Brandon Sanderson Breaks Down Why Man of Steel Fell Short

Brandon Sanderson, the acclaimed writer behind the Mistborn saga, recently opened up about his thoughts on Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman in Zack Snyder’s 2013 blockbuster. As the film that launched Snyder’s vision for the DC Extended Universe, it split audiences right down the middle. Some viewers praised Cavill’s intense, conflicted take on the iconic hero, while others felt the film missed the mark. During a conversation on Intentionally Blank, Sanderson didn’t hold back about his feelings toward the movie.

Sanderson’s Honest Take on Man of Steel

Sanderson admitted he was excited to see the film on opening weekend, being a longtime fan of the character and his stories.

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

Despite his anticipation, Sanderson found himself disappointed by the final product.

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

Cavill’s Superman, often torn and destructive, spent much of the film wrestling with his own decisions. For Sanderson, the real twist came with the sequel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which doubled down on Superman’s troubled nature.

Batman v Superman: A Step in the Wrong Direction

The opening of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice put Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne front and center, watching as Superman’s battle left a city in ruins. The destruction set the stage for Batman’s anger and the growing rift between the two heroes. Sanderson felt the film’s approach was a misstep.

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 concerns, questioning whether Superman needed to be so dark and brooding. That’s where James Gunn ’s vision entered the picture.

James Gunn’s Superman: A Brighter Path

With the arrival of James Gunn’s Superman, starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, the DC Universe took a new direction. Gunn’s film brought back vibrant colors and a sense of hope, even as Superman faced personal struggles. Unlike his predecessor, this version of the hero never let innocent bystanders pay the price for his battles. From rescuing a child to saving a squirrel, Gunn’s Superman stayed true to his mission of helping humanity. The symbol of hope remained intact, even as the character dealt with revelations about his origins.

Fans quickly noticed the shift, finding Gunn’s take on the character more relatable and uplifting. While both films have their own unique appeal, many agreed that Gunn’s approach restored the optimism that defines Superman. A side-by-side comparison of the two movies highlights the differences in direction, cast, and reception, with Gunn’s film earning higher marks from critics and audiences alike.