There is a difference between a hopeful person whose actions have positive outcomes, and a person who transcends this to inspire hope. This video has given me a different perspective on Superman maybe Snyder as flawed as he is, was onto something.
This is why snyders superman instills the most hope, cause he’s willing to put himself through torment and trauma, and not matter what suffering he endures, he still loves humanity, and proves it through action. But the colors weren’t bright enough so people got mad that they didn’t feel as much happy happy fun time emotions lol
You state many valid points, you even nearly got me to *like* Snyder's Superman, and that said something because I do not consider Snyder's Superman a Superman. I'd have like him more if he's a different hero, I like Snyder's ideas but his execution of them are just bleak and not good, too un-Superman. Snyder tried to deconstruct Superman without properly building him up first. From your video, I concluded that we need *both* . A Superman who is both a hopeful figure by virtue and someone who must earn the title of the Symbol of hope. A Superman who struggle to earn the mantle of hope while helping an old lady across the road.
From a reddit user: "Snyder doesn’t do hope or optimism. He does bleak, he does stark, he does hopeless desolation. He does hardened men having to make gut-wrenching difficult choices in dimly lit dystopias. He does emotional stakes pretty well. I love what he did with Clark and his parents for the most part. And I really loved what he did with young Clark confronting the realities of hearing and seeing everything. Really great scene. But those movies don’t have a lot of hope. They don’t have a lot of joy or optimism. Superman never feels like Superman to me in Snyder’s films because his world never feels like a Superman world to me. He like, barely smiles. Instead he’s this angry confused mass of barely (but mostly successfully) contained rage. He’s “Super,” in the way Ayn Rand would mean it…a guy who’s just so special that he’s basically better than everybody else and he’s burdened by the weight of his specialness. But I think the thing those films really miss is that Clark isn’t that: Clark is special because he’s an Everyman. In spite of being this superpowered alien, his upbringing made him into this sweet kind gentle and wonderfully normal guy. I think that’s what makes him special is Superman seems like the kind of hero who stops to hold the door for somebody or helps an old lady carry her groceries. Snyder’s Superman is so drenched in cosmic ennui and the stakes of the fate of the galaxy, I don’t know if he has any emotional space or time to hold doors."
Thanks for sharing this! They bring up some interesting points, but I think they’ve misunderstood a few key aspects of Snyder's Superman. Here are my counters to their arguments: 1. "Snyder doesn’t do hope or optimism." Snyder’s Superman is built on the idea of hope, but he doesn’t hand it to the audience on a silver platter. Instead, Snyder presents a world where hope must be earned. The bleakness and struggles in Snyder’s films aren’t antithetical to hope; they’re what make hope meaningful. Superman faces existential challenges, societal mistrust, and personal sacrifices, and yet he perseveres. Hope shines brightest in darkness, and Snyder intentionally constructs that darkness to show Superman choosing to be a beacon of hope. This isn’t a rejection of optimism; it’s a nuanced, modern interpretation of it. 2. "Superman never feels like Superman because his world never feels like a Superman world." The traditional "Superman world" often presented in other versions is idyllic, where Superman is universally accepted and adored. But this simplification sidesteps the reality of what Superman would face in a more grounded, modern context. Snyder explores the tension of what it would actually mean for an alien god to live among humans: mistrust, fear, and the weight of responsibility. Superman doesn’t smile constantly because he’s grappling with deeper questions-what does it mean to be good? How does he serve humanity without controlling it? Snyder’s Superman feels more real because he’s tested in ways the classic versions never are. 3. "He’s this angry, confused mass of barely contained rage." This is an oversimplification and honestly, a deliberate misrepresentation of the character. Snyder’s Superman isn’t defined by rage; he’s defined by restraint. In Man of Steel, we see a young Clark learning to control his immense powers, not out of anger but out of moral responsibility. For example, when he’s bullied as a child, he chooses to walk away despite his ability to obliterate his tormentors. Similarly, his fight with Zod is a last resort after all other options are exhausted. Far from being a figure of rage, Snyder’s Superman is a figure of self-control and moral clarity in the face of impossible situations. 