The DC Universe’s new Superman could learn a lot form the Man of Steel’s iconic portrayal in Superman: The Animated Series. David Corenswet’s Clark Kent in Superman (2025) promises a return to the hero’s core values, but striking the right balance is crucial. Fortunately, Superman: TAS offers the perfect blueprint. The beloved cartoon masterfully captured the essence of Superman while exploring his strength, humanity, and intelligence in a way that appealed to all ages.
Superman has had a complicated history in live-action films, with varying portrayals influencing how audiences perceive the character. Henry Cavill’s portrayal in the DCEU timeline leaned heavily into a more serious, brooding interpretation. With the DCU’s Superman (2025) set to reboot the character, Gunn has emphasized that his version will highlight Superman’s kindness and optimism. This presents an opportunity to look back at Superman: The Animated Series, which found an ideal balance between the superpowered alien and a struggling human.
10
Superman: The Animated Series Is A Great Look At Many Of The Man Of Steel’s Biggest Foes
The DCU’s Superman Should Fully Explore Superman’s Rogues’ Gallery
A hero is only as compelling as his rogues’ gallery, and Superman: The Animated Series showcased many of the Man of Steel’s greatest foes with intelligence and depth. Lex Luthor was portrayed as a ruthless corporate mastermind, making him a different but equally dangerous threat compared to his comic-book counterpart. Brainiac, the calculating artificial intelligence, had a chilling presence, while Darkseid was an ominous and overwhelming force, pushing Superman to his limits.
Even lesser-known foes like Parasite and Livewire were given compelling motivations, making their battles with Superman feel personal and engaging. The new DCU must follow this example by treating Superman’s villains as multi-dimensional characters rather than disposable obstacles. Superman: The Animated Series proved that a strong lineup of antagonists helps define the hero, and the DCU’s Superman would benefit from similar attention to his enemies.
9
Superman: The Animated Series Shows How The Hero Can Balance Being Cheerful & Serious
The DCU’s Superman Shouldn’t Be As Serious
One of the greatest strengths of Superman: The Animated Series was its ability to balance Superman’s optimism with the weight of his responsibilities. While he was undeniably powerful, Superman wasn’t invincible in spirit – he faced losses, moral dilemmas, and struggles that tested his ideals. However, rather than succumbing to cynicism, he remained hopeful and inspired those around him. This is a crucial lesson for the DCU’s Superman.
Past live-action versions have either leaned too far into idealistic charm (like the Christopher Reeve era) or heavy brooding (like Zack Snyder’s take). Superman: The Animated Series found the sweet spot, making its Superman relatable without losing the character’s inherent goodness. Gunn’s Superman should follow suit, portraying a hero who can smile, joke, and inspire, while still confronting serious challenges head-on. This will make him a fully realized, emotionally engaging version of the character.
8
Superman: The Animated Series Makes Its Clark Kent Three-Dimensional
The DCU’s Superman Should Have A Fully Fleshed Out Clark Kent
Too often, live-action adaptations struggle with portraying Clark Kent as more than just Superman’s disguise. Superman: The Animated Series avoided this pitfall by making Clark a well-rounded character. He was a skilled journalist with a strong moral compᴀss, not just a bumbling facade. He challenged authority, stood up for the truth, and had genuine relationships beyond his Superman idenтιтy.
Clark’s dynamic with Lois Lane was especially well-written, showing mutual respect and chemistry rather than reducing their interactions to a one-sided crush. Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and other Daily Planet staff also played meaningful roles, making Metropolis feel like a living, breathing world. The DCU needs to adopt this approach – Clark Kent should be just as compelling as Superman. By doing so, the new films can highlight both sides of the hero, ensuring a deeper and more engaging portrayal.
7
Superman: The Animated Series Showed How Superman Exemplifies The Best Parts Of Humanity, Despite Being An Alien
The DCU’s Superman Should Embody Human Ideals
One of Superman’s most enduring qualities is his ability to embody the best aspects of humanity, despite his alien origins. Superman: The Animated Series captured this perfectly, showcasing a hero who, though born on Krypton, was fundamentally shaped by Earth and its people. His upbringing by the Kents instilled in him a sense of morality, kindness, and responsibility. Throughout the series, Superman approached problems with compᴀssion first, using his powers as a last resort.
He wasn’t just a symbol of strength – he was a symbol of hope. This is an aspect the DCU must, and reportedly will, emphasize. Superman’s relatability doesn’t come from his powers, but from his values. By making him a hero who prioritizes empathy, justice, and the well-being of others, the DCU can craft a Superman who resonates with modern audiences while staying true to the character’s timeless legacy.
6
Superman: The Animated Series Demonstrated That Superman Should Struggle Sometimes
The DCU’s Superman Shouldn’t Be Perfect
One of the greatest strengths of Superman: The Animated Series was its willingness to challenge the Man of Steel. While Superman is often portrayed as nearly invincible, the series frequently placed him in situations where his strength wasn’t enough. Whether it was the devastating effects of Kryptonite, being overpowered by stronger foes like Darkseid, or wrestling with difficult moral choices, the show ensured that Superman’s victories felt earned and not predictably dull.
