clark & Lois Are Already An Item in James Gunn’s Superman

Man of Steel Was Very Much The Beginning

In Snyder’s Man of Steel, Superman encounters Amy Adams’ Lois Lane for the first time. Likewise, the two aren’t exactly an official couple by the movie’s end. That doesn’t happen until Batman v Superman, where Clark is intending to propose (the bulk of their relationship happening off-screen).

In Gunn’s Superman, Lois and Clark are a few weeks into their relationship. Things are still fairly new, and they’re both still trying to figure out if their relationship can work. As such, the movie ends with their romance being further developed and even cemented for the long term.

2

Gunn’s Superman Knows He’s Not Krypton’s Only Survivor

Snyder’s Kal-El Thought He Was All Alone

At the beginning of 2013’s Man of Steel, Kal-El thought he was alone while discovering his Kryptonian heritage for the first time. Eventually, he encounters Zod and his fellow Kryptonian criminals, though they’re all destroyed. In Gunn’s Superman, Corenswet’s Kal-El already knows he’s not alone, having Krypto the Superdog temporarily living in his fortress, and his cousin Supergirl, who shows up at the movie’s end.