4. "He’s special in an Ayn Rand way, better than everyone else, burdened by his specialness." Snyder’s Superman isn’t portrayed as “better” than everyone else-he’s portrayed as different and deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with his uniqueness. Far from reveling in his superiority, Clark often feels isolated and struggles with the burden of his powers. His choices-like saving Earth despite being treated with suspicion or sacrificing his life in Batman v Superman, show that he doesn’t see himself as “above” humanity but as part of it, willing to suffer for their sake. If anything, his story is about rejecting the pedestal others want to put him on and earning humanity’s trust through his actions. 5. "Clark is special because he’s an Everyman who stops to hold the door for someone." Snyder doesn’t focus on small gestures like holding doors because his narrative operates on a larger scale. But this doesn’t mean Snyder’s Clark lacks humility or kindness. We see his humanity in moments like helping the stranded oil rig workers, going out there and talking to people and understanding their suffering and fear in Gotham (even though he was discouraged to), or sharing intimate, heartfelt moments with Lois Lane. These are all demonstrations of his Everyman nature, even in the midst of godlike power. Snyder’s Superman holds metaphorical doors for humanity by making the ultimate sacrifices for them-not just through mundane, surface-level gestures. 6. "He’s drenched in cosmic ennui with no emotional space for small acts of kindness." Snyder’s Superman operates on a larger emotional and narrative scale because the stakes are existential. The absence of constant small acts doesn’t negate his role as a kind, gentle hero; it emphasizes the magnitude of his struggles. Snyder’s Superman is still deeply human, as seen in his moments of vulnerability with his parents and Lois, and his choice to save the world despite its mistrust of him demonstrates the ultimate act of kindness. It’s not that Snyder’s Superman has no emotional space: it’s that his story focuses on his larger moral and existential dilemmas. 7. "The movies don’t have a lot of joy or optimism." Snyder’s approach to optimism is subtle and mature. The joy in his Superman films comes not from lighthearted banter or constant smiling but from Superman’s perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. In Man of Steel, he defies Zod to save Earth, choosing humanity over his own people. In Batman v Superman, he sacrifices his life for a world that doubts him, inspiring Batman and humanity to unite. Optimism in Snyder’s films is earned, not assumed-it’s the triumph of hope after enduring darkness. 8. Snyder’s Superman vs. Classic Superman Traditional Superman films rely on a world that automatically embraces Superman, where hope and trust are givens. Snyder’s Superman has to earn that trust and hope in a world that initially rejects him. This makes his eventual role as a symbol of hope far more profound. When Snyder’s Superman inspires humanity and the Justice League, it feels transformative because we’ve seen him endure trials that test his ideals to their limits. Snyder’s Superman isn’t the smiling, door-holding caricature of hope; it’s a deeper, more challenging portrayal of what it means to be a symbol of hope. His journey isn’t about being adored but about staying true to his principles in the face of doubt, fear, and sacrifice. By overcoming these challenges, he redefines hope as something earned, not given; a message that resonates far more profoundly than a surface-level portrayal of optimism.
@@thatsjustmyopinion772 On your fifth and sixth point, while I see where you're coming from, the significance of those small mundane gestures must not be denied. For they are as big a part of Superman's character as his world saving stuffs.
@@thatsjustmyopinion772 and just because it's a deeper, more challenging portrayal doesn't mean Superman can't find the time to enact kindness however he can, whenever he can, both as Superman and Clark Kent. I get that Snyder want to make Superman earn his mantle as the Symbol of hope to humanity at large, but to completely abandonned his "caricature of hope" aspect is just... not how you should do Superman. In my opinions, Superman can struggle to earn the mantle of being the Symbol of Hope, but when he see a little girl or boy crying and getting lost, he will help them, because he want to, no bigger, deeper reasons involve, and not because he want to be seen as hope, he's just a kind man like that. How can a man, let alone a super one, become a symbol of hope to the universe if he's too busy muling over it to at least spread hope and be kind to the fellow people around him first ?
@@thatsjustmyopinion772 while yes, the oil rig incident and his relationship with Lois do show his humanity, What I want here is Superman doing good because he's good, not out of a sense of duty or any obligation due to his powers, and I haven't seen him do any good just for the sake of being good yet. All of the good deeds Snyder Supes did feel heavy and dutiful and have consequenses, and they all weight just too much on him.
