Zack Snyder has refuted claims that he drastically altered the character of Superman in 2013’s origin story for the superhero, Man Of Steel.
Comic-book fans were quick to criticize Snyder’s treatment of the beloved superhero in the blockbuster, as Henry Cavill’s Superman was seen murdering Michael Shannon’s General Zod.
When asked about the criticism he’s received for his work on Man Of Steel by the Hall Of Justice podcast, via Cinema Blend , Zack Snyder explained that his origin story for the comic-book icon was meant to update the character, while at the same time as being hugely different to Christopher Reeves’ previous films that revolved around Krypton’s most famous son.
The signal is lit. The challenge is sent. #BatmanvSuperman pic.twitter.com/pGRqvn6hIg
— Batman v Superman (@BatmanvSuperman) February 4, 2016
This then led him to the topic of whether he’d altered the character of Superman, to which he remarked, “People are always like, ‘You changed Superman.’ If you’re a comic book, fan you know that I didn’t change Superman. If you know the true canon, you know that I didn’t change Superman.”
This then led Zack Snyder to admit that the only way that he changed Superman was in comparison to the big-screen versions of the character, which saw Christopher Reeves play Superman for four films and Brandon Routh portray him in Superman Returns.
“If you’re a fan of the old movies, yeah I changed him a bit,” Snyder continued, then he got a bit more defensive. “That’s the difference. I’m a bit of a comic book fan and I always default to the true canon. Not the cinematic canon that sort of, that in my opinion, plays fast and loose with the rules.”
Zack Snyder then confessed that this is why he decided to make such a divisive creative choice with his version of Superman.
“And so, I feel like I tried to create a Superman that would set a tone for the world.”
Zack Snyder will get another chance to impress Superman fans in just under two months time when he releases Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice , which is due in cinemas on March 26. As the title to this cinematic hybrid suggests, Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice will pit Krypton’s most famous son against Gotham’s iconic vigilante.
This time, opposite Henry Cavill’s returning Superman, will be Ben Affleck’s Batman, while Jesse Eisenberg will portray Lex Luthor, Gal Gadot will feature as Wonder Woman, and Amy Adams will once again portray Lois Lane.
There’s a huge amount of excitement building for Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice , which will be the latest instalment to Warner Bros.’ burgeoning DC Cinematic Universe. In fact, towards the end of last month it was predicted that Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice will actually pull in around $154 million over its opening weekend.
The Man of Steel. #BatmanvSuperman pic.twitter.com/DTwqaA4zwz
— Batman v Superman (@BatmanvSuperman) January 31, 2016
BoxOffice.com, via Comicbook , was the site that made this prediction, which would see its total fall just short of The Dark Knight’s $158 million. Man Of Steel , the predecessor to Batman v Superman , grossed $116 million over its opening weekend when it was released back in 2013. It ultimately went on to gross $291 million domestically, while it ended with a worldwide total of $668 million.
After Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice is released it will soon be followed by Suicide Squad in August, 2016. Over the course of the next four years we will then have films for Wonder Woman, Justice League: Parts One & Two, The Flash, Aquaman, Shazam, Cyborg , and Green Lantern Corps. A straight sequel to Man Of Steel is also expected to be confirmed, while Warner Bros. are also thought to be adapting solo Batman films too, which would have Ben Affleck taking the lead.
[Image via Warner Bros.]