The Flickering Myth writing team sit down to talk about the fourth trailer for Man of Steel....
![]()
After releasing what felt like a million posters (albeit awesome ones), Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures gave us a fourth trailer for Zack Snyder's Man of Steel - this time featuring more of Michael Shannon's General Zod.
So, what did the Flickering Myth writing staff think?
Martin Deer: This trailer compliments the epic third one so well: we've had the hope that is Superman, now we have the very real threat that is Zod. The stage is perfectly set. You can really see the 'First Contact' scenario at play, with Zod's message - which is brilliant; that would be a terrifying moment in real life and I imagine the story will capture that.
To address complaints I've seen: Superman can be pissed off. In fact, it is what has been missing from his character on film - remember Superman: The Movie? What matters is how he handles that rage. The editing is quickly cut and action is very fast paced, but I expect that is for the trailers only, so as to just give us a feel for the action and not spoil it - calm down Snyder haters; think. Superman punching more people. Heat vision. Zimmer's score. Faora a total psychopath. Yeah, I like it!
Ozzy Armstrong: I like the fact that this trailer is a little less Nolan-esque and I'm getting more and more excited about this film with every extra item they release.
I've been a big fan of Michael Shannon for a while, especially after the excellent Take Shelter and it's brilliant casting to make him our General Zod.
I've got to say, baring any dodgy effects or poor plot points, this could well be the the biggest and best Superman outing yet.
Brogan Jameson Morris: That's a pretty delicious-looking trailer. For me, that's largely for one reason: Michael Shannon. Shannon is one of very, very few actors that always improves a film simply by being there. I'm not saying that Man of Steel looks bad and was in need of improvement - the special effects look mighty impressive, for one thing - but Shannon's Zod is already a compelling villain, and that's just at the trailer stage. I'll admit that I find Superman a bit of a boring hero, so I'm glad there is a great-looking villain and a fine supporting cast going on around him.
Chris Cooper: It's very rare that I've felt an actor playing Superman really nails it. Christophr Reeve's change of posture was amazing. But otherwise I've always felt quite disappointed.
But then I saw a pissed off Cavill Superman blaring out heat vision in the middle of a fight. Now that's Superman!
The action and effects look fantastic. With Zod and Faora coming across as convincing enemies, plus the so far fantastic score from Zimmer, we could have something special.
As a lover of Batman, it's amazing to have the Dark Knight Trilogy. Now I'm looking forward to Superman having his time in the sun.
![]()
Villordsutch: Not much of a Superman fan and add on top of that my dislike of Snyder's previous offerings to the world of cinema. The trailer does nothing to remotely interest me in watching the film either.
I like my heroes psychologically unbalanced. Bring on the Batman.
Chris Cooper: I'm quite the opposite Vil. Though I've never felt a great deal of love for him I feel this could be the film that makes me interested in Superman.
Martin Deer: And I HATE my Batman psychologically unbalanced: He's just a man on a revenge mission - ala Tim Burton. He's no hero at all. I'm starting a war again aren't I?
Villordsutch: Consider me rolling up my shirt sleeves.
Chris Cooper: I'm going to derail the derailment by declaring that Faora looks 'fit'.
Anthony Donovan Stokes: Still not substantial enough to be all that interesting. The promotion has been pretty light on plot, but anybody with a mild understanding of superhero origin movies or story structure seems to be able to piece together the plot from the trailers.
Tom Jolliffe: I still find myself longing for the Gene Hackman / Ned Beatty interplay and Chris Reeve, but this looks like a good blockbuster. Will it do for the genre what Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy did? No. I'm a little weary of FX driven blockbusters now, but this is one I know I'll watch. For me, Shannon is the man of the moment in Hollywood. He's what sells this film to me. He looks brilliant. I've been watching him with interest since Take Shelter. Cavill looks okay but I kind of sense from the trailer he may get overpowered in the film, certainly by Shannon.
Oliver Davis: I liked the bit where the stuff exploded.
Matt Smith: Let's look past the idea that anyone who builds a themed cave, puts on tights and a cowl and then punches people in the face can ever be seen as psychologically balanced...
This trailer brings us General Shannon in all his glory, which makes a change as he's been in the background of the other trailers. While he does have the ability to overpower most actors in any scene, I think from what I've seen of Cavill so far gives me hope that we've possibly got the best Superman so far. It'd be a lot to beat to beat Reeve's, but I can hope can't I?
It is a shame that it looks like we'll have to sit through another superhero origin story. In Batman Begins that was interesting, but it was because his origin hadn't been explained substantially before, as well as the fact he didn't have any super powers that he could get used to in wacky everyday situations (watch as Bruce Wayne uses his money to buy a hotel and swim!)
