I'm a film writer and want four things from Superman sequel
James Gunn's reboot of both the Man of Steel and the DC cinematic universe has begun on a largely positive note. A bumper weekend with more than $120 million in takings at the worldwide box office, paired with an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes should have fans excited for the future.
Naturally that should include sequels, spin-offs and significantly more crossovers, the likes of which was teased in the new film.
As a film writer, I made sure to go and see the release for myself at the earliest opportunity. Having been down on DC's more recent output, I was pleasantly surprised and already looking forward to what is next.
So here are X things that I would like to see from a Superman sequel. Note, these are wishes for a straight Superman follow up, Justice League style crossovers or spin-offs do not count.
James Gunn has spoken out about his decision to not include the tired origin story of Superman in the new film. He put forward, rightly so, that audiences have seen it too many times and don't need to retread those plot points again.
The same seems to be said for the role of his adoptive human parents. Ma and Pa Kent still play a crucial role in the film. However, neither of them needed to die for it to happen.
Like Batman's origin story, we usually have to suffer the death of Kent senior, perhaps with Superman's failure to save him (looking at you Man of Steel) to somehow propel him to be the hero he is.
Not so for Gunn's Superman. Their existence is enough for that. It would be a welcome change if Gunn continues this for at least another movie. Superman has already achieved a significant character moment without losing one of his parents. If it is to happen in the future, maybe make it off screen between movies.
Edi Gathegi's turn as Mr Terrific is a standout for the film. Despite some criticism of too many characters to keep tabs on, I didn't feel that was the case at all. This was no Suicide Squad.
Each of the extra characters - or Metahumans that were chosen to make an appearance brought something to the table. The perfect example of that was Mr Terrific. Perhaps one of the lesser known characters from the comics, which the film was cheekily aware of.
However, he played an essential role without taking away the spotlight. It would be great to see Gunn repeat this trick. Bring another lesser known character into the spotlight
Perhaps it could be a version of a character that starts as a potential ally but soon threatens to become a dangerous foe?
Speaking of Edi Gathegi, one of the best action sequences of the entire film sees his character take on a camp of soldiers to the tune of Noah and the Whale's 5 Years Time, while Lois Lane watches on from the safety of an energy shield. It is trademark James Gunn.
However, it was a shame we didn't get the same for Superman. Early on we find out that Lex Luthor has successfully analysed Superman's battles enough to know what moves to choose when, in order to beat him. As a result, we rarely see him really flex his moves or show off his style.
Perhaps it is something we could be treated to in an opening sequence for a sequel. Gunn did a similar thing for Guardians of the Galaxy 2. The team was assembled for the follow up, and fans got to see them play out their roles to the catchy soundtrack of Mr. Blue Sky.
The appearance of Milly Alcock's Supergirl ahead of her standalone film was a surprise. Although she doesn't stick around much, there's no need for such big cameos next time around.
While it was great to have the few members of the Justice Gang hanging about, Gunn and the new DC studios need to avoid repeating past mistakes. Previous movies that brought Batman and Superman together felt too rushed.
No one has any idea who will even be the Batman in this new DCU. It's almost certainly not Robert Pattinson, whose films are being treated as a separate universe referred to as Elseworlds.
Marvel took four years to bring the Avengers together but that was with a clear path. DC Studios don't seem to have a concrete plan for the new Justice League so there is no need to get ahead of ourselves. Especially not when we can enjoy Superman movies again.
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