This approach made his character more compelling, proving that even the most powerful hero can struggle. The DC Universe’s Superman needs to embrace this vulnerability to resonate with modern audiences. Letting Superman face setbacks or even outright defeats can make his heroism feel even more triumphant. Struggles humanize Superman and add weight to his victories. This is something that James Gunn’s take on the character should absolutely incorporate and is hinted at in the Superman (2025) trailer.
5
Superman: The Animated Series Boasts An Incredible Musical Score
The DCU’s Superman Needs A Memorable Musical Backing
Shirley Walker’s score for Superman: The Animated Series remains one of the most underrated yet powerful aspects of the show. The orchestral compositions perfectly captured the essence of Superman – from the triumphant brᴀss fanfare accompanying his heroic moments to the somber, introspective melodies that reflected his inner conflicts. The music played a crucial role in establishing the tone, elevating every battle, emotional moment, and dramatic reveal.
The DC Universe’s Superman should take inspiration from this approach by ensuring its soundtrack is just as memorable and character-defining. A strong musical idenтιтy is vital for a hero as iconic as Superman, and a soaring orchestral score can help differentiate him from other superhero portrayals. Walker’s work set a high standard that the new DCU should strive to match, emphasizing the grandeur, heart, and excitement that Superman represents.
4
Superman: The Animated Series Reminded Everyone Of Supergirl’s Importance
Supergirl Was Largely Forgotten Before Superman: TAS
Kara Zor-El, or Supergirl, was more than just a supporting character in Superman: The Animated Series; she was an essential figure who expanded Superman’s world. The show presented Kara as a strong-willed, independent hero who wasn’t just a sidekick but a formidable force in her own right. She had her own personality, struggles, and growth, making her presence feel necessary rather than supplementary. This repopularized the character after she’d been largely dormant in DC Comics for several years.
This portrayal of Supergirl is something the DC Universe should adopt, ensuring she isn’t sidelined but treated as a vital part of Superman’s legacy. With Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow on the horizon, the DCU has the perfect opportunity to emphasize her importance. By giving Kara a meaningful role alongside Clark, the universe can enrich both characters, showing that Superman’s family extends beyond just Krypton’s last son.
3
Superman: The Animated Series Showed How Important It Was To Develop Other Characters
The DCU’s Superman Should Broaden Clark Kent’s Universe
While Superman was the central focus of Superman: The Animated Series, the show excelled in developing its supporting cast. Lois Lane was depicted as a fearless investigative journalist, Lex Luthor was given layers beyond just being a villain, and even minor characters like Dan Turpin and Maggie Sawyer had moments of significance. This world-building made Metropolis feel alive, proving that Superman’s story is just as much about the people around him.
The DC Universe’s Superman should follow this example by ensuring that characters like Lois, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White are well-developed, rather than simply existing to support Superman’s narrative. Giving depth to the supporting cast makes Superman’s world feel richer and more immersive, which can help audiences connect with the larger DCU in meaningful ways.
2
Superman: The Animated Series Benefits From A Perfect Ensemble Voice Cast
The DCU’s Superman Needs A Powerful Ensemble Cast
Casting is a crucial element of any Superman adaptation, and Superman: The Animated Series had one of the best voice ensembles in superhero history. Tim Daly’s Superman balanced strength and warmth, Dana Delany’s Lois Lane was confident and quick-witted, and Clancy Brown’s Lex Luthor delivered a commanding, unforgettable performance. Every character felt fully realized thanks to the impeccable casting choices, proving that strong performances elevate the storytelling.
The DC Universe’s Superman should prioritize casting actors who not only fit the roles visually but can also embody their characters in every aspect. Voice, delivery, and emotional range are just as important as physical presence. A great ensemble cast can make or break a Superman adaptation, and Superman: The Animated Series remains a prime example of how to get it right. The DCU’s Superman cast looks promising and can hopefully maintain this legacy.
1
Superman: The Animated Series Demonstrated How To Incorporate Other DC Characters Effectively
Superman (2025) Is The First Movie In James Gunn’s Interconnected DCU
One of the most exciting aspects of Superman: The Animated Series was how it seamlessly introduced other DC characters without overshadowing Superman himself. Batman, The Flash, and Green Lantern all made appearances, yet their inclusion always felt organic rather than forced. This approach allowed the show to expand the DC Universe naturally while maintaining Superman as the central figure.
James Gunn’s new DCU should take a similar approach, ensuring that crossover characters enhance rather than distract from Superman’s story. With the franchise aiming to build an interconnected universe, carefully weaving in other heroes without diluting Superman’s presence is crucial to the franchise’s growth as a whole. If done right, Superman’s world can feel both self-contained and part of a larger universe, much like Superman: The Animated Series achieved with its masterful storytelling and well-integrated cameos.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
-
Superman
- Release Date
-
July 11, 2025
Powered by
-
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Release Date
-
June 26, 2026
Powered by
-
The Batman Part II
- Release Date
-
October 1, 2027
Powered by
