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Quote, “Like the recent Batman sequel, [Warner Brother's President of Production Jeff Robinov] wants his next pack of superhero movies to be bathed in the same brooding tone as The Dark Knight…he sees exploring the evil side to characters as the key to unlocking some of Warner Bros.’ DC properties. “We’re going to try to go dark to the extent that the characters allow it,” he says. That goes for the company’s Superman franchise as well.” — Latino Review
The only problem with that strategy is SUPERMAN IS NOT DARK. In anything I would consider decently-written material in keeping with the canon of his story, he’s the epitome of purity of heart. He’s the icon of goodness. The almost-immovable, incorruptible hero with super strength who uses it for good. Batman once said, “It is a remarkable dichotomy. In many ways, [Superman] is the most human of us all. Then…he shoots fire from the skies, and it is difficult not to think of him as a god. And how fortunate we all are that it does not occur to him.” The Dark Knight wasn’t successful because it tapped into some secret, special dark place, it was successful because the world of The Batman is inherently dark. It was successful because it was true to form and character.
Warner Brothers, you think making the Man of Steel darker is the key to “unlocking” Superman? That’s the exact opposite of what you should do. Try making a movie in keeping with the character’s world for once, instead.
Exactly. I have no interest in a dark Superman. It’s just not who he is.
said Grant
at 11:34am on Monday
remakes are hit or miss.
this current batman series is definitely a hit.
a new superman will be a FAIL.
i would love for something new to come out.
i feel like all original thought has left the movie scene.
there is something to be said about black and white films.
there was a raw beauty in them that cannot be tapped into.
hell, even movies up through the 80s were great..
unfortunately, i think the issue is as same as it was hundreds and thousands of years ago..
a somewhat unique idea comes along, and everyone wants to copy it.
they will copy that idea ’til the next somewhat unique idea comes along.
i love ecclesiastes.
it proves this point perfectly.
“there is nothing new under the sun.”
so, while i am saddened by a “darker superman,”
i must agree.. it’s nothing new that the industry just wants to keep regurgitating ideas.
said zach
at 12:06pm on Monday
Joshua.
Could it be possible that the Superman idea could work if we don’t equate Dark with brooding? I am thinking (hoping really) that it could be a darker movie without making it brooding in a quite malice. The Superman story line had plenty of dark moments which, if acted and directed properly could make this into a watchable franchise once again.
And in my personal opinion, the Batman series is inherently dark… but the reason Dark Knight was so successful was how much anger and senseless violence the joker character brings to the screen.
I think superman can stand for all the holiest of values and juxtaposed with a true evil, it can be successful.
Just my two cents.
said Isuru
at 1:22pm on Monday
I agree – superman is not dark, but he is incredibly lonely. What makes his story so compelling is his obligation to protect those he loves by remaining distant from them. All of the TV series began to spiral downward when the people he cared for learned his true identity. If Warner Bros. can focus on the tension between his longing to be known and his duty to protect, while being careful not to paint him as some sobbing emo hero, I think they’ll get what they’re after.
said Matt
at 2:06pm on Monday
I have another thought.
Perhaps they could stop making Superman movies with the most horrible villains. I want to see Superman go at it with Darkseed, etc. I want to see him get punched through a skyscraper, take down half a city, and survive the most amazing scenes one could come up with.
Or – Superman is really only interesting as a supporting character and they need to let him go back to the 40′s where he belongs.
said John Sherman Hoyt
at 5:36pm on Monday
Sadly, I believe that Superman doesn’t appeal to American’s because we don’t like seeing someone/something being so good. We find it contrived, unbelievable and unidentifiable (which is part of the reason why the most recent attempt failed) – a goodie two-shoes if you will. Superman was made for another era; which doesn’t translate as strongly today.
said Paul
at 6:49pm on Monday
Another thought on the villain thing: Maybe he needs a really “dark” villain. The choices the Joker forced on Batman are what made TDK so interesting to me. Maybe Supe’s “God” status could be challenged not on what he can do but what he decides to do.
Lex Luthor needs an overhaul, and I’m personally not interested in watching Superman and Generic Strong Bad Guy beat each other up against the backdrop of a devastated Metropolis.
said Anthony
at 9:16am on Tuesday