When discussing the cinematic portrayals of Superman, Zack Snyder’s version stands as one of the most debated. Henry Cavill’s Superman has been praised for his powerful presence, his godlike struggles, and the depth Snyder injected into the character. However, even the most ardent Snyder supporters must acknowledge that his Superman had one notable weakness—the portrayal of Clark Kent before he became Superman. As much as fans criticize James Gunn’s vision for the character, it might be fair to give him a chance to correct this one flaw Snyder left behind.

Snyder’s Superman was crafted to be an alien struggling with his place in the world. His journey from Kal-El to Superman was well-developed, showing a character who carried the burden of his origins while trying to live among humanity. But where the storytelling fell short was in depicting Clark Kent as a compelling character before he donned the cape. Unlike previous versions, such as Christopher Reeve’s Clark Kent, who had a distinct personality separate from Superman, Cavill’s Clark never fully embraced a separate identity. Instead, he felt like Superman in disguise rather than an individual who could convincingly blend in with the people of Metropolis.

The heart of Clark Kent’s disguise has always been his ability to act as an ordinary man. In classic Superman lore, Clark is awkward, clumsy, and unassuming. This is not just for comedic effect—it serves as an essential narrative tool that allows Superman to operate in plain sight. Without this contrast, Superman feels less like an individual balancing two identities and more like an all-powerful being trying to hide in plain sight with little effort. Snyder’s Clark lacked this human touch. His version of Clark, even before embracing his role as Superman, was already too brooding and intense, making it difficult to believe that he could ever blend into society.

This is where James Gunn has an opportunity to do something better. While many fans are skeptical about his approach to Superman, particularly with the decision to move away from Cavill, it’s worth considering what Gunn could bring to Clark Kent’s character. Gunn has consistently shown an ability to inject heart and humor into his films, even in the most unexpected places. The Guardians of the Galaxy films, for instance, took relatively obscure characters and gave them compelling backstories filled with emotion and humor. If he applies that same touch to Clark Kent, he may finally give the character the depth he has often lacked in modern portrayals.

A great Clark Kent should not just be an afterthought to Superman. He is just as important to the character’s mythos, and in many ways, he is what makes Superman truly special. If Gunn understands this and builds a Clark Kent that is truly distinct from Superman—one that feels real, relatable, and grounded—it could end up being one of the best aspects of his reboot. While fans may still be hesitant about the overall direction of Gunn’s Superman, there’s at least one area where he has the chance to surpass Snyder: making Clark Kent as compelling as the hero he eventually becomes.

Snyder’s take on Superman was bold, grand, and filled with breathtaking action. But even his strongest supporters have to admit that his Clark Kent never felt fully developed. Now, with a new creative vision on the horizon, perhaps it’s time to give James Gunn the chance to correct this flaw and deliver a version of Clark Kent that finally stands as a complete character in his own right.