This article contains spoilers for Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Released just two weeks apart, Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps share more than their close debut dates; both films revisit iconic comic book heroes with stories that embrace the characters’ less glamorous traits and deliver a tone filled with hope and optimism. The James Gunn superhero movie impact is evident in how Superman handles familiar elements in a way that diverges from Marvel’s typical production style.
Beyond their overall similarities, both films present comparable plot developments: they drop viewers into ongoing storylines where public opinion shifts against the heroes, leading to mass evacuations amid city-wide destruction. However, the contrast between their key intimate moments exposed how Gunn’s direction elevates Superman over the more formulaic approach of Fantastic Four.
Intimate Conflicts in High-Stress Superhero Lives
The emotional core of superhero stories is often tested when personal relationships clash under extreme pressure. In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Reed Richards and Sue Storm face a dire cosmic threat: the planet Earth risks annihilation unless they surrender their baby son Franklin to Galactus. Rejecting this cruel bargain, their team stands firmly with them. Yet, public protest grows outside their headquarters, intensifying the conflict.
The resulting argument between Reed and Sue highlights their differing responses to the crisis. Sue’s care for their son sharply opposes Reed’s pragmatic calculations about the grim possibilities, revealing how their fears and hopes strain their bond. When Sue denounces Reed’s calm contemplation of surrendering Franklin as unthinkable, Reed counters, saying,
“I don’t wonder, I don’t dream,”
he retorts. I invite the worst possible scenarios into my head so I can hurt them before they hurt us.” —Reed Richards
Sue responds with the emotional cost of that mental armor: his detachment causes her pain, especially when the family needs unity. This fight, though rooted in strong character traits, feels somewhat declarative, articulating their roles for the audience more than capturing a fully lived moment.
Unfolding Tensions Between Superman and Lois Lane
In contrast, the argument between Clark Kent and Lois Lane in Superman begins almost unnoticed, developing naturally from their complex relationship. Clark offers Lois the chance to interview Superman, intending a flirtatious moment or perhaps a way to reveal his true intentions. Lois, however, presses deeper with challenging questions about his actions in the politically tense situation between Boravia and Jarhanpur, probing his motives and whether he coordinated with the U.S. government.
Clark’s confidence wavers as Lois refuses to let him evade tough scrutiny. Her inquiries about public skepticism toward an alien with godlike powers provoke a personal response from Clark, who struggles to maintain Superman’s heroic mask. As tension mounts, Clark intermittently breaks character, laying bare his feelings toward Lois and the hurt he hides.
The argument’s ebb and flow reveal nuanced layers: Clark’s pride, self-righteousness, irritation, and eventual sulking contrast with Lois’s sharp professionalism mixed with personal concern. She quietly acknowledges her doubt, saying,
“I knew this would never work.”
—Lois Lane
Unlike the concise conflict in The Fantastic Four, Clark and Lois’s fight unfolds like a realistic, complicated exchange between two people who care deeply but are vulnerable and flawed. The argument intertwines facts and emotions, capturing the imperfections of human connection behind the superhero facade.
Character Depth Versus Plot Convenience in Relationship Conflicts
Both argument scenes rank among the strongest moments in their respective films. The disputes align with overarching storylines while springing organically from the characters’ established personalities. However, the depth achieved in Superman surpasses the more straightforward portrayal in First Steps.
While Reed and Sue’s exchange confirms their traits clearly, it leans toward exposition, explaining worries and ethical dilemmas without fully exploring the emotional fallout. On the other hand, Clark and Lois’s sparring feels lived-in and uncertain, marked by ongoing hesitation and pain rather than firm conclusions. This complexity stems from the film’s careful writing and James Gunn’s distinctive perspective.
Their argument also reveals subtle details about their world—Clark’s dismissive attitude toward social media fame contrasted with Lois’s awareness of public perception—that enrich the scene’s realism. The shifting dynamics between pride and vulnerability make the conflict resonate beyond its superhero context.
The Standard and the Strain of Marvel’s Assembly-Line Approach
The Fantastic Four: First Steps benefits from committed performances by Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, who bring sincerity to their roles as Reed and Sue. Their fight naturally sets up key story beats leading to the film’s resolution, fulfilling viewer expectations of couple conflicts under pressure. This grounded portrayal fits well within Marvel’s expansive franchise.
Yet the film also exposes Marvel’s ongoing challenge: even amidst signs of rising quality evident in First Steps and Thunderbolts, the studio’s products can still feel manufactured. Director Matt Shakman’s direction offers light, genuine moments, and the escape from Galactus stands out as a highlight. Still, the multiple screenwriters and choppy editing hint at a pragmatic, workmanlike creator process rather than a personal vision.
The Messy Beauty of a Filmmaker’s Unique Vision
By comparison, Superman appears less polished, running longer and embracing imperfections in pacing and narrative flow. However, these very imperfections create space for a filmmaker’s unique voice to shape the characters deeply. Lois and Clark don’t simply embody their comic origins—they come alive as James Gunn’s personal interpretations, imbuing them with fresh emotional textures and contradictions.
This layered portrayal contrasts with the more formulaic, faithful adaptations of Reed and Sue, giving Superman its distinct identity amid the crowded superhero landscape. As superhero films enter a fourth wave marked by fatigue following Marvel’s dominance, Gunn’s work challenges Kevin Feige and the Marvel creative team to push beyond accuracy toward greater authenticity in storytelling.
The impact of James Gunn superhero movie impact is seen not just in visual spectacle but in the emotional truths that such films can reveal about heroes and humanity alike.
Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps are currently playing in theaters.
