Superman Sequel Title Confirms James Gunn’s Hero Is the Opposite of Zack Snyder’s

James Gunn has made strides to move away from the DC Extended Universe, while retaining a fairly surprising amount of canon for the new DCU. Peacemaker Season 2 spent its first few minutes retconning the Justice League’s appearance in the first season, replacing them with the Justice Gang from Superman, as well as the Man of Steel himself and his cousin, Kara Zor-El. The subsequent canonization of Enchantress from the first Suicide Squad is a bit of a surprise in that context, but Gunn clearly has a creative agenda here.

Superman is all about how humanity is quick to judge an alien who offers to help without wanting anything in return. However, despite all the hate coming his way, the titular hero still puts his best foot forward and risks his life. Zack Snyder’s version of the character strives to achieve that level of heroism, but he never quite reaches it. In fact, comparing the titles of Superman‘s sequel and the DCEU’s first film reveals everything there is to know about the two iterations of DC’s greatest hero.

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Man of Steel‘s Superman Lets the World Shape Him

Like most Superman stories, Man of Steel‘s Kal-El ends up being adopted by a couple of farmers in Kansas. The Kents teach him the difference between right and wrong, but they stop him from embracing his powers. Clark Kent’s father, Jonathan Kent, in particular, worries about what the world might think of his son if the truth were ever to come out. Growing up in that kind of environment makes Clark unsure about himself. While he still helps people when he can, he does it from the shadows, not wanting anyone to expose him. It isn’t until he reaches a Kryptonian ship and meets his birth father, Jor-El, that Clark finally begins to embrace his heroic side.

Before he can get his feet underneath him, Superman faces off against Zod, who wants to use the Earth to recreate Krypton. The fight levels nearly all of Metropolis, but Clark pushes forward, wanting to be a beacon of hope. However, the very next time someone challenges him, he’s ready to throw in the towel. Lex Luthor pushes all the right buttons, and Superman doesn’t feel like he can stand up for himself. The hero dies at the hands of Doomsday shortly after starting his beef with Luthor, and while the world mourns him, it doesn’t feel genuine. That won’t happen in the DC Universe, as its Superman is actively shaping his own destiny, despite what the detractors say.

Man of Tomorrow‘s Superman Is Helping Shape the World

When Superman finally catches up to his version of Lex at the end of the 2025 film, he delivers a passionate speech about what being human means to him. Luthor spends the whole movie trying to drive a wedge between Superman and humanity, wanting the world to turn to him for answers instead. But good triumphs over evil, and the people of Earth realize the mistake they made in not believing in the Man of Steel. Moving forward, based on the title of the sequel, the hero’s goal will be not only to protect the world but to move it forward in a positive direction. He’s already shown that roadblocks, such as political red tape, won’t get in his way, which is great, as long as he stays on task.

Like his DCEU predecessor, evildoers are sure to test Superman’s resolve in the DCU, believing they will be the ones to expose him as a fraud. The hero’s mission is to block out all the noise, which he’s already been doing, and believe in himself. Fortunately, he has a great support system back in Kansas, with his parents constantly making it clear how proud they are of him. By walking to the beat of his own drum, Superman can ensure that everyone who lives in the DCU has as positive an outlook on life as he does.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow hits theaters on July 9, 2027.

Are you excited about the sequel to Superman? Do you think the movie will continue to take the DCU in a new and exciting direction? Let us know in the comments below!