In the same interview with GQ, Zack Snyder called “Man of Steel” his most grounded, naturalistic film — an irony, he admitted, given that the main character is an all-powerful hero from outer space. He discussed the idea of a crucible moment helping a character ground themselves — even someone like Superman who tries to find an ideal outcome in every situation.
“He’s got to address the scenarios that come to him,” Snyder said. “He can’t pick and choose, as you can’t pick and choose.” According to the director, moments where a character has to confront something “outside your morality, your normal morality that you can deal with,” are crucial. “If the character can respond in a way that solidifies his humanity, then he’s stronger,” he said.
The counterargument is still valid. Most major superheroes are symbols of some sort, both in their fictional worlds and in our own. Superman has historically represented the desire to truly do good and reduce harm — a genuine, passionate drive to make the world a better place. Ultimately, it’s the writer’s decision to put characters in different situations, including ones where they’re inclined to break a few bad guys’ necks. The debate will likely continue indefinitely because it’s really a matter of opinion: Should we always keep our heroes true to the same absolute values, or push them and see how they break? When it’s a character like Superman, who’s had so many different incarnations, journeying off the beaten path isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Regardless of personal opinion, it seems certain that James Gunn’s Superman will be very different from Snyder’s.