Split image of Christopher Reeve as Superman standing in front of an American flag and Henry Cavill as Superman looking disgusted
Summary Though Superman is undeniably one of the most iconic figures in pop culture, some of his movie quotes haven't aged particularly well. As the Man of Tomorrow has always proved to be the quintessential superhero, it’s no surprise that he’s been the figure at the center of the superhero genre since its cinematic inception. From the serials of Old Hollywood to the movies of the DCEU and beyond, Superman has become a major mainstay of cinema.
The line aging poorly can partly be put down to societal and linguistic evolution in the decades since Superman III’s release, but the biggest factor is likely the development of the superhero genre. Superman’s utterly lame attempt at smack-talking his non-powered self after freezing his jacket is not only nonsensical, but it’s laughable. It also undermines the thematic potential of the scene, meaning it’s aged badly.
The line, and its delivery, make Superman out to be every bit the threat that Batman believes he is. By portraying Superman as a potential danger to humanity, Batman v Superman is able to show a fallibility to the hero that works to its advantage, even though its dark depiction of Superman ultimately contributed to the DCEU’s downfall. The idea that Superman considers this interaction merciful makes the franchise’s take on the hero seem needlessly ruthless.
The quote has aged badly for two reasons. Firstly, it made sense when Batman said it, but it’s far more nonsensical coming from Superman, particularly with Cavill’s unhinged delivery. Secondly, it outlines the third time in as many appearances that Superman was misrepresented by the DCEU: after murdering a villain and then attempting to beat a fellow hero into submission, the line cemented the DCEU’s strange obsession with making its Superman as dark as possible.
It's a decidedly jarring moment, and one that comes off as an inappropriate response which only seems more so years later, with the perceived objectifying of Superman being something that would likely cause controversy were it included in such a way over a decade later. As such, it’s clear that the quote hasn’t aged particularly well, especially considering it adds nothing to the plot of the film in any way.
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