This is exactly the point. In the context of Snyder's world, actions carry real consequences, especially for someone as powerful as Superman. What makes this version of Superman truly hopeful is that, throughout both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, he is repeatedly presented with a choice: to do nothing or to serve and protect humanity. Crucially, he owes humanity nothing-he’s not obliged to save them. The conversation with his mother in BvS is particularly significant in this regard. She tells him he can choose to be their hero, their protector, or none of it, because he doesn’t owe the world a thing. Yet, despite this, Superman chooses to act. He could have stayed hidden, living a quiet life in isolation, much like Diana did for decades, but he didn’t. He chose to face the world and its judgment. He chose to show up at the Capitol to take accountability, even though he didn’t have to. He sacrificed his life for humanity, though he wasn’t required to. He spared Lex Luthor when he could have easily killed him. Even in the heat of battle, he could have killed Batman immediately to save his mother, but instead, he chose to appeal to Bruce’s humanity. He could have prioritized investigating Bruce Wayne’s suspicious actions at Luthor’s party, but instead, he flew to Mexico to save a single child trapped in a burning building. The point is that Snyder's Superman consistently places humanity above himself. Whenever he is faced with personal interests or the option to walk away and be selfish, he refuses. Even when the world is bleak, when he is conflicted and in emotional pain, he never gives up. Every decision he makes is in service of humanity. He doesn’t take justice into his own hands, even when tempted, and he doesn’t seek vengeance or dominance despite his immense power. Instead, he embodies humility, selflessness, and perseverance. This unwavering dedication to humanity, even in the face of adversity and misunderstanding, is what makes Snyder’s Superman the ultimate symbol of hope.
In Superman 2 he sacrifices his power for love. Then learns he has to sacrifice his love for Lois to his duty to save and protect the world. I can see that as him being a symbol of hope for the world, that he will sacrifice his own love to fulfill his higher duty.
Dc has a lantern corp of love, if he doesnt get a ring for that he isnt that. They give everybody a ring nowadays, yet they didnt give him any ring because he isnt
There is a difference between a hopeful person whose actions have positive outcomes, and a person who transcends this to inspire hope. This video has given me a different perspective on Superman maybe Snyder as flawed as he is, was onto something.
Great Video. Very Well Done. Spot On!
This is why snyders superman instills the most hope, cause he’s willing to put himself through torment and trauma, and not matter what suffering he endures, he still loves humanity, and proves it through action. But the colors weren’t bright enough so people got mad that they didn’t feel as much happy happy fun time emotions lol
You state many valid points, you even nearly got me to *like* Snyder's Superman, and that said something because I do not consider Snyder's Superman a Superman. I'd have like him more if he's a different hero, I like Snyder's ideas but his execution of them are just bleak and not good, too un-Superman. Snyder tried to deconstruct Superman without properly building him up first.
From your video, I concluded that we need *both* . A Superman who is both a hopeful figure by virtue and someone who must earn the title of the Symbol of hope. A Superman who struggle to earn the mantle of hope while helping an old lady across the road.
From a reddit user:
"Snyder doesn’t do hope or optimism. He does bleak, he does stark, he does hopeless desolation. He does hardened men having to make gut-wrenching difficult choices in dimly lit dystopias. He does emotional stakes pretty well. I love what he did with Clark and his parents for the most part. And I really loved what he did with young Clark confronting the realities of hearing and seeing everything. Really great scene. But those movies don’t have a lot of hope. They don’t have a lot of joy or optimism. Superman never feels like Superman to me in Snyder’s films because his world never feels like a Superman world to me. He like, barely smiles. Instead he’s this angry confused mass of barely (but mostly successfully) contained rage. He’s “Super,” in the way Ayn Rand would mean it…a guy who’s just so special that he’s basically better than everybody else and he’s burdened by the weight of his specialness. But I think the thing those films really miss is that Clark isn’t that: Clark is special because he’s an Everyman. In spite of being this superpowered alien, his upbringing made him into this sweet kind gentle and wonderfully normal guy. I think that’s what makes him special is Superman seems like the kind of hero who stops to hold the door for somebody or helps an old lady carry her groceries. Snyder’s Superman is so drenched in cosmic ennui and the stakes of the fate of the galaxy, I don’t know if he has any emotional space or time to hold doors."
