Movie Superman vs TV Superman: Which One is Better?

We currently have two live-action versions of DC Comic's Superman flying across our TV and movie screens (respectively), and both are causing a lot of debate amongst fans. We first got to meet a very different and modernized version of Superman played by Henry Cavill in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel in 2013; and then, this fall, we finally had a new TV Superman debut with Supergirl's season 2 premiere, played by Teen Wolf actor Tyler Hoechlin.

As always, the fan debate is raging about which version of The Man of Steel is more authentic when it comes to the capturing the core elements of the character - and similarly, which one is the more exciting and relevant one for modern times. We took a minute to look at each version, in order to ask: Movie or TV Superman - Which one is Better?

DCEU Movie Superman

Henry Cavill's Superman is no stranger to controversy. The British actor has endured criticism for his more somber and tortured depiction of Superman, the level of violence and destruction his Superman is responsible for - even for being a British actor playing the role.

The vision of Superman created by Cavill and director Zack Snyder has certainly been different than what we've seen come before - but "different" doesn't inherently mean "bad."

For the other half of the fandom that doesn't hate Cavill and Snyder for changing things up, this new Superman has been intriguing. Seeing him start off from a place of loneliness and uncertainty has added depth to his character and origin story; seeing the consequences of his power unleashed has been added to deeper impact to the idea these beings existing in our world; and having arguably the most handsome and buff Superman all time has been worth the British import.

The opposition may be more vocal (more often), but Cavill's Superman has plenty of support behind him - enough that Man of Steel 2 is still happening.

CW TV Superman

Tyler Hoechlin's Superman may look like he stepped off the pages of one of DC's "New 52" comic books from a few years back - but his portrayal of the character is vintage Superman all the way. His "Aw shucks" attitude, along with a restrained and even polite form of heroism, is pretty much everything that fans loved about the Superman Christopher Reeves played in the Richard Donner films. At the same time, Hoechlin has a slight edge to his wit and demeanor that stops him short of being a total imitation of the Reeves Superman.

...But while some fans may be feeling sweet nostalgia from the thought of getting back a lighter, more whimsical Superman of yesteryear, not everyone is thrilled with it.

The early criticism of Hoechlin's Superman is that he's too soft, too goofy, and that his costume looks like bad New 52 cosplay (not my words; just search the Interwebs and you'll see the hate). It doesn't help that Supergirl is not the most loved or respected launchpad for the character, as many fans already viewed that entire show as soft, goofy and not up to par with DC Comics standards.

All in all, though, Hoechlin has overcome some big odds in order to snag the role and make it his own. That he's already gotten so much fan support speaks to his accomplishment.

Which Is Better?

So who is better: Henry Cavill's Movie Superman, or Tyler Hoechlin's TV Superman?

We took that question to the Comicbook.com bullpen, only to learn that our staff members are surprisingly sensible when it comes to this debate! While some people clearly had a favorite, most on staff agreed that there's room in the sandbox for two versions of Superman, and that the differences between the two just made each one worth watching.

...That's a fine and very levelheaded analysis of the situation, but also kind of boring! So, we've gone ahead and brought the question to you, the people. Time for the real 2016 vote!

Henry Cavill's Superman will return in Justice League on November 17, 2017. Tyler Hoechlin's Superman will likely pop up in later episodes of Supergirl season 2 (or other CW DC TV shows) - and eventually may even be headed to his own show!