A New Era for Superman and the Evolution of DC Characters
David S. Goyer, the writer behind Man of Steel and Batman Begins, has been a key figure in shaping the modern landscape of superhero storytelling. His work on the early 2000s Batman films helped define the dark, grounded tone that would influence the entire genre. However, as the DC Universe continues to evolve, Goyer has found himself reflecting on the changing approaches to iconic characters like Superman.
Goyer recently shared his thoughts on James Gunn’s new Superman film, which marks the beginning of the DC Universe's cinematic phase. He praised the movie for its unique take on the character, noting that it felt like a natural shift from the darker tone of Man of Steel. According to Goyer, each generation gets the Superman they need, and this version brought something fresh to the table.
A Shift in Tone and Style
One of the aspects Goyer appreciated was the movie’s tagline: “Kindness is punk rock.” This phrase resonated with him, highlighting the film’s emphasis on hope and optimism in contrast to the more serious and brooding narratives of previous Superman adaptations. He also mentioned how the film embraced a lighter, more accessible approach while still maintaining the essence of the character.
Goyer expressed admiration for the performances in the film, particularly highlighting David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman. He also praised the inclusion of lesser-known characters such as Krypto, the Superdog, and Metamorpho, a character he had previously worked on during his time writing Justice Society of America (JSA) comics. The introduction of Mr. Terrific, another character Goyer helped develop, was especially meaningful to him.
Embracing Quirky Characters
Goyer noted that James Gunn’s ability to bring quirky, tertiary characters to life is one of the strengths of the new Superman film. He emphasized that these characters, often overlooked in traditional superhero stories, add depth and uniqueness to the world. For example, Metamorpho, a character known for his shape-shifting abilities, was brought to life in a way that felt both fun and faithful to the source material.
This focus on character diversity aligns with Goyer’s own history of working with a wide range of DC characters. His collaboration with Geoff Johns on JSA helped redefine several characters, including Mr. Terrific, who made his first appearance in Spectre #54 before being further developed in the comics. Goyer’s approval of Edi Gathegi’s performance as Mr. Terrific underscores the significance of these creative choices.
The Future of DC and Goyer’s Projects
As the DC Universe expands, Goyer remains an active participant in the development of new stories. While he is currently involved in projects like The Sandman and Murderbot, he has also expressed interest in helping with Marvel Studios’ Blade reboot, despite the challenges the project has faced.
In addition to his work on television, Goyer continues to explore various platforms for storytelling. With services like HBO Max offering access to classic films such as Man of Steel and the Dark Knight trilogy, fans can revisit the origins of many of these characters. Subscribers can choose from different plans, including a With Ads option starting at $9.99 per month, or opt for annual prepayment to save up to 20%.
Looking Ahead
As the DC Universe moves forward, Goyer’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the evolution of these characters. From the dark, gritty tones of Man of Steel to the more hopeful and inclusive approach of the latest Superman film, the franchise continues to adapt and grow. With upcoming releases like The Brave and the Bold and the Green Lantern Corps series on HBO, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to see how these stories will continue to unfold.
For now, Goyer’s enthusiasm for the new Superman film signals a promising direction for the future of the DC Universe. As he once said, each generation gets the Superman they need—and it seems this version is resonating with audiences and creators alike.
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