Thanks for sharing this! They bring up some interesting points, but I think they’ve misunderstood a few key aspects of Snyder's Superman. Here are my counters to their arguments:
1. "Snyder doesn’t do hope or optimism."
Snyder’s Superman is built on the idea of hope, but he doesn’t hand it to the audience on a silver platter. Instead, Snyder presents a world where hope must be earned. The bleakness and struggles in Snyder’s films aren’t antithetical to hope; they’re what make hope meaningful. Superman faces existential challenges, societal mistrust, and personal sacrifices, and yet he perseveres. Hope shines brightest in darkness, and Snyder intentionally constructs that darkness to show Superman choosing to be a beacon of hope. This isn’t a rejection of optimism; it’s a nuanced, modern interpretation of it.
2. "Superman never feels like Superman because his world never feels like a Superman world."
The traditional "Superman world" often presented in other versions is idyllic, where Superman is universally accepted and adored. But this simplification sidesteps the reality of what Superman would face in a more grounded, modern context. Snyder explores the tension of what it would actually mean for an alien god to live among humans: mistrust, fear, and the weight of responsibility. Superman doesn’t smile constantly because he’s grappling with deeper questions-what does it mean to be good? How does he serve humanity without controlling it? Snyder’s Superman feels more real because he’s tested in ways the classic versions never are.
3. "He’s this angry, confused mass of barely contained rage."
This is an oversimplification and honestly, a deliberate misrepresentation of the character. Snyder’s Superman isn’t defined by rage; he’s defined by restraint. In Man of Steel, we see a young Clark learning to control his immense powers, not out of anger but out of moral responsibility. For example, when he’s bullied as a child, he chooses to walk away despite his ability to obliterate his tormentors. Similarly, his fight with Zod is a last resort after all other options are exhausted. Far from being a figure of rage, Snyder’s Superman is a figure of self-control and moral clarity in the face of impossible situations.
4. "He’s special in an Ayn Rand way, better than everyone else, burdened by his specialness."
Snyder’s Superman isn’t portrayed as “better” than everyone else-he’s portrayed as different and deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with his uniqueness. Far from reveling in his superiority, Clark often feels isolated and struggles with the burden of his powers. His choices-like saving Earth despite being treated with suspicion or sacrificing his life in Batman v Superman, show that he doesn’t see himself as “above” humanity but as part of it, willing to suffer for their sake. If anything, his story is about rejecting the pedestal others want to put him on and earning humanity’s trust through his actions.
5. "Clark is special because he’s an Everyman who stops to hold the door for someone."
Snyder doesn’t focus on small gestures like holding doors because his narrative operates on a larger scale. But this doesn’t mean Snyder’s Clark lacks humility or kindness. We see his humanity in moments like helping the stranded oil rig workers, going out there and talking to people and understanding their suffering and fear in Gotham (even though he was discouraged to), or sharing intimate, heartfelt moments with Lois Lane. These are all demonstrations of his Everyman nature, even in the midst of godlike power. Snyder’s Superman holds metaphorical doors for humanity by making the ultimate sacrifices for them-not just through mundane, surface-level gestures.
6. "He’s drenched in cosmic ennui with no emotional space for small acts of kindness."
Snyder’s Superman operates on a larger emotional and narrative scale because the stakes are existential. The absence of constant small acts doesn’t negate his role as a kind, gentle hero; it emphasizes the magnitude of his struggles. Snyder’s Superman is still deeply human, as seen in his moments of vulnerability with his parents and Lois, and his choice to save the world despite its mistrust of him demonstrates the ultimate act of kindness. It’s not that Snyder’s Superman has no emotional space: it’s that his story focuses on his larger moral and existential dilemmas.
7. "The movies don’t have a lot of joy or optimism."
Snyder’s approach to optimism is subtle and mature. The joy in his Superman films comes not from lighthearted banter or constant smiling but from Superman’s perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. In Man of Steel, he defies Zod to save Earth, choosing humanity over his own people. In Batman v Superman, he sacrifices his life for a world that doubts him, inspiring Batman and humanity to unite. Optimism in Snyder’s films is earned, not assumed-it’s the triumph of hope after enduring darkness.