Like Ozzy above I like the lack of Chris Nolan-esque feel to this latest trailer. While he is down as producer and I'm sure he had some influence, I can't help feeling his name is being used too much as the brand to sell it. It's a shame they can't just rely on the symbol of hope a bit more...
I also liked the bits where stuff exploded, and when the things blew up.
![]()
Martin Deer: In regards to the origin, the last time Superman's origin story was told was 30 years ago. Brian Singer assumed people still cared about Superman and the previous films - he was wrong. So we need the origin to reconnect audiences with the character. Also, the best parts of Batman Beginsare the Bruce Wayne parts: We should care about the man just as much as the costume - it should be irrelevant if they're costumed or not. Batman Begins "got" this. Whether it's an origin story should come second to good story telling - The Amazing Spider-Man didn't get this. Superman: The Movie never explored why Clark becomes Superman either, he simply dons the cape one day after a long history lesson. Exploring who Clark is should - not saying it will obviously because I haven't seen the film - but it should be interesting, and that is what matters, not that it is in an origin. A good story is a good story.
As for Batman's psychological state: he's messed up, but psychologically unbalanced to me says 'Burton's revenge Batman'. I differentiate the two. I don't read Year One or Long Halloween and see a 'unbalanced' Bruce Wayne. But I guess that's another debate for another time.
J-P Wooding: Looks brilliant. Whether the story matches it is another thing, but then again the story was not why Superman: The Movie worked. It is vital that Snyder addresses the fact that we believe "a man can fly," and shows us just what potential the Superman film franchise had. I don't and never would disregard the original film, but I want this film to try it's best to make me; -a mistake that Superman Returns made. It does look like it has the makings of one of the best superhero films although I'm already unsure I'd want a sequel - something that seems a pre requisite of most superhero films these days.
Rohan Morbey: Won't watch any more trailers or TV spots before I see the film in fear of plot spoilers. I have the day off work to see this film, that's enough for me.
Matt Smith: I feel I may have been hasty with my comments regarding the retelling of the early days. I'm just weary of it coming across as the same old-same old (agree with The Amazing Spider-Man, we didn't need that long on him getting his spider powers from breaking into the most insecure top secret facility ever created).
Batman as a character doesn't lend himself to the new-super-powers montage, which is a good thing, but what happens when we see Superman shave? When he weight lifts using two Hummers? And he does a cheeky bit of flying... so he can get home before curfew!?
And my comments on Batman being psychologically damaged were partially in jest. Bat-Eastwood from 'All-Star Batman and Robin'? Nuts. The others get away with being eccentric (though that's just because they're rich).
Anthony Stokes: I think everybody has a basic understanding of Superman's origin story, it's pop culture at this point
Martin Deer: That's no reason we shouldn't see it again though is it? Just because the mainstream has a vague understanding doesn't mean they care. You have to connect the character to the audience. Create reverence, don't assume it
![]()
Anthony Stokes: I agree. I like the fact that they're going more in depth with the origin and even the take on Zod. But unfortunately I feel like I've seen it all in the trailer. Zod just laid out his big plan.
Oliver Davis: Preach it, Martin. Besides, Superman's origin is open to interpretation. Red Son tells it as if his original ship landed in Communist Russia, and the reason for Krypton's destruction changes a fair bit. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with it.
Anghus Houvouras: Michael Shannon is God. While this isn't as hair raising as the epic third trailer, it does a good job of stacking the deck against a very outmatched Superman. The major issue I've had with Superman movies has been weak, uninteresting villains. Terence Stamp was a very dry, very emotionless Zod. There was an arrogance to him, but he was never particularly frightening. This is a scary Zod. This is a guy I could believe capable of butchering a billion people, a destroyer of worlds, a catalyst for annihilation. The third trailer was so good. I'm already sold.
Martin Deer: I've said the same thing numerous times to numerous people: we all thought we had a good idea of how The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises would play out, but they ending up going in directions we didn't expect. I expect the same here. So we know Zod's plan, or do we? He's come for Kal-El and is threatening to destroy Earth if he doesn't hand himself over. But Why, What's his ultimate goal? What's his motivation? What's his relationship with Jor-el like? Why is he threatening Jor-El that he'll find Kal-El?
You say know the plot, well, the plot for Dial M For Murder is a man wants to kill his wife, but the film goes far beyond that basic plot to tell a really interesting tale which twists and turns at every corner. Zod's plan may be known, but my guess is the characters motivations runs much deeper, and I believe - nay hope - that the Jor-El/Zod relationship could be one of the most interesting aspects of the film. Look at some of the info; Kal-El is a natural born child on a world where people are engineered. To steal someones words, it's damn near Shakespearean. 'An illegitimate child'. Not to mention the focus of the film looks like an exploration of who Clark Kent/Kal-El is. Zod's 'plan' looks secondary to actual character development. Which I'll take all day in any movie.
