While Superman is forging a new path with the DCU, it intriguingly has one major link to Man of Steel that could prove pivotal. The DCU has a lot to prove after DC’s tumultuous run in the DCEU. And while the tonal shift has already become clear through projects like Creature Commandos, and the announced projects slated to release as part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, Superman appears to be one of the biggest changes in James Gunn’s DCU.
Henry Cavill created a dedicated fanbase with the unique stories as envisioned by Zack Snyder, but it also proved divisive. Man of Steel created a version of Superman that clearly had a darker tone, and the final scenes see him brutally kill Zod when he believes there is no alternative choice. Whereas Gunn’s Superman appears to have a much larger focus on hope. However, there appears to be one big link between the two as seen in the Superman trailer.
Man Of Steel’s Superman Arrest Scene Already Has A Parallel In The DCU’s Superman
Superman Gets Locked Up In Both The DCEU & The DCU
In Man of Steel, Clark Kent is reluctant to expose himself to the world for fear that humans will fear the alien intruder. However, when Zod and a handful of other Kryptonians come to the Earth, Clark is forced to show his hand, and embrace his idenтιтy as a hero. Despite this, the presence of this Superman does create concern among Earth’s governments, and Superman is detained and held in handcuffs by the US military.
Now, in Superman, it appears that David Corenswet’s version of the hero also experiences a similar scene, with the hero being held in handcuffs, likely because humans fear him. But the interesting thing about these scenes is the fact that Superman can’t be held by any human handcuffs. Instead, he is allowing the humans to detain him, in order to give them peace of mind.
The DCU’s Superman Trailers Tease The Movie’s Arrest Scene Happens For The Same Reasons
Superman Is An Alien Among Humans
Superman, in both the DCEU and the DCU, is a hero. Yes, he has flaws, and his time as a hero helps to further shape and refine him. But initially, the presence of Superman on Earth proves to be a concern for humankind. Essentially, this alien has powers beyond the wildest dreams of any mortal man, and even compared to other superheroes, his powers are vastly superior.
But Superman does not want to rule over the human race. He wants to exist among them, peacefully, and enjoy a life of peace and happiness just like anyone else. So, rather than prove how strong he is and that he cannot be detained by anyone, Superman is willing to submit to being captured and detained. There is a possibility that the handcuffs on Superman are laced with Kryptonite, but since Superman doesn’t appear to be in any real discomfort, that seems unlikely.
Why The 2 Superman Movies Sharing One Key Movie Moment Is So Notable
Superman’s Legacy Extends Beyond The Barriers Of Any Universe
Superman is a powerful character who is inherently a symbol. Regardless of what version of the hero appears, he represents more than just a man who can fly and lift a car. He is the Man of Tomorrow. Someone who creates a better standard for others to strive towards, and someone to look up towards. Even in the darker Snyderverse, Superman is still meant to represent the best of humanity, and provide safety, hope, and a brighter future. But in order to effectively become that, Superman needs to submit himself to humanity, and prove that he is not a threat.
Now, Superman is setting out to create the same standard, showing their hero as a man who is willing to speak and be interviewed, who recognizes when mistakes are made, and who wants to pave the way for a brighter future. Instead of just busting through some handcuffs and proving why he is better and stronger than humans, Superman is noble, he is patient, and he is not running away when humanity needs help. Seeing this idea persist through the DCEU and the DCU just goes to show how deep the lore behind Superman really goes, and how the ideas he is tied to play an essential role in telling his story.
