Summary
There’s just something aboutSuperman. Even though audiences have their pick of superheroes to watch on television and in the theaters, it’s hard to deny that The Last Son of Krypton continues to resonate with audiences. Over the years, there’s been some experimentation with questioning what it would be like ifSupermanwasn’t so much a Big Blue Boy Scout, but was evil, or at least more conflicted in his role. James Gunn’s newSupermanfilm, however, appears to beveering more towards tradition, which is a welcome breath of fresh air.
Along with the inclusion of Superman’s pal and ace photojournalist, Jimmy Olsen, and Lois Lane, a dauntless reporter and his primary love interest. It will no doubt be fun seeing Clark, Lois, and Jimmy work as team reporting for The Daily Planet. Gunn is especially good at creating chemistry between teams fromScooby-DootoGuardians of the Galaxy. However, along with the action, one of the most enticing elements will be thechemistry between Lois and Clark. If there’s one element that will make this love story and Clark’s internal struggle that much more intriguing, it will be that Lois should not know Clark is Superman.
The Two-Person Love Triangle
Clark, Lois, and Superman might be the most famous version of the two-person love triangle. Typically, Clark is in love with Lois and Lois is in love with Superman, not knowing that the two of them are the same person. This creates a unique dynamic where Clark, needing to keep his secret identity, does have the woman he’s pining for like him back, but for the persona he purposefully distances himself from. This can create a lot of inner struggle, but it also has the capacity for comedy. Comedy is one of the many areas where Gunn excels. (He eveninvoked the40-Year-Old Virginafter there was some push back on the long cast announcement for the film, asking if audiences thought Steve Carell got enough time in a movie with a similarly large cast.)
Superman’s Secret Identity is a Great Part of His Character
One of the few things that’s known thus far about Gunn’s 2025 Superman is that he will be eschewing an origin story to focus on Clark’s identity and human experiences. Perhaps that’s no better way to explore than his secret identity. There’s a great scene inKill Bill Vol. 2where the titular Bill makes the case that unlike other superheroes, Superman isn’t Clark’s secret identity. Rather, Superman’s secret identity was Clark. Unlike other superheroes who become who they are, he was born in the role. While Bill claims that Superman’s Clark persona is his critique of humanity, as he chooses a mild-mannered role to blend in with humanity, if anything, his quiet kindness shows that he loves people. This can no doubt be partiallyattributed to Ma and Pa Kentfor the way they brought him up.
It Proves Superman Wants More than Being a Hero
There’s an unverified anecdote abouticonic film actress Marilyn Monroe. One day, she was walking down the street, usually with a journalist, though other versions have her with her friend, Amy Greene, the wife of Milton Greene, a celebrity photographer. Regardless, her companion marvels at that even though she’s walking in New York City, no one recognizes her. Marilyn then says, “Do you want me to be her?” Then she snaps into the Marilyn persona, either by taking off a coat or purely through personality. The effect is instant and she is swarmed. So, what does that have to do with Superman?
Clark, like Marilyn, can go in-between personas with little more than a costume change and how he carries himself. Like Marilyn, he also doesn’t always want the spotlight and being Clark gives him the freedom to pursue other things he wants. Clark is a reporter. He’s a guy from a small town. He has regular friends that don’t don capes. He wants the woman he loves to love him for who he is and not justwhat he can do, nor would he ever want to put her in danger. As much as Superman loves being Clark, he chooses to be him most of the time, he also can step into the role of hero when he’s called upon to do so. Doing the hard thing, the right thing, is what makes Superman great.
For James Gunn’s upcomingSupermanmovie, Lois not knowing that Clark and Superman are the same person will give real weight and conflict as Clark contends with his identity. Among the action and comedy, this internal conflict will make Superman relatable. Sure, not everyone works as a reporter andmoonlights as a superhero. Everyone wants to be understood, to be seen for who they are and who they want to be, especially by the people they love. Just ask Marilyn.