Anthony Stokes: I knew how every scene would end in The Dark Knight Rises , and I guessed the structure right on the nose, and I pretty much knew what to expect.This could be the same case, but let's hope you're right and they do something cool. Admittedly I've never been a big fan of Superman so that could lead to my issues with the trailers, but I was even more so not a fan of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America and those trailers sold the movie to me. I feel like this only plays to people who are excited for the movie anyway.
Helen Murdoch: Michael Shannon, Henry Cavill, Zack Snyder, Christopher Nolan and Kevin Costner doing his dutiful Dad bit... I'm sold
Scott J Davis: It looks much more epic than I had previously thought, particularly the invasion part. Shannon looks great as Zod, and Cavill continues to grow on me. It looks like a great Snyder film, but the more I see, the more it looks like Nolan pulled more strings than he has let on. And the shot of Supes being dragged through the skulls: amazing!!
Matt Smith: I think those of us who say we've seen it all before, and variations thereof, are merely suffering because (and this may sound a bit odd) we're getting older.
There are only so many stories to tell. What Nolan did with the Dark Knight trilogy was fantastic, but let's remember. This isn't Batman. And that's a good thing.
While the common link may be the Greek-style mythic telling of tales concerning Gods (Man of Steel being a little more upfront with this), Superman's a different character. With a different director behind him. And I know you're read this already, but instead of having Nolan making us believe in a real Batman, let's just all agree we're hoping Snyder can make us believe a man can fly.
So, a mostly positive reaction to the trailer, but with some of our writers questioning the need to revisit the origin of Superman. What did you make of the fourth trailer, and are you excited for Man of Steel? Let us know in the comments below...
Man of Steel is released June 14th.
After releasing what felt like a million posters (albeit awesome ones), Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures gave us a fourth trailer for Zack Snyder's Man of Steel - this time featuring more of Michael Shannon's General Zod.So, what did the Flickering Myth writing staff think?
Martin Deer: This trailer compliments the epic third one so well: we've had the hope that is Superman, now we have the very real threat that is Zod. The stage is perfectly set. You can really see the 'First Contact' scenario at play, with Zod's message - which is brilliant; that would be a terrifying moment in real life and I imagine the story will capture that.
To address complaints I've seen: Superman can be pissed off. In fact, it is what has been missing from his character on film - remember Superman: The Movie? What matters is how he handles that rage. The editing is quickly cut and action is very fast paced, but I expect that is for the trailers only, so as to just give us a feel for the action and not spoil it - calm down Snyder haters; think. Superman punching more people. Heat vision. Zimmer's score. Faora a total psychopath. Yeah, I like it!
Ozzy Armstrong: I like the fact that this trailer is a little less Nolan-esque and I'm getting more and more excited about this film with every extra item they release.
I've been a big fan of Michael Shannon for a while, especially after the excellent Take Shelter and it's brilliant casting to make him our General Zod.
I've got to say, baring any dodgy effects or poor plot points, this could well be the the biggest and best Superman outing yet.
Brogan Jameson Morris: That's a pretty delicious-looking trailer. For me, that's largely for one reason: Michael Shannon. Shannon is one of very, very few actors that always improves a film simply by being there. I'm not saying that Man of Steel looks bad and was in need of improvement - the special effects look mighty impressive, for one thing - but Shannon's Zod is already a compelling villain, and that's just at the trailer stage. I'll admit that I find Superman a bit of a boring hero, so I'm glad there is a great-looking villain and a fine supporting cast going on around him.
Chris Cooper: It's very rare that I've felt an actor playing Superman really nails it. Christophr Reeve's change of posture was amazing. But otherwise I've always felt quite disappointed.
But then I saw a pissed off Cavill Superman blaring out heat vision in the middle of a fight. Now that's Superman!
The action and effects look fantastic. With Zod and Faora coming across as convincing enemies, plus the so far fantastic score from Zimmer, we could have something special.
As a lover of Batman, it's amazing to have the Dark Knight Trilogy. Now I'm looking forward to Superman having his time in the sun.
I like my heroes psychologically unbalanced. Bring on the Batman.
Chris Cooper: I'm quite the opposite Vil. Though I've never felt a great deal of love for him I feel this could be the film that makes me interested in Superman.
Martin Deer: And I HATE my Batman psychologically unbalanced: He's just a man on a revenge mission - ala Tim Burton. He's no hero at all. I'm starting a war again aren't I?
Villordsutch: Consider me rolling up my shirt sleeves.
Chris Cooper: I'm going to derail the derailment by declaring that Faora looks 'fit'.
