Writing Without Fear – How I Would Have Written The Ending Of Man Of Steel

This Writing Without Fear was spurred by a discussion on the ComicBookMovie.com Facebook page. Recently David S Goyer, DC Movie Universe (DCMU) Lead Writer, had justified (again) that scene in Man Of Steel (MoS) where Superman snaps Zods neck, killing him.

Now if you regularly read my blog you know that I think Hollywood has a huge problem getting Superman, and also why this ‘edgy’ moment written by David S Goyer is so out of character. I made the suggestion that Superman actually had other options other than killing Zod, and boy… after reading the responses on their Facebook page you think I had shot a Puppy or a drowned a Kitten or something…

Here Is How I Would Have Written It

Zod turns with the devils strength blasting away with his eye beams determined to force Clark to kill him or watch another innocent family get killed. In desperation Clark strains to hold Zod’s head still… Realizing he isn’t strong enough to stop Zod, he reaches around covering the insane villains eyes with his hands. Superman screams from the pain of the intense heat, knowing if he let’s go Zod will kill again. Suddenly there is a flare of light, the eye beams blowback and Zod drops to the floor, eyes blackened, with drool coming out of his mouth. At this point we either establish that Superman has either accidentally lobotomized or killed Zod.

What Do You Think?

Both areas have potential, although the accidental death would morally weigh more on Superman, over the act of deliberately killing Zod. This is just one change in a movie that has a lot of problems with it, but maybe a change that will highlight the hope Superman is supposed to embody. Do you think this alternative ending is a better direction, or are you happy with the ‘edgy’ darker David S Goyer one?

Keep writing my friends…