Superman and the Effect of a Positive Male Role Model

Superman was a profoundly inaccessible character in popular media. Snyder’s Superman, whose unwavering stoicism was perhaps the most alien thing about him, did little more justice to the character than the seemingly endless portrayals of Kal-el as a mono-emotional optimist. Yes, it seemed the Kryptonian was doomed to be misinterpreted and subsequently misunderstood by DC outsiders such as myself. Then there was Gunn.

A comic book enthusiast through and through, James Gunn, who has recently become the architect of the DC Cinematic Universe (DCU), cast off the unfeeling shroud that had been thrust upon Superman to reveal the compelling character underneath.  Gunn’s Superman retains the essential qualities that makes Superman recognizable (i.e. faith in good, care for every living thing, and a general kindness to those around them), but most importantly, this interpretation of the hero made him the one thing he had never been in pop culture: human. Gunn writes—and David Corenswet plays—Superman as a messy, emotional and unsure character. His feelings are easily hurt, he’s not the perfect boyfriend 24/7, he’s wildly self-critical and yet he still lives up to the do-gooder Boy Scout persona with his charming midwestern colloquialisms and genuine compassion for everything he interacts with.

As gratifying as it was to see a proper representation of this hero on screen, the greatest compliment to this rebirth of Superman can be seen in the internet’s reaction. For weeks after the film’s release the internet was flooded with posts referencing how the film made them want to be a better person. The popular catchphrase was “kindness is the new punk rock,” which I feel is the perfect summation of the film’s commentary on masculinity.

Snyder’s Superman was indifferent to the deaths of thousands; Gunn’s Superman flew underneath a Kaiju’s foot to save a squirrel. I saw countless accounts switch from “he’s literally me” (referencing the emotional unavailability of Matt Reeves’ Batman) to “he makes me want to be better.” In his Superman’s celebration of his own flaws and persevering positivity, Corenswet spoke to a generation of young men who have unfortunately trended towards emotional repression over the past few years. 

For every incel who claims “nice guy finish last” Superman stares them squarely in the face and tells them to be better. For every young man who seeks to repress his own emotions to better resemble the deeply traumatized Batman, Superman lays a loving hand on their shoulder and tells them that feeling deeply doesn’t make you any less of a man. In his softness, Superman offers strength.

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this new Superman, and though we won’t be seeing him as a main character until the upcoming Man of Tomorrow (2027), I hope that he will remain a positive influence for young men the world round.