Anthony Donovan Stokes: Still not substantial enough to be all that interesting. The promotion has been pretty light on plot, but anybody with a mild understanding of superhero origin movies or story structure seems to be able to piece together the plot from the trailers.
Tom Jolliffe: I still find myself longing for the Gene Hackman / Ned Beatty interplay and Chris Reeve, but this looks like a good blockbuster. Will it do for the genre what Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy did? No. I'm a little weary of FX driven blockbusters now, but this is one I know I'll watch. For me, Shannon is the man of the moment in Hollywood. He's what sells this film to me. He looks brilliant. I've been watching him with interest since Take Shelter. Cavill looks okay but I kind of sense from the trailer he may get overpowered in the film, certainly by Shannon.
Oliver Davis: I liked the bit where the stuff exploded.
Matt Smith: Let's look past the idea that anyone who builds a themed cave, puts on tights and a cowl and then punches people in the face can ever be seen as psychologically balanced...
This trailer brings us General Shannon in all his glory, which makes a change as he's been in the background of the other trailers. While he does have the ability to overpower most actors in any scene, I think from what I've seen of Cavill so far gives me hope that we've possibly got the best Superman so far. It'd be a lot to beat to beat Reeve's, but I can hope can't I?
It is a shame that it looks like we'll have to sit through another superhero origin story. In Batman Begins that was interesting, but it was because his origin hadn't been explained substantially before, as well as the fact he didn't have any super powers that he could get used to in wacky everyday situations (watch as Bruce Wayne uses his money to buy a hotel and swim!)
Like Ozzy above I like the lack of Chris Nolan-esque feel to this latest trailer. While he is down as producer and I'm sure he had some influence, I can't help feeling his name is being used too much as the brand to sell it. It's a shame they can't just rely on the symbol of hope a bit more...
I also liked the bits where stuff exploded, and when the things blew up.
As for Batman's psychological state: he's messed up, but psychologically unbalanced to me says 'Burton's revenge Batman'. I differentiate the two. I don't read Year One or Long Halloween and see a 'unbalanced' Bruce Wayne. But I guess that's another debate for another time.
J-P Wooding: Looks brilliant. Whether the story matches it is another thing, but then again the story was not why Superman: The Movie worked. It is vital that Snyder addresses the fact that we believe "a man can fly," and shows us just what potential the Superman film franchise had. I don't and never would disregard the original film, but I want this film to try it's best to make me; -a mistake that Superman Returns made. It does look like it has the makings of one of the best superhero films although I'm already unsure I'd want a sequel - something that seems a pre requisite of most superhero films these days.
Rohan Morbey: Won't watch any more trailers or TV spots before I see the film in fear of plot spoilers. I have the day off work to see this film, that's enough for me.
Matt Smith: I feel I may have been hasty with my comments regarding the retelling of the early days. I'm just weary of it coming across as the same old-same old (agree with The Amazing Spider-Man, we didn't need that long on him getting his spider powers from breaking into the most insecure top secret facility ever created).
Batman as a character doesn't lend himself to the new-super-powers montage, which is a good thing, but what happens when we see Superman shave? When he weight lifts using two Hummers? And he does a cheeky bit of flying... so he can get home before curfew!?
And my comments on Batman being psychologically damaged were partially in jest. Bat-Eastwood from 'All-Star Batman and Robin'? Nuts. The others get away with being eccentric (though that's just because they're rich).
Anthony Stokes: I think everybody has a basic understanding of Superman's origin story, it's pop culture at this point
Martin Deer: That's no reason we shouldn't see it again though is it? Just because the mainstream has a vague understanding doesn't mean they care. You have to connect the character to the audience. Create reverence, don't assume it
Oliver Davis: Preach it, Martin. Besides, Superman's origin is open to interpretation. Red Son tells it as if his original ship landed in Communist Russia, and the reason for Krypton's destruction changes a fair bit. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with it.
Anghus Houvouras: Michael Shannon is God. While this isn't as hair raising as the epic third trailer, it does a good job of stacking the deck against a very outmatched Superman. The major issue I've had with Superman movies has been weak, uninteresting villains. Terence Stamp was a very dry, very emotionless Zod. There was an arrogance to him, but he was never particularly frightening. This is a scary Zod. This is a guy I could believe capable of butchering a billion people, a destroyer of worlds, a catalyst for annihilation. The third trailer was so good. I'm already sold.
Martin Deer: I've said the same thing numerous times to numerous people: we all thought we had a good idea of how The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises would play out, but they ending up going in directions we didn't expect. I expect the same here. So we know Zod's plan, or do we? He's come for Kal-El and is threatening to destroy Earth if he doesn't hand himself over. But Why, What's his ultimate goal? What's his motivation? What's his relationship with Jor-el like? Why is he threatening Jor-El that he'