Stan Lee's One Big Problem With Superman Was Solved by Snyder
As a new era for the Man of Tomorrow begins, it's worth looking back at what a comic book legend thought of the hero. Stan Lee had a major issue with the Kryptonian's character, believing one key change would have made him far more interesting. What was his vision for the icon?
A new DC Universe is taking shape, with David Corenswet stepping into the iconic red boots. As James Gunn prepares to launch his vision, it's a good time to reflect on what another comic book giant, Stan Lee, thought about the Last Son of Krypton. The Marvel mastermind once shared how he would have approached the character if he'd been in charge.
A Less-Than-Super Flaw
In a 2006 interview, Lee was asked which DC characters he would have enjoyed writing. While he said he liked writing anything, he singled out the Man of Tomorrow with a specific critique.
People often ask me which of the DC characters would I have liked to have written, and it really doesn’t matter to me ’cause I like writing anything.
He felt the hero's near-invincibility was a narrative weakness.
I think if I had done Superman I would have done him differently. I would have made him more vulnerable. I think the idea of being able to do anything makes you a little uninteresting.
This perspective came from the man who co-created characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the Hulk, all of whom were defined by their very human flaws and struggles despite their incredible powers. Lee, who passed away on November 12, 2018, always believed that relatability was key.
Snyder's Humanized Kryptonian
Stan Lee's desire for a more vulnerable hero sounds a lot like what director Zack Snyder aimed for in the 2013 film *Man of Steel*. While the movie divided critics, it presented a version of the character that many fans embraced. Henry Cavill's portrayal was not just about strength and spectacle; it was grounded in a story that made the alien feel closer to us.
Snyder's take showed a Clark Kent who was deeply connected to his adoptive home and struggled with his identity. This wasn't just subtext; it was stated outright by Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne in *Justice League*.
He’s more human than I am. He lived in this world, fell in love, had a job. In spite of all that power.
This version of the character was shaped by his earthly parents. His mother, Martha, helped him manage his overwhelming powers, while his father, Jonathan, offered guidance that would define his future.
You just have to decide what kind of a man you want to grow up to be, Clark; because whoever that man is, good character or bad, he’s… He’s gonna change the world
His ultimate decision to protect Earth from General Zod was driven by his love for its people, not just a sense of duty.
The Challenge for a New Generation
James Gunn has indicated his new film will draw heavily from the comic books, aiming for a more classic, "old-fashioned" feel. He has described this approach as beautiful and even rebellious in its own way.
I think that old-fashioned is something that’s really beautiful and, in its own way, the most rebellious thing about that character.
However, there's a risk that a "perfect" hero could feel one-dimensional and distant to modern audiences. Snyder's version was constantly challenged by the harsh realities of the world, yet he chose to believe in kindness. For the upcoming movie, which is set to feature Brainiac as the main villian, adding a similar human touch could be crucial for making the character resonate.