Whilst superficially Superman possesses great powers, he is a far more faceted character than to be simply denominated by his abilities alone. The qualities inferred in the character of Superman are what can be used to create an interesting plot for a movie which functions on multiple levels.
More than likely, we can expect three films in a refreshed Superman series: a complete reboot that is differentiated from previous incarnations. Perhaps even cousin Kara-El can be included or even cameo appearances from various heroes like The Flash.
What would we like to see in a Superman movie? Of course more action is a given. Superman is about action and therefore more action is what is desired. Action will demonstrate the sheer awe and might of Superman. However, Superman’s qualities are not solely defined by his super powers. There are many other aspects that epitomize the character.
The Man of Steel represents the best aspects of humanity. One noble quality of the Boy Scout is his desire to save everybody. He is resolute. He is righteous. Thus, a moral quandary presents itself: Superman can’t save everybody all the time. This can also be expanded to include that Superman may have to choose whom he saves at the expense of another.
Superman is powerful and therefore what is needed is a villain that is equally as powerful. The whole kryptonite idea has been used before, so any villain would have to be a super villain. Superman’s greatest weakness is, ironically, his humanity. This super villain would serve to exploit that weakness and challenge the man morally and physically.
There is a villain that truly shows Superman for who he is and accentuates his qualities. The answer is Superman himself, or rather, Bizarro. For all intents and purposes, Bizarro is Superman. A clone. A genetic duplicate. Yet, despite this, he is a complete mirror image. The opposite. What better way to truly define Superman than to show his opposite? Bizarro possesses Superman’s abilities, although some are in reverse, and thus is a perfect match. He has none of Superman’s weaknesses, so defeating Bizarro will involve intense fight action. This antagonist can make his appearance much like he does in the comic books. This is where Lex Luthor steps in. We are all aware that Luthor is far more cunning and devious than a masterminding a land-grab scheme. Essentially, Bizarro is an ideal candidate to reestablish a new Superman franchise. He helps define Superman for the very reason that he is the mirror opposite and thereby exposes all that makes Superman, Superman. This editorial serves to favour Bizarro as the antagonist for the first movie of a new trilogy. Bizarro poses a major moral dilemma. Part of this dilemma comes in the form of Lois Lane, an integral and vital component of Superman’s character.
Once we have established refreshed ideas in the first film, it can be concatenated in the following sequels. The first of which has Superman pitted to his ultimate fete of heroics and sacrifice: his death. This is the opportunity to portray another of Superman’s qualities: his altruism. The character of Doomsday is often described as one-dimensional. However, it is the audience’s reaction to Superman’s death that will be profound and not Doomsday’s multiplicity (or lack thereof). Therefore, as flat as Doomsday seems, it won’t be that important since it is the audience’s emotional connection with Superman and Lois that is relevant. Doomsday serves as a tool to ultimately ratify those emotions. Another function for the use of Doomsday is an excuse to pump some nitroglycerin into the movie - to create scenarios of explosive and destructive fight action and to satiate those demanding a slugfest. A third reason to include this beast is to take advantage of Superman’s greatest weakness - he will suffer intensely because innocents are going to be a liability, even before he engages the monster in battle. The use of Doomsday as an antagonist is a matter of opinion.
The plot becomes even more cerebral if Brainiac is the antagonist in the sequel to the first movie. Brainiac acts by design: he surgically calculates a desired course of action and plans for any possible contingencies. His methods are logical and cognitive. Brainiac’s presence poses a threat to all of humanity. It also ties in to the destruction of Krypton and worlds beyond that of Earth. Defeating this adversary will require intellectual strategy in addition to profuse action sequences, and showcases that the Man of Steel’s possesses abilities besides that of physical strength and power. Brainiac is arguably a more viable choice of villain than Doomsday.
A balance needs to exist between the Clark Kent and Superman personas. This aspect, contributes to the Clark/Superman and Lois Lane relationship. Lois’s feelings for Clark, and her discovering that Clark Kent is actually Superman, need to come to fruition in the first movie of the trilogy. This statement follows the notion that Clark and Lois have an established working relationship at the Daily Planet and that the movie itself is not a retelling of the origin story. We are all aware of the Kryptonian’s feelings for Lois and that is why Bizarro is the ideal candidate to link to this emotional impasse. Doomsday perfectly leads to a paradigmatic opportunity to capitalize on that relationship - if Doomsday is the villain for the sequel. However, the inclusion of Brainiac instead of Doomsday can allow for a more extensible and diversified plot.
The Lois Lane love angle is an important issue, however, our hero needs to be challenged by an issue that attacks his emotional and moral resolve. The very idea that Superman possesses god-like abilities can be explored with this regard. How do you create an interesting story based on an alien who is bestowed with incredible physical powers? Ultimately, we know that Superman will save the day and defeat the super villain, which makes it even more important that Superman has to battle his emotions. A good movie involves a plot that allows for a complex character driven story.
A creative story concept needs to employ an issue that opposes the Kryptonian emotionally as well as physically. Superman realizes that he can’t save everybody all the time. He is bound to fail. What happens when innocents are indirectly hurt as a result of a super-powered showdown with an enemy?
What defines Superman? He is virtuous and righteous. His morals are idealistic and true. His is altruistic. He is the Boy Scout, yet he is far more diverse than simply being the Boy Scout. He fights for truth and justice, not only for Americans but also for all humanity. His greatest weakness arises as a result of his humanity. The inclusion of Bizarro as an enemy demonstrates these qualities whilst simultaneously creating opportunities for physical action and emotional conflictions. Bizarro mirrors all the qualities that define Superman. Whilst other villains, such as Brainiac, can pose serious moral dilemmas, Bizarro provides a means to accentuate Superman’s qualities and those aspects that truly define The Man of Steel.