Brandon Sanderson Unpacks His Disappointment With Man of Steel

Brandon Sanderson, the celebrated author behind the Mistborn saga, recently offered his perspective on Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman in Zack Snyder’s 2013 film. The production, which served as the foundation for Snyder’s DC Extended Universe, has long divided audiences. While some viewers appreciated Cavill’s more sombre interpretation of the iconic hero, others found it less compelling. During a discussion on Intentionally Blank, Sanderson made it clear that he was not entirely persuaded by the film’s approach.

I went to see Man of Steel opening weekend. I like Superman. I like the idea of the hopeful hero. I actually realised I’ve read a decent number of like the big Superman comics.

He went on to add,

As much as I liked some things about the Zack Snyder Man of Steel, the film itself, I don’t think worked.

Cavill’s version of the character was marked by internal conflict and a tendency towards destruction, a departure from the more optimistic depictions of the past. For Sanderson, the real turning point came with the sequel, which further explored Superman’s character.

Sanderson’s Take on Batman v Superman

The opening of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice placed Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne at the centre of the chaos caused by Superman’s actions. As buildings crumbled, Batman rushed to protect those in danger, setting the stage for a deep-seated resentment between the two heroes. This animosity, rooted in the events at the end of Man of Steel, was not lost on Sanderson.

When they started Batman v. Superman with Batman’s perspective on the ground of all the disaster that Superman is causing (at the end of Man of Steel)… Now, I feel like you’re winking at me… I don’t know.

Many fans echoed Sanderson’s reservations. While the darker, more introspective take on the character was certainly distinctive, it left some questioning whether Superman ought to be so perpetually troubled. This debate paved the way for a new direction under James Gunn.

James Gunn’s Brighter Vision for Superman

With the launch of his own DC Universe, James Gunn introduced a fresh interpretation of the character. David Corenswet stepped into the lead role, joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, in a film that quickly found favour with audiences. Gunn’s version was notably more vibrant, both in tone and palette, and while his Superman still grappled with questions of identity, he never allowed bystanders to become collateral damage.

From rescuing a child to saving a squirrel, Gunn’s Superman remained steadfast in his commitment to helping others. Even when faced with personal revelations, he continued to embody the symbol of hope that has long defined the character. This approach, many felt, addressed the criticisms levelled at Snyder’s interpretation, offering a more relatable and uplifting hero.

Comparing Two Supermen

To highlight the differences, consider the key details: Snyder’s film, released in 2013, starred Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, and Michael Shannon, and was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. Gunn’s 2025 entry featured David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, under the DC Studios banner. Both films achieved a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb, but Gunn’s effort scored higher with critics, earning 83% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Snyder’s 57%. At the box office, Man of Steel edged ahead with $670 million worldwide, while Gunn’s Superman brought in $616 million. Both are available to stream on HBO Max.

Which version of the character resonates more with you? Share your thoughts below.

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