Superman's Smile Is More Than Just A Pretty Grin
Superman's smile, for many, is just a part of his happy nature. But it's more than that. It's a symbol of his cheerful personality, and it's something that has been debated for years. Having a powerful hero who is perfectly good is something that has been criticized in media, especially with an increased focus on superhero media. Many people think it's unrealistic.
It's hard for audiences to relate to a paragon of joy, goodness, and virtue, which has led to toned-down versions of Superman. But recent Superman set photos have shown a bright and sunny look, and that iconic smile is there. This Kal-El seems to present as a beacon of hope. With the idea of someone like Superman existing being questioned by characters like Omni-Man and Homelander, this classic look, smile included, becomes perfectly timely.
The DCEU Didn't Show Superman's Smile Much
The DCEU was built around Man of Steel, a film which took a darker, grittier, and more grounded look at Superman's mythos. It was intended to be the next step for DC heroes after The Dark Knight trilogy. Henry Cavill's Superman was cut from the same cloth and was intended to be a more realistic and dour version of the bright comic book character.
As a result, Superman didn't smile much throughout the DCEU. From killing Zod to dying against Doomsday, much of the character's story was an exploration of the dangers of a Superman figure. This led to a darker iteration of the hero, and to conversations about whether Cavill's Superman was too serious, priming audiences to continue this discussion going into the Dcu.
The DCU's Superman Smile Is A Beacon Of Hope
Superman is set to be released in 2025, and it promises to reveal a new DC Universe full of new and exciting characters. It seems many of the universe's new characters will inhabit the darker corners of that world, with even heroes like Supergirl being pulled from the more cynical Tom King book Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
But returning to a more classical Superman suggests the character can remain a beacon of light for the franchise. Superman has been one of the harder figures in the superhero genre to depict. So focusing in on that core kindness and morality seems like an approach that will pay dividends. Wherever the Dcu decides to go with future films and series, Superman's smile and heart will remain the steadfast heart of the universe.
Superman's Smile Is Important In A World That Needs It
Even in an elevated and fantastical setting like Superman is suggested to inhabit, it is essential that the DCU stories allow a human grounding to their characters and environment. However, against this backdrop, it is perhaps even more important that a hopeful Superman be given the opportunity to convey a grounded but dedicated sense of morality and fortitude that comes straight out of the comics.
The setup for Superman suggests this is one of the cornerstones of the DCU, but it will be important to see how the new universe explores this in upcoming films. The new DCU needs Superman's smile, now more than ever.
