Superman’s Ending Divides Fans: Why Some Loved It and Others Felt Let Down

Superman’s Ending Sparks Debate: Two Views on James Gunn’s DC Reboot Finale

The new Superman movie directed by James Gunn has stirred up quite the conversation, especially around its ending. While some fans appreciate the fresh take on the Man of Steel and the introduction of the Justice Gang stepping in to save the day, others feel the finale leaves much to be desired. Here’s a quick rundown of the key points and the differing opinions on what the ending really means.

The movie’s climax juggles multiple crises: stopping a dimensional rift, battling villains, and halting an invasion by Boravia.
Superman can’t be everywhere at once, leading to a controversial moment where he doesn’t directly save the Boravian civilians.
The Justice Gang, a proto Justice League, intervenes instead, marking a shift in their stance on international conflict.
Some viewers feel the emotional payoff falls flat, especially around a powerful scene with children raising a Superman flag.
Others see the ending as a hopeful message about collective action and inspiration beyond one hero.

Setting the Stage: Superman’s Challenging Final Act

James Gunn’s Superman kicks off a new chapter for DC movies, aiming for a lighter tone compared to the previous Zack Snyder era. The film introduces a world crowded with metahumans and a proto Justice League called the Justice Gang, featuring characters like Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific. The story culminates in Superman facing a tough moral dilemma: he must deal with Lex Luthor’s schemes, a dangerous dimensional rift tearing through Metropolis, and an invasion by Boravia threatening innocent civilians.

The Controversial Boravia Ending

One of the most talked-about moments is when Superman, despite being the symbol of hope, can’t personally save the children of Boravia. Instead, the Justice Gang steps in to stop the invasion, marking their first real international intervention after previously refusing to get involved. This shift is meant to be inspiring, showing Superman’s influence on other heroes. However, some fans feel this falls short emotionally because the film doesn’t show the children’s reaction or Superman’s direct involvement, making the scene feel rushed and somewhat anticlimactic.

Jesse, one of the voices in the debate, says: “I found that faith in this character really moving. But it has almost no payoff, because Superman never arrives on the scene.” This feeling is amplified by the strong imagery of kids waving a Superman flag, which appears in promotional material but doesn’t get the emotional resolution viewers might expect.

Different Takes: Inspiration vs. Disappointment

On the other hand, Tasha argues that the ending reflects a realistic and hopeful message: “One hero can’t be everywhere, so the fence-sitters should get off their butts and do something about the problems they see in the world.” She points out that Superman’s battle against his clone and the Engineer justifies his absence, and that the Justice Gang’s intervention is a small but meaningful victory against Luthor’s plans. The idea is that Superman’s example inspires others to step up, highlighting the power of collective action.

This debate touches on larger themes in the movie, including political metaphors about power, altruism, and hope, with the iconic “S” on Superman’s chest symbolizing that hope. Gunn seems to suggest that even the most powerful villains can’t predict or control the goodwill and bravery of others.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed but Thought-Provoking Ending

While some viewers might feel the Boravia storyline gets short shrift in a movie packed with action and crises, others appreciate the nuanced take on heroism and responsibility. The Justice Gang’s quick turnaround from bystanders to active defenders adds an interesting dynamic, even if it’s not fully explored.

Jesse sums it up: “Maybe my reaction is more emotional than reasonable… That image was more of a temporary feint than I first realized.” Meanwhile, Tasha acknowledges the complexity of the message and the risks of relying on a single savior figure.

For those curious about the powerful teaser trailer featuring the Superman flag scene, check it out here: