Grant Morrison Reflects on James Gunn's Superman Adaptation

Morrison's Mixed Feelings on Gunn's Superman

Grant Morrison, the esteemed writer of All-Star Superman, expressed a nuanced perspective on James Gunn's upcoming Superman film. While many fans have embraced David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman, Morrison finds himself balancing praise with critique.

Optimistic Take on Superman

The new film offers a lighter and more hopeful interpretation of Superman, which many have longed for after years of darker superhero narratives. Corenswet's Clark Kent is portrayed as earnest and emotionally open, capturing the essence of the iconic character. Morrison even labeled it as possibly the best Superman movie created to date.

Creative Choices Under Fire

However, Morrison highlighted some creative decisions that struck him as problematic during his appearance on the Half the Picture podcast. He commented, "It's the closest to capturing what Superman feels like. I had a few things I didn’t like about it." He noted that Superman was depicted as frequently vulnerable, which he argues undermines the character's mythic qualities. Morrison prefers to see Superman in scenarios where his power isn't continuously diminished for dramatic tension.

Kryptonian Backstory Discontent

Another point of contention for Morrison was how the film recontextualizes Clark's Kryptonian heritage. Unlike traditional depictions, Gunn's version suggests that Krypton's legacy isn't as pure as once believed. Morrison expresses his disappointment, stating, "I didn’t like it because I prefer it when Krypton’s this lost utopia." He feels that an intact and noble backstory adds deeper significance to Superman's moral grounding.

A Positive Turn in the Climax

Despite these critiques, Morrison was reassured by the film’s climax, which reaffirms Superman's moral compass during a pivotal confrontation with Lex Luthor. He noted, "The fact that he didn’t break down was just nice to see." This, for Morrison, underscores the enduring nature of Superman’s compassion, even amidst challenges.

Looking Ahead

As Gunn prepares for the sequel, Man of Tomorrow, it's clear he aims to explore new thematic avenues. The sequel is set to further develop the dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor, introducing Brainiac as a new challenger. Fans are eager to see where this journey takes the beloved character next.

Source: GeekTyrant