The cinematic legacy of Superman, the quintessential superhero, has become a battleground for two visionary directors, Zack Snyder and James Gunn, each claiming their take on the Man of Steel is the “most enlightening.” As Gunn’s Superman, starring David Corenswet, prepares for its July 11, 2025, release, and Snyder’s Man of Steel continues to resonate with fans over a decade after its 2013 debut, their competing assertions have sparked intense debate. Both directors, speaking at recent industry events, have doubled down on their interpretations, highlighting a philosophical divide in how they envision Superman’s role in a complex world. This clash, amplified by fan discussions on platforms like X, underscores the challenge of redefining an icon who embodies hope, power, and humanity.

Snyder’s Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavill, was introduced in Man of Steel as a brooding, conflicted figure grappling with his Kryptonian heritage and Earthly responsibilities. Speaking at a 2025 Fan Expo panel, Snyder described his version as “the most enlightening” for its raw exploration of Superman’s godlike power in a skeptical world. “He’s an outsider forced to confront humanity’s fear and awe,” Snyder said, emphasizing the film’s deconstruction of heroism. His Superman, clad in a muted, textured suit sans red trunks, faced moral dilemmas—like killing General Zod—that shocked audiences but grounded the character in a gritty reality. Snyder’s DCEU films, including Batman v Superman and Justice League, leaned into this somber tone, portraying Superman as a divisive savior whose sacrifices, like his death and resurrection, mirrored mythic archetypes. Fans on X often praise Snyder’s approach for its depth, with one post stating, “Snyder’s Superman feels real, like he’s carrying the world’s weight.”

Gunn, tasked with rebooting the DC Universe, takes a markedly different stance. His Superman, revealed through a December 2024 trailer, blends comic-book fidelity with a hopeful yet grounded narrative. At a 2025 Comic-Con press event, Gunn called his version “the most enlightening” for capturing Superman’s unwavering goodness amidst adversity. “He’s a hero who loves humanity, even when it doesn’t love him back,” Gunn said, pointing to scenes of Corenswet’s Superman saving civilians despite public protests. The costume, complete with red trunks and a vibrant “S” emblem, nods to the character’s Golden Age roots, though its darker, desaturated palette has drawn comparisons to Snyder’s aesthetic. Gunn’s film positions Superman as an established hero in a world with other superhumans, navigating his Clark Kent persona and facing threats like Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. X users have lauded Gunn’s optimism, with one writing, “Gunn’s Superman is the hero we need—bright, kind, but not naive.”

The directors’ contrasting visions reflect their filmmaking philosophies. Snyder, inspired by Frank Miller’s darker comics, sought to modernize Superman by emphasizing his alien nature and moral struggles, a choice that polarized audiences. Man of Steel’s destruction-heavy climax and Superman’s lethal decisions sparked backlash, yet its $668 million box office and cult following on HBO Max prove its enduring impact. Gunn, known for heartfelt ensembles like Guardians of the Galaxy, aims to restore Superman’s aspirational core while acknowledging a cynical world. His inclusion of characters like Hawkgirl and Green Lantern Guy Gardner suggests a broader, interconnected DCU, contrasting Snyder’s more insular focus. However, the trailer’s muted colors and scenes of a battered Superman have led some to argue Gunn is borrowing from Snyder’s playbook, a critique Gunn dismisses, insisting his palette reflects “a lived-in world, not despair.”

Fan reactions highlight the divide. On X, some defend Snyder’s cerebral approach, arguing it respects Superman’s complexity: “Snyder showed us a Superman who questions himself, which is profound.” Others embrace Gunn’s return to optimism: “Gunn’s Superman smiles and saves people—that’s the icon I grew up with.” The debate has also touched on practical differences, like the red trunks, which Gunn reinstated after consulting Snyder, who had removed them for a sleeker look. Snyder’s cryptic response, “It’s about the story, not the suit,” suggests a begrudging respect for Gunn’s vision.

As Gunn’s Superman nears, the question remains: which vision will resonate more? Snyder’s “enlightening” deconstruction challenged Superman’s mythos, while Gunn’s seeks to rebuild it with heart and hope. Both have pushed the character into new territory, forcing fans to confront what Superman means in 2025. Whether Corenswet’s performance outshines Cavill’s or deepens the divide, the Man of Steel’s legacy endures, shaped by two directors who dare to call their work the definitive light.