Fans have criticized Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill for making Superman darker in the previous films.

The Euphoria star, Jacob Elordi, revealed that he turned down an opportunity to audition for Superman. While he didn’t tell the specific name of the movie, he might likely be referring to James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Legacy (2025) in the new DCU.
SupermanSuperman
This year, David Corenswet was announced as Gunn’s Superman, and Henry Cavill had to leave the role of Superman. It is because the newly-formed DC Studios is planning to take the Man of Steel in a different direction than the former execution by Warner Bros.’s creative team.

Jacob Elordi Refused to Audition For Superman

Jacob Elordi as Superman?
Even though Jacob Elordi grew up admiring Heath Ledger and Christian Bale, whom he enjoyed in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, he doesn’t see himself as a comic character.

In a new interview with GQ magazine, the actor revealed that he doesn’t see himself in a superhero film anytime soon. He said that at this stage of his life, he doesn’t see himself having any interest in that genre. Although Elordi [false] cheered himself and said, “Anything can happen!” But he likes to make what he watches.

“Well, they asked me to read for Superman. That was immediately, ‘No, thank you.’ That’s too much. That’s too dark for me,” Elordi said when asked to play the role of Superman, which felt like a step too far.

The Kissing Booth actor declined the role, while fans criticize Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill for darkening Superman’s character.

Fans Are Blaming Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill For Making Superman too Dark

Zack Snyder and Henry CavillZack Snyder and Henry Cavill
The modern Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavill, is darker and edgier in Man of Steel. It draws criticism from fans who feel Zack Snyder’s direction misaligned the character’s original creation. Cavill’s depiction of the red cape superhero was also raked over the coals because it was shown in a very dark fashion.

Check fan reactions below:

 

 

 

 

 

In conclusion, fans blamed Snyder for showing Superman in a dark way. They believe his version of depiction changed the perception of people about superheroes.

But the point is Snyder drew inspiration from the Golden Age of Comics—known for its initially darker tone—to introduce Superman. He emphasized the character’s science fiction aspects, which is evident in the film. So, in the movie, Superman isn’t portrayed as dark. It’s the world surrounding him that carries a dark tone.