Lessons That Superman (2025) Should Learn From Superman (1978)

Key Takeaways

• Superman (2025) is highly anticipated, aiming to reintroduce Superman, reset DCU canon, and start a new era.
• Gunn’s portrayal of Superman should draw inspiration from the 1978 classic, focusing on key elements like humor and Lois and Clark chemistry.
• The new movie should embody Superman’s alien nature, feature Daily Planet dynamics, and include an iconic musical score.

There’s been some doubt about whether Gunn is the ideal director for portraying a character as pure, honest, and traditionally heroic as Superman. Despite this, Gunn has proven himself to be an authentic filmmaker who can delve into the deep emotional aspects of a comic book movie (the rawest example being Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3). However, none of his works like Slither, Super, or even The Suicide Squad, are typically associated with Superman’s famous mantra of truth, justice, and the American way. Ultimately, Gunn will create his own version of the Superman story, which is what every filmmaker should aim to do.

If Gunn and his DC partners aspire to achieve the illustrious trio of global box office triumph, critical recognition, and devoted fan approval with their upcoming Superman (2025), they might find valuable guidance in their history, particularly in the legendary Superman (1978) directed by Richard Donner. This 1978 film, also known as Superman: The Movie, was a blockbuster success and a cultural phenomenon in its time, effectively launching the modern superhero genre. However, it wasn’t just the first comic book movie to ascend the cultural peak; it continues to be an exceptional film that serves as an enduring model for crafting a compelling Superman origin story.

The Daily Planet

As a gamer, I find myself deeply immersed in the 1978 version of Superman, where I embody Clark Kent, a man torn between unveiling my alien origins as the last Kryptonian and fulfilling my journalistic duties at the Daily Planet. Director Donner cleverly weaves scenes from the vibrant newsroom of the Planet, reminiscent of classic Hollywood films that follow ambitious journalists on the hunt for scandals, such as His Girl Friday or All The President’s Men. However, what this Superman adaptation seems to miss is a compelling portrayal of my longtime friend and exceptional photographer, Jimmy Olsen.

The joy of seeing Clark, Lois, and Jimmy collaborate to uncover a big story for the Daily Planet is brilliantly captured by My Adventures with Superman in its first two seasons, and this core group of characters should continue to be at the forefront in Superman (2025). Thankfully, it seems that Gunn’s movie will follow suit with Superman’s journalistic background by placing a strong emphasis on both Jimmy Olsen and the Daily Planet.

Out of This World

It’s easy to forget that the Superman story is, by definition, the story of an alien come to earth. The opening sequence of Superman (1978) features what is still the most vividly alien-looking depiction of the planet Krypton that has ever been rendered on screen (the epic prologue from Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel makes for a close second). The vast and jagged frozen tundra of the planet’s surface, the crystalline architecture of the capital city, and the neon glow of the tin-foil-like robes that the Kryptonians wear, all make for an indelible vision of an alien world. The way Donner captures the essential “Alien-ness” of Kal-el’s origin story not only contributes to the pure immersive enjoyment of seeing an alien culture brought to life on screen, it’s also crucial to the emotional substance at the core of any great Superman story.

In the moment Krypton crumbles, Lara, Kal-el’s mother, voices her apprehension and sadness at sending her unique son to Earth, “He will seem peculiar, distinct… Secluded… solitary.” To this, Jor-el, portrayed by Marlon Brando, replies, “He will never feel lonely.” The duality of Clark’s bond with and detachment from his native world lends a deep sense of inherited melancholy to the character. Clark didn’t merely spend his childhood as an outcast in Smallville, Kansas; he was an alienated soul on Earth, yet still one among humanity.

Must-Haves

Many elements combined to make the 1978 version of Superman a success. To ensure that the 2025 adaptation is equally successful, it might be beneficial to incorporate some or even all of the following aspects:

In a fresh and entertaining manner, Gene Hackman portrays Lex Luthor with an unrelenting wit. Paired with his comical partner Otis (Ned Beatty), they create an exceptional comedic duo that is rarely seen in modern films. Hackman’s Luthor is a clever, self-centered villain who can explain his scheme to destroy an entire coastline with a sparkle in his eye, keeping audiences engaged despite the destructive nature of his plan. Nicholas Hoult, set to play Luthor, has demonstrated his comedic abilities in productions like “The Great.” We can only hope that Gunn’s film will make use of Hoult’s talents in a similar way.

As a gamer, I can’t wait to experience the powerful musical score in Superman (2025). Just like John Williams did with the original Superman in 1978, I hope the new film will feature an iconic theme that resonates and leaves fans humming it long after they leave the theater.

The chemistry between Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane and Christopher Reeve’s Clark Kent, as portrayed in the original 1978 Superman film, plays a significant role in its success. Their charming and believable dynamic, which includes both comedic and romantic elements, is what sets their performances apart as definitive interpretations of these characters. Rachel Brosnahan, who has demonstrated her talent for comedy and drama through her five-season portrayal of the main character in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, seems like a fitting choice to step into the role of Lois due to her proven acting abilities. David Cornswet, despite his appearances in popular movies such as Twisters and Pearl, remains relatively untested when it comes to Rom-Com roles.

In a modern take: Upcoming Tech:Superman (1978) left viewers amazed with the tagline “You’ll think a man can fly”, and it certainly delivered on that promise. Director Donner and his team of visual effects pioneers presented audiences worldwide with an unprecedented portrayal of flight, whether human or Kryptonian. For the reboot in Superman (2025), while it’s not necessary to recreate iconic scenes from films like Jurassic Park or Terminator 2: Judgment Day, some jaw-dropping, cutting-edge technology demonstration that leaves you momentarily speechless would be anticipated in a new Superman film. Ideally, if Gunn and his team can pull off such an effect using practical means similar to the original Superman (1978), it would be even more impressive.

In its own time, the 1978 movie Superman embodied the spirit and values of the period it was produced. Any future incarnation of Superman, such as the one slated for 2025, should aim to capture that essence as well. The moral code of Superman, with his sincerity and traditional selflessness, seemed rather quaint in the late ’70s when the original film was released. In one scene from Superman (1978), Lois playfully teases Clark for his use of the seemingly outdated term “Swell” in everyday conversation. Placing a character as old-fashioned as Superman into our modern world, 2024, will likely result in intriguing scenarios that mirror and comment on the society we find ourselves in today.

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2024-09-11 01:06