The Four Color Media Monitor

Yahoo's movie section reports that in Zack Snyder's Superman movie, they didn't include the Man of Steel's most notable weakness: Kryptonite. First, I want to note that I don't like how they describe it in the headline as Superman's "one" weakness, since over 70 years, he's acquired a sufficient number of enemies, both sci-fi and sorcery based, who've given him just as much of a run for his money as Kryptonite can.

Now, what does it say about the omission of the Kryptonian crystals:

"I'll be honest with you, there's no Kryptonite in the movie,” says "Man of Steel" director Zack Snyder in April 19/26 issue of Entertainment Weekly, which features Henry Cavill as Superman on the cover.

Not including Kryptonite seems in tune with presenting a more "realistic" Superman in the new film (i.e., he's not afraid of some glowing rocks). Superman has a somewhat enhanced backstory in "Man of Steel" that gives him certain traits designed to bring him down to Earth a little more, so to speak. [...]

"Although he is not susceptible to the frailties of mankind, he is definitely susceptible to the emotional frailties," Cavill says. "It's just a lonely existence."

Well if the movie's a success and there comes a sequel, then we can assume the Kryptonite will be saved for the next adventure. What matters is if they can think of other weaknesses to depict in its stead that are just as effective for posing challenges.

But about the "reality" and emotion: I sure hope this doesn't descend into too much of that for all the wrong reasons, or that it builds those sentiments plausibly enough. I believe it is more than quite possible to build that kind of character drama in the Man of Steel's world, but it all depends on if they know how to avoid political correctness.

Labels: dc comics, Superman