Stan Lee’s Take on Superman: Why Vulnerability Matters

With a fresh face donning the cape and a revamped DC Universe on the cards, Superman is back in the spotlight. David Corenswet and James Gunn have brought a throwback look and a bit of old-school charm, whisking punters back to the Fortress of Solitude. But years ago, Stan Lee, the Marvel legend, had his own thoughts on the Man of Steel—and he wasn’t shy about what he’d change if he’d had a crack at writing the character.

Stan Lee’s Perspective on the Kryptonian

In a 2006 chat with Leo Bear, Lee was asked which DC character he’d have liked to write. He replied,

People often ask me which of the DC characters would I have liked to have written, and it really doesn’t matter to me ’cause I like writing anything.

But he didn’t stop there. Lee added,

I think if I had done Superman I would have done him differently. I would have made him more vulnerable. I think the idea of being able to do anything makes you a little uninteresting.

Lee, the creative force behind Marvel’s most iconic heroes, was never a fan of characters who could do it all without breaking a sweat. He’s the bloke who gave us Iron Man, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Hulk—each with their own flaws and struggles. Lee’s approach was always to make his heroes relatable, and he reckoned Superman could use a bit more of that.

Humanity in the Man of Steel

Lee’s comments seem to line up with what we saw in Zack Snyder’s 2013 film. That version of the Kryptonian was less about being untouchable and more about grappling with what it means to be human. Henry Cavill’s take on the character struck a chord with locals, not just for the action or the look, but because the story brought him down to earth—literally and figuratively.

In the DCEU, Clark Kent was shown as someone who cared deeply for those around him, making him more approachable. Even Batman, played by Ben Affleck, pointed out,

He’s more human than I am. He lived in this world, fell in love, had a job. In spite of all that power.

Clark’s upbringing by Martha and Jonathan Kent was all about learning to fit in and make choices that would shape the world. As Jonathan put it,

You just have to decide what kind of a man you want to grow up to be, Clark; because whoever that man is, good character or bad, he’s… He’s gonna change the world

When General Zod arrived, Clark’s motivation was always about protecting his adopted home.

James Gunn’s Challenge with the Next Superman

James Gunn is steering the new DCU with a nod to the comics, aiming for a Superman that’s true to the source. He’s said,

I think that old-fashioned is something that’s really beautiful and, in its own way, the most rebellious thing about that character.

But some reckon this approach risks making the character feel a bit flat, more like a figure on a page than someone you’d meet at the local footy.

Unlike Snyder’s version, who was constantly reminded that no one stays good in this world but still chose to do the right thing, Gunn’s Superman could use a bit more grit. With Brainiac set as the next villain and a team-up with Lex Luthor on the cards, there’s hope for a more layered story. The details of both directors’ films show the contrast: Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013) pulled in $670 million at the box office, while Gunn’s upcoming Superman (2025) is already generating buzz with an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score and $616 million in takings.

Comparing the Two Supermen

Both films are now streaming on HBO Max, giving fans a chance to weigh up which version hits closer to home. Whether you’re keen on the classic, all-powerful hero or prefer a bloke with a few cracks in the armour, the debate over what makes a great Superman is far from over.