8. Snyder’s Superman vs. Classic Superman
Traditional Superman films rely on a world that automatically embraces Superman, where hope and trust are givens. Snyder’s Superman has to earn that trust and hope in a world that initially rejects him. This makes his eventual role as a symbol of hope far more profound. When Snyder’s Superman inspires humanity and the Justice League, it feels transformative because we’ve seen him endure trials that test his ideals to their limits.
Snyder’s Superman isn’t the smiling, door-holding caricature of hope; it’s a deeper, more challenging portrayal of what it means to be a symbol of hope. His journey isn’t about being adored but about staying true to his principles in the face of doubt, fear, and sacrifice. By overcoming these challenges, he redefines hope as something earned, not given; a message that resonates far more profoundly than a surface-level portrayal of optimism.
@@thatsjustmyopinion772 On your fifth and sixth point, while I see where you're coming from, the significance of those small mundane gestures must not be denied. For they are as big a part of Superman's character as his world saving stuffs.
@@thatsjustmyopinion772 and just because it's a deeper, more challenging portrayal doesn't mean Superman can't find the time to enact kindness however he can, whenever he can, both as Superman and Clark Kent.
I get that Snyder want to make Superman earn his mantle as the Symbol of hope to humanity at large, but to completely abandonned his "caricature of hope" aspect is just... not how you should do Superman. In my opinions, Superman can struggle to earn the mantle of being the Symbol of Hope, but when he see a little girl or boy crying and getting lost, he will help them, because he want to, no bigger, deeper reasons involve, and not because he want to be seen as hope, he's just a kind man like that.
How can a man, let alone a super one, become a symbol of hope to the universe if he's too busy muling over it to at least spread hope and be kind to the fellow people around him first ?
@@thatsjustmyopinion772 while yes, the oil rig incident and his relationship with Lois do show his humanity, What I want here is Superman doing good because he's good, not out of a sense of duty or any obligation due to his powers, and I haven't seen him do any good just for the sake of being good yet. All of the good deeds Snyder Supes did feel heavy and dutiful and have consequenses, and they all weight just too much on him.
This is exactly the point.
In the context of Snyder's world, actions carry real consequences, especially for someone as powerful as Superman. What makes this version of Superman truly hopeful is that, throughout both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, he is repeatedly presented with a choice: to do nothing or to serve and protect humanity. Crucially, he owes humanity nothing-he’s not obliged to save them. The conversation with his mother in BvS is particularly significant in this regard. She tells him he can choose to be their hero, their protector, or none of it, because he doesn’t owe the world a thing. Yet, despite this, Superman chooses to act.
He could have stayed hidden, living a quiet life in isolation, much like Diana did for decades, but he didn’t. He chose to face the world and its judgment. He chose to show up at the Capitol to take accountability, even though he didn’t have to. He sacrificed his life for humanity, though he wasn’t required to. He spared Lex Luthor when he could have easily killed him. Even in the heat of battle, he could have killed Batman immediately to save his mother, but instead, he chose to appeal to Bruce’s humanity. He could have prioritized investigating Bruce Wayne’s suspicious actions at Luthor’s party, but instead, he flew to Mexico to save a single child trapped in a burning building.
The point is that Snyder's Superman consistently places humanity above himself. Whenever he is faced with personal interests or the option to walk away and be selfish, he refuses. Even when the world is bleak, when he is conflicted and in emotional pain, he never gives up. Every decision he makes is in service of humanity. He doesn’t take justice into his own hands, even when tempted, and he doesn’t seek vengeance or dominance despite his immense power. Instead, he embodies humility, selflessness, and perseverance. This unwavering dedication to humanity, even in the face of adversity and misunderstanding, is what makes Snyder’s Superman the ultimate symbol of hope.
In Superman 2 he sacrifices his power for love. Then learns he has to sacrifice his love for Lois to his duty to save and protect the world. I can see that as him being a symbol of hope for the world, that he will sacrifice his own love to fulfill his higher duty.
Dc has a lantern corp of love, if he doesnt get a ring for that he isnt that.
They give everybody a ring nowadays, yet they didnt give him any ring because he isnt
Snyder fans are going to be so annoying when they find this video 😅