Initially, one might assume that this reboot of the Superman franchise would incorporate the classic history of Superman’s origins when the infant Kal-El is sent to Earth just before Krypton meets its demise.
I have a simple question: What if the origin story utilised in this movie is rather more in tune with a “Superman Begins” mentality rather than the classic encounter mentioned above.
Since most of us are more than familiar with the classic origin, could it be possible that Goyer, Snyder and Nolan surprise with a different and creative beginning? An origin story can be relayed without actually retelling the same beginning story that was utilized for the Donner’s
Superman. It is obviously vital that some sort of origin be utilized in order to convey why Superman is the man that he is and to contribute towards shaping the course of the movie. Many fans have voiced their opinion by suggesting that the origin take place during the opening titles or by means of a flashback sequence. Whilst those ideas definitely hold merit, I will put forward an approach to the origin that does overly detract to heavily from Superman mythos.
It was suggested in a comment (in a recent article on this site) that the
Superman movie could begin in the 1950s. Beginning the story in this era would very easily account for Superman’s ideals and morals. Now of course you may be wandering why make this a period piece. Well, it will not exactly be a period piece, at least not in its entirety. The origin part of the movie commences in the late 1950s after the Kents find a young boy whose space ship has crashed near their farm and they adopt the boy. His adoptive parents would play a vital role in shaping his moral compass.
IF the origin commences in the 1950s, Clark is aware of the atrocities occurring in the world such as the the Cold War, the Gulf War and terrorism but decides it is not his place to become involved. During the course of the origin, as a young adult, Clark tries to figure out his place in the world and might even travel the world to seek enlightenment. The movie will then progress to our present day when he arrives in Metropolis. Clark will look as if he is in his mid to late twenties – in other words, Clark looks younger than his actual age in Earth years. Part of the origin could depict Clark enrolling and graduating university with an honours degree in journalism. He then spends about some years cutting-his-teeth at various small newspapers before landing a job at the Daily Planet.
This movie does not necessarily have to begin in the 1950s – it could begin in the early 1980s. Therefore, instead of reusing the demise of Krypton bit (which might not legally be allowed at this point), the origin would still encompass a young Clark Kent finding his niche in the world with guidance from his adoptive parents. This origin could plausibly take place either in the 1950s or 1980s. Using this scenario may even provide Snyder the means for strong character development.
Superman is a fighter; he is capable of laying the “smack down” to any villain. Perhaps young Clark encounters a mentor who teaches him fighting techniques that are utilised to focus his mind and release pent up emotions rather than as a tool to defeat an opponent in a physical fight. In other words, the fighting skills that Clark learns are more akin to Thai Chi. Maybe Jonathan Kent might even give him boxing lessons for the same reasons mentioned above.
It was rumoured that Viggo Mortensen would play the role of General Zod. In fact, Zod’s involvement is unconfirmed. Re-using Zod as the villain would only draw comparisons to Superman II. The adage of “been there, done that, bought the t-shirt” would apply in this case. Actually, I could see Viggo playing a general, except it is not Zod, but rather Lane. That would be General Sam Lane. Viggo Mortensen might ultimately not have a role at all in this movie, but nonetheless General Lane can certainly play a pivotal part in the plot especially since he has not been utilised in previous major live-action Superman movies.
In the comics, General Lane is far from Superman’s greatest fan. Lane would be distrustful of The Man of Steel once Superman makes his appearance. He is a stubborn, hard-bitten and staunch military man. He would have no qualms for offing this new so-called saviour. He might even decide to spearhead some kind of military campaign against Superman. In this respect, General Lane could essentially be viewed as Superman’s enemy. The General might even be in charge of covert military operations and is fully aware of extra terrestrial threats to Earth. In his eyes, Superman is a threat and he should be disposed of (something of which Lane will discover is easier said than done). What if General Lane turns to the "kind humanitarian" known as Lex Luthor and asks him to provide him with a weapon to fight Superman? This weapon would be a human weapon by the name of John Corben, an ex-marine who was paralysed in a military skirmish. Lex would simply provide the tech whilst the General convinces the former soldier to become this new weapon for humanity.