A Look at Superman's Enduring (and Evolving) Legacy

With the new Superman trailer reportedly out and David Corenswet taking on the iconic role, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the Man of Steel's storied past in cinema, his journey from comic book pages to global icon, and why, despite his unparalleled recognition, he sometimes seems to grapple for the same level of modern cinematic fervor as some of his Marvel counterparts. The Genesis of a Legend: From Comic Strips to DC Comics Superman's incredible journey began in 1933, conceived by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster while attending Glenville High School. After unsuccessfully trying to sell their creation as a newspaper strip, they sold the rights to the character for just $135 to Harry Donnenfeld, appearing first in Action Comics #1 in June 1938. This debut not only made Superman the first costumed superhero introduced by DC Comics (then National Allied Publications) but also sparked the entire superhero comic book industry.

His origin story, now legendary, tells of Kal-El, sent as an infant from the doomed planet Krypton by his parents Jor-El and Lara. Landing in rural America, he's discovered and adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent, who name him Clark Kent and instill in him strong morals. As he grows, he develops superhuman abilities under Earth's yellow sun, choosing to use them to help humanity while maintaining a secret identity as a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet.

The Men of Steel: A Cinematic Lineage Superman's cinematic history is extensive, starting with live-action appearances as early as 1948. Over the decades, several actors have donned the cape, each leaving their unique mark:

• Christopher Reeve (1978-1987): The Quintessential Hero

Reeve's portrayal in Superman: The Movie (1978) is widely considered the gold standard, often lauded as the best Superman film. His blend of earnest heroism as Superman and charming awkwardness as Clark Kent captivated audiences, setting a benchmark for superhero portrayals. Superman (1978) was a massive box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide. However, subsequent sequels saw declining box office numbers and mixed to poor critical reception. Superman III (1983) introduced more comedic elements and a focus on Richard Pryor, while Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) is widely regarded as the worst Superman movie, suffering from budget cuts, poor visual effects, and an unsatisfying plot.

• Brandon Routh (2006): A Homage with Mixed Fortunes

Routh stepped into the role for Superman Returns (2006), a film intended as a homage and soft-sequel to Reeve's era. While it received generally favorable reviews and has gained an appreciative following, its disappointing worldwide box office of approximately $390 million against a $200-$220 million production budget led to it being deemed a financial failure, halting plans for sequels. Critics often found Routh's performance too bland and lacking the charisma of his predecessors, which some argue severely impacted his career.

• Henry Cavill (2013-2022): The Gritty Reboot

Cavill took on the role in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel (2013), launching the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). This iteration presented a darker, more grounded take on the character, often sparking debate among fans who preferred a more traditional "Boy Scout" Superman. While Man of Steel earned over $670 million worldwide and is considered the highest-grossing Superman movie, it received mixed critical reception. Cavill's portrayal, however, has gained popularity with fans over time. Subsequent appearances in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017) continued the divisive reception, with Batman v Superman being heavily criticized for its rushed plot and attempt to cram in too much world-building.

Superman's Global Popularity and a Marvel Comparison

Superman's symbol is one of the most recognizable on the planet, and he is undoubtedly one of the most popular characters ever created. He defined the superhero genre and inspired countless imitations. Historically, Superman was the best-selling comic book character for decades, often surpassing other American superheroes in sales. A 2020 poll even voted Superman as the most popular superhero in the United States, ahead of Spider-Man, Batman, Captain America, and Iron Man, though Marvel was preferred as a universe overall.

However, despite this foundational popularity and cultural impact, Superman's cinematic presence has often struggled to consistently match the explosive success and widespread contemporary appeal seen by Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Iron Man in recent years. This can be attributed to several factors:

• Relatability vs. Idealism: Superman's inherent perfection and boundless power, while inspiring, can sometimes make him less relatable to modern audiences compared to characters like Spider-Man, who deals with everyday struggles and self-doubt, or Iron Man, who is a flawed genius with human vulnerabilities.
  

• Adaptation Challenges: The sheer iconic status of Superman makes it difficult to reinvent him in a way that feels fresh while remaining respectful to his core identity. Attempts to create a darker, grittier Superman in the DCEU often clashed with the character's traditional image, leaving some fans wanting.
  

• Narrative Stakes: Superman's immense power can sometimes make it challenging to create compelling stakes for him, as few threats genuinely challenge him. Marvel's characters, even with their powers, often face more personal and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
  

• Cinematic Universe Cohesion: The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has built a largely cohesive and interconnected narrative over more than a decade, allowing characters like Iron Man (popularized immensely by Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal) and Spider-Man to thrive within a shared, evolving storyline. DC's cinematic universe, in contrast, has faced more turbulence and inconsistent tones, impacting the overall reception of its core characters, including Superman.
  

As David Corenswet steps into the red and blue, the world watches to see if the new Superman film can successfully navigate these challenges, re-igniting the cinematic passion for the original superhero and once again establishing him as an undeniable force in popular culture.