Gunn’s Superman: Man of Steel Lessons

However, while *Man of Steel* faced considerable backlash directed at Henry Cavill and director Zack Snyder, Gunn and his team can glean valuable lessons from its successes. *Man of Steel* excelled in visual aspects: VFX, costume design, set design, action choreography, and score were all top-tier. Integrating this visual prowess with Gunn’s narrative strength could revitalize the character in unprecedented ways.

One area where Gunn’s *Superman* could improve upon its predecessor is costume design. Michael Wilkinson’s athletic and intricately detailed *Man of Steel* suit, inspired by Kryptonian aesthetics, was a marked improvement over previous iterations. In contrast, David Corenswet’s suit, while sporting a brighter palette and a potentially superior cape, appears less refined, with noticeable creases and a perceived “cosplay” feel. The controversial collar and S-logo have also drawn criticism. This underwhelming costume design extends to the supporting superheroes; with the exception of Mister Terrific and Metamorpho, the costumes in the teaser appear DIY-esque, a stylistic choice that, while effective in Gunn’s previous films like *Guardians of the Galaxy* and *The Suicide Squad*, feels incongruous with characters like Guy Gardener and Hawk Girl.

The VFX in *Man of Steel* remains impressive a decade later, surpassing many recent big-budget superhero films. The team’s skill was so remarkable that the Kryptonian armor appeared convincingly real rather than CGI. This level of visual fidelity is notably absent from the *Superman* teaser, with only a glimpse of Kelex the robot offering a hint of the Kryptonian aesthetic. While Gunn’s proven track record in world-building offers hope, replicating the breathtaking visuals of *Man of Steel*’s Krypton, particularly the stunning depiction of Superman’s heat vision, seems a considerable challenge.

While Gunn’s *Superman* boasts a vibrant color palette contrasting *Man of Steel*’s desaturated hues, the latter film arguably achieved a greater sense of immersive grandeur. Despite the frequent criticism of Zack Snyder’s style—often accused of prioritizing spectacle over substance— his work on *Man of Steel* undeniably created a lasting visual impact. His use of innovative camera techniques, religious symbolism, and meticulously crafted flight sequences, combined with stunning VFX, perfectly encapsulated the iconic image of Superman. Snyder’s consistent stylistic choices across his DC films ensured visual cohesion, a quality that remains commendable. While Gunn’s film needn’t mimic *Man of Steel*, it should aspire to a similar sense of scale and cinematic weight. The involvement of cinematographer Henry Braham, whose work on *The Flash* was critically panned, however, has generated audience skepticism.

Beyond visuals, *Man of Steel*’s success also stemmed from Michael Shannon’s compelling portrayal of General Zod, a villain whose moral complexities and direct challenge to Superman’s ideals raised the stakes significantly. The teaser trailer hints at a similarly powerful antagonist in Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, with a scene of a battered Superman suggesting a truly terrifying confrontation.

Finally, the score plays a crucial role in a film’s overall impact, a fact evident in the enduring popularity of films like *Inception* and *Interstellar*. *Man of Steel*’s Hans Zimmer score was a powerful modern take on the Superman theme. While Gunn’s use of John Williams’ score in the teaser trailer is a clear nod to the classic *Superman* (1978), relying heavily on nostalgia risks undermining the film’s originality. While a fresh, original score would likely be more impactful, the inherent risk in attempting to surpass the iconic John Williams score is significant.