Why I Don’t Want a Relatable Superman: I Want a Hero to Look Up To, Not the New James Gunn Superman

Superman has been an icon for nearly a century. He is the symbol of hope, strength, and doing what is right, no matter the cost. For many of us, he is the ultimate role model, someone who stands tall and inspires us to be better. But lately, the version of Superman in James Gunn’s new take feels different. And not in a good way.

I don’t want a Superman who is “relatable” in the sense that he struggles with everyday problems or doubts himself. I want a Superman who inspires me to be strong, courageous, and unwavering in his values. A Superman who is larger than life, not a mirror reflecting our insecurities.

The Classic Superman: A Symbol to Aspire To

For decades, Superman represented the best of humanity, even though he is an alien from Krypton. He is the guy who stands up for truth, justice, and the greater good. He is unshakable in his morality, always trying to save people and do what is right even when it is hard.

This version of Superman gave us hope. He wasn’t perfect, but his ideals were clear. He didn’t get bogged down by personal drama or endless self-doubt. Instead, he was a beacon of light, a hero to look up to and aspire to be.

Entertainment Is Escapism, Not a Mirror

It is important to remember that movies, comics, and other forms of entertainment are designed to be escapism. They are not meant to reflect the daily grind or every struggle people face in real life. Instead, they offer a break, a chance to step into a world where heroes fight for what is right, where good can triumph over evil, and where ideals like hope and courage shine bright.

Superman, as a symbol of hope, should embody this idea. We watch superhero movies to escape reality, not to be reminded of the anxieties and doubts we face every day. If the hero on screen feels just as lost or uncertain as we are, what is the point of looking up to them? Escapism means giving ourselves permission to believe in something greater than our problems.

The Rise of “Relatable” Heroes

In recent years, Hollywood and comic creators have tried to make superheroes more relatable. This usually means showing their flaws, fears, and personal struggles in a way that makes them seem more like real people. While this can make stories feel more grounded, it can also make heroes seem less inspiring.

With James Gunn’s new Superman, the focus seems to be on making him emotionally vulnerable, insecure, and sometimes even morally questionable. Instead of being a symbol of unwavering hope, he feels more like a guy trying to figure himself out. That is not the Superman many of us grew up loving.

Why Relatability Isn’t Always a Good Thing for Superman

There is a difference between making a hero relatable and making a hero weak. When Superman’s internal struggles overshadow his heroic qualities, it changes the whole point of his character.

We don’t need a Superman who doubts his worth or questions his values every five minutes. We need a Superman who embodies strength, not just physical power but mental and moral strength too. Someone who can show us what it means to rise above our problems instead of getting stuck in them.

Looking Up to Superman

Heroes like Superman help us dream bigger. They remind us that no matter how hard life gets, we can choose to be brave, kind, and selfless. They set a standard for what is possible.

When Superman is rewritten to be overly flawed or uncertain, that standard gets blurry. It becomes harder to admire him or aspire to be like him. And that is a loss, not just for fans but for anyone who needs a symbol of hope in tough times.

What We Need Moving Forward

We need writers and filmmakers to remember why Superman matters. He is not just another person with problems. He is a legend, a hero who reminds us all that goodness and courage can win.

That does not mean he has to be perfect or unrelatable. But his core values and strength should never be compromised for the sake of making him modern or edgy. There is power in standing firm, in being a symbol of hope and justice.

Final Thoughts

I get it, times change and stories evolve. But not every hero needs to be like us in every way. Sometimes, what we really need is a hero above us, someone to look up to and inspire us to be better.

Remember, movies and entertainment are not about mirroring every aspect of our lives. They are about giving us a glimpse of what greatness looks like, a break from reality, and a chance to believe in something bigger.

That is the Superman I want. The one who lifts us up, not one who drags us down with his endless self-doubt.

If you are tired of superheroes who just feel human but don’t inspire you, you are not alone. It is time to bring back the Superman who stands tall and shows us all what true heroism looks like.

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