Superman has had an up-and-down journey on the big screen, and the films became most divisive under Zack Snyder’s DCU era. While some films nailed the essence of the Man of Steel, others fumbled key elements.
This includes how they handled beloved characters. Snyder’s take on Superman’s world introduced bold new ideas but also sparked heated debates, especially regarding his depiction of major figures like Lex Luthor and Superman himself.
Zack Snyder Made Lex Luthor A Laughable Villain Instead Of A Mastermind
Superman’s greatest enemy, Lex Luthor, has always been a fascinating antagonist. He’s brilliant, ruthless, and unwavering in his belief that Superman is a threat to humanity. Over the years several actors took on Lex’s role, and while neither was perfect, they at least understood Lex’s essence. Then came Jesse Eisenberg in ‘Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice’, and, well… things got weird.
Eisenberg’s take on Lex was meant to be a modernized version of the villain. He portrayed Lex as a tech-billionaire genius inspired by the likes of Mark Zuckerberg. While not a terrible idea, Eisenberg’s Luthor came off as a jittery, over-the-top oddball who seemed more suited for a comedy.
Moreover, his high-pitched ramblings, awkward tics, and erratic behavior made it difficult to take him seriously. Instead of feeling like a dangerous antagonist, he felt like an annoying internet troll who somehow stumbled into power. Lex Luthor should exude control and dominance in every scene. So, this odd portrayal was chaotic and cringeworthy.
How Zack Snyder Fumbled With Superman’s Arc
Henry Cavill as Superman should have been a slam dunk. He looked like Superman and was loved by fans as the character. Unfortunately, Snyder’s vision for the character was a drastic departure from who Superman actually was. From the very start of Man of Steel, Snyder presented a Superman who was unsure of himself.
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The character often struggled with his place in the world. While character arcs are important, Superman isn’t supposed to be questioning whether he should help people. He’s meant to be a symbol of hope. Instead, Snyder’s Superman often felt cold and distant. Then came the infamous decision to have Superman kill General Zod.
While it was a dramatic moment, it also fundamentally broke the character for many fans. Superman’s defining trait is that he always finds another way. He’s supposed to inspire people, not resort to the same brutal solutions his enemies do. The moment was meant to be shocking, but instead, it alienated a significant part of the audience.
Additionally, this was such a major incident that his arc throughout the DCEU never quite recovered. Even in ‘Batman v. Superman’ and ‘Justice League’, he continued to feel more like an outsider than a beacon of hope. By the time his resurrection in Justice League rolled around, it was too late.
