Man of Steel: Why One Deleted Scene Would Have Justified the Controversial Moment
Man of Steel, the 2013 movie that launched the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), was a game-changer in the superhero genre. However, its reputation was marred by a controversial moment that could have been justified with just one deleted scene. The movie’s darker take on the Superman franchise was a breath of fresh air, but it drew mixed reactions from audiences and critics.
One of the main controversies surrounding Man of Steel was the character of General Zod and his battle with Superman. The two’s fight through Metropolis was devastating, with many questioning whether Superman’s decision to save the city was worth the cost. This would later be a major plot point in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, where the two heroes clash.
However, it was Superman’s decision to kill Zod that was perhaps the most divisive moment in the movie. Many fans were upset by Superman’s departure from his no-killing rule, feeling that it went against the character’s traditional values. However, some argue that Zod’s death was justified, citing similar situations in the Superman comics and other movies.
According to Man of Steel writer David S. Goyer, a deleted scene would have helped contextualize Zod’s death. The scene, which was supposed to be included in the movie, features a young Clark Kent and his adoptive father, Jonathan Kent, hunting deer and discussing the responsibility of taking life. This moment would have shown that Clark was taught the value of taking a life, making his decision to kill Zod more justifiable.
Goyer believes that this deleted scene would have added depth to the movie and provided a new perspective on Clark’s actions. Unfortunately, the scene was cut from the final product, leaving viewers with a potentially out-of-character moment for Superman. While some may still disagree with the decision, incorporating this scene into the movie would have provided a more nuanced and justifiable reason for Clark’s actions.
Regardless, Man of Steel remains a pivotal moment in the DCEU, and its impact can be seen in later movies like Batman v Superman. While some may still be frustrated by Superman’s decision to kill Zod, the addition of this deleted scene would have provided a more satisfying and justifiable conclusion to the character’s origin story.