Matthew Vaughn, a British filmmaker, has recently criticized Zack Snyder for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Universe. According to Vaughn, Snyder’s vision for the superhero was too dark and brooding, and he blames Snyder for not giving Henry Cavill the chance to play a more colorful, optimistic version of the character.
Vaughn, who is known for directing movies such as Kingsman: The Secret Service and X-Men: First Class, had been working with Cavill on a possible Superman project, but it fell through due to creative differences. In a recent interview, Vaughn revealed that he had wanted to make a more upbeat and fun Superman movie with Cavill, but Snyder had already used the actor for his darker interpretation of the character.
“I have a lot of love for Henry,” Vaughn said. “I think he’s an amazing Superman. I just feel like Zack used him for his own vision, which was a much darker and more serious version of the character. I think Henry deserved to play a more colorful and optimistic Superman.”
Vaughn’s comments have reignited the debate among DC fans about the direction of the DC Extended Universe. Many fans have criticized Snyder’s grim and gritty take on the DC characters, while others have praised it for being more realistic and mature than other superhero movies.
Regardless of one’s opinion on Snyder’s take on Superman, it is clear that the character has had a complicated history on the big screen. Christopher Reeve’s portrayal in the 70s and 80s was beloved by audiences, while Brandon Routh’s turn in Superman Returns was largely forgotten. Cavill’s performance in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League was well recived by both audience and critics.
Now that Cavill has officially exited the role, it remains to be seen who will take up the mantle of the Man of Steel. James Gunn, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy and current co-CEO of DC Studios, is developing a new Superman movie that he is writing and expected to direct. Whether or not this version of the character will be more in line with Vaughn’s vision for a fun and colorful Superman remains to be seen.
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