Writer David S. Goyer talks about the “darkness” of Man of Steel and secrecy

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

I think it’s safe to say that MAN OF STEEL is at the top of most people’s lists for most anticipated summer movie. We haven’t seen the character portrayed in this way before (in film at least) and I think a lot of us are interested in seeing how MAN OF STEEL holds up compared to the other Superman films.

There has been plenty of discussions about the story and the darker tone (based on the trailers) of MAN OF STEEL and Total Film sat down with writer David S. Goyer to talk about the new concepts for the film. The full interview is in the new issue of Total Film but here are some tidbits that have been released.

First up, here’s Goyer talking about the “secrecy” that has surrounded the plot to MAN OF STEEL and how the trailer hasn’t really given us a glimpse at what’s to come:

It’s something Chris [Nolan] tried hard to do with the Batman films. I’m genuinely pleased with how much secrecy we’ve been able to maintain. There’s so much of the movie that people don’t know, that hasn’t been touched upon. The trailer’s just the tiniest, tiniest tip of the iceberg.

David S Goyer had script or story credits for all three of Christopher Nolan‘s Batman films and with Nolan producing MAN OF STEEL the secrecy that has surrounded the movie comes as no surprise. They’ve done a really good job of raising our anticipation for MAN OF STEEL without spoiling too much.

Next Goyer brings up the “darkness” of MAN OF STEEL, something that has been discussed in great lengths amongst us film and comic nerds:

Relatable and realistic doesn’t necessarily mean dark. I think it would be inappropriate for us to approach a Superman film as if we were doing The Dark Knight.

I completely agree with that statement. While the tone of MAN OF STEEL may be darker, I don’t think think Superman will be uncharacteristically dark for the film. It’s not like your going to see Superman dropping mobsters from the top of buildings to get information out of them.

Goyer also adds that “The Batman films are a lot more nihilistic; Superman has always been a story about hope,” which is a perfect way to describe the difference between the two characters (and their films) in my opinion. Superman has such immense powers that there’s always a chance that he will not only save the day but everyone involved, where Batman (while also powerful) has had to use scare tactics and more brutal methods to keep the peace. Because of that it’s not always a given that everyone makes it out alive for Batman…friend or foe. I can’t wait to see what director Zack Snyder has in store for us.

MAN OF STEEL is in theaters June 14th, 2013.