The newSupermanmovie is now playing in theaters everywhere, but a Superman star from another project just shed some light on why he thinks the character has been such a success. It’s no secret that Superman is easily one of the most recognizable comic book figures ever — the Kryptonian stands alone at the top with other titans likeSpider-ManandBatman, three wildly different characters. One of the things that makes Superman — and Spider-Man, for that matter — so relatable is his humanity. Although he’s an alien from another planet who can stop a speeding bullet and lift an entire building,Superman is still a humanwho has experienced the same challenges the rest of us.
Collider’sMaggie Lovittrecently moderated a panel at FanExpo Denver for several former Superman actors, includingGeorge Newbern,Tim Daly,Brandon Routh,Dean Cain,Tom Welling, andTyler Hoechlin. During this panel, Hoechlin spoke about what he thinks makes Superman such a relatable character, despite having some traits like super strength and laser eyes that make him more alien than human:
“I do believe that the reason that Superman is not just iconic, but archetypal, is thatwe’re all Clark Kent, and we’re all Superman, and most of us walk through our lives as Clark Kent.We’re going to work or getting the kids ready for school or cooking dinner or doing things that, you know, my old man will do.”
Hoechlin went on to say:
“But within us, I think that most people have — if in the right circumstances — the potential for doing something heroic. I think that’s why we connect so strongly with this guy. After all, he is an alien. Who’s ever grown up and, kind of [in] middle school, didn’t feel like an alien? What is life supposed to be about? I think that part of Superman’s struggle — to figure out where he fits in in the world of humans — is part of the thing that all of us identify with. And alsoknowing some place within us that, given the right circumstances, we can be a hero.”
This is why thousands of people are going to pile into theaters on opening weekend to seethe newSupermanmovie. There are plenty of movies out there with capes and superhero action, but few have a hero as relatable as Superman. He’s lived and grown up as a kid, experienced bullying, lost people close to him, worked a job, struggled to pay his bills, and other things that make him the kind of hero people can get behind. Hoechlin may be done playing Clark Kent now thatSuperman & Loisis off the air, but his portrayal of The Man of Steel will stand the test of time as one of the best.
Who Is Writing and Directing the New ‘Superman’ Movie?
James Gunnis the writer and director of the newSupermanmovie. Gunn is best known for his work on the MCU’sGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy, and he also recently made his DC debut onThe Suicide Squad, the reboot of theDavid Ayer-directed film. Gunn has also worked on shows for DC, such asPeacemakerandCreature Commandos. Although now acting as the co-CEO for the newly formed DC Studios, Gunn will continue to be involved in writing and directing projects, not just producing them.
The newSupermanmovie is now playing in theaters everywhere, and all four seasons ofSuperman & Loisare now streaming onHBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for more Superman updates.
