Breaking the pattern of “Barbenheimer” and “Glicked” summers, this movie season saw one film surpass all others: James Gunn’s “Superman.”

Six weeks after its debut, “Superman” has earned $600 million at the global box office, securing the title of this year’s highest-grossing superhero film. 

After years of director Zack Snyder’s interpretation of the childhood icon, this new take on Superman is a beacon of vibrance and heart in the sea of dreariness that was the SnyderVerse. Gunn’s deliberate color grading, costume design and character choices are reminiscent of those in the original DC comics.

Similar to his “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, Gunn uses saturated colors and a pop-punk soundtrack to foster that feel-good, hopeful energy that is a hallmark of superhero flicks. On the other hand, the washed-out, somber hue in Snyder’s “Man of Steel” (2013)  just doesn’t translate Superman’s motto of “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow.”

As one internet user plainly puts it, “Snyder focuses on the super aspect of Superman, while Gunn focuses on the man.” Gunn makes an effort to feature the humanity and vulnerability of Superman, depicting him as an ordinary man with superpowers, instead of a god among humans. However, with that came criticism of this Superman being too physically weak, unlike the Man of Steel, to which he is nicknamed. Yet, the film teaches that his power isn’t his superstrength or laser vision, but his humanity. It is what makes him care and what allows him to lose a fight and still stand tall. Best phrased by Superman, “I’m as human as anyone. I love, I get scared…I screw up all the time, but that is being human. And that’s my greatest strength.” 

Having said that, the core theme of “Superman” goes beyond the volatility of humans through politically relevant messages intertwined in the plot. In particular, the meat of the story is centered around a country, Boravia, invading its neighboring country, Jarhanpur, under the guise of liberating its people. Many online are drawing similarities between the fictional war and the Israel-Palestine conflict, citing the desert setting of Jarhanpur and the fact that the invading country is allied with the U.S. as evidence. Others argue that “Superman” is apolitical and not based on a real event, because the most recent outbreak of the Israel-Palestine conflict began after Gunn had already finished his first draft of the script. Nonetheless, the moral is loud and clear: Don’t invade other countries.

On top of that, the Lex Luthor character is the epitome of the “broligarch.” Lex conspires with Borvaian President Vasil Ghurkos, providing aid to his military in return for half of the Jarhanpur land. Lex’s actions and values are mirrored in modern-day politics with ultra-wealthy individuals interfering with government affairs for their own gain.

Despite being caught in the crosshairs of multiple political debates, the movie’s emphasis on hope and the goodness of people isn’t lost on the viewers. The casting choices of David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane were the cherry on top of an already appetizing film. Though many were shocked that Henry Cavill didn’t reprise his role, Corenswet succeeds in adding a layer of optimism and sensitivity to the character, reminding us that Superman, like us, is just human. And isn’t that our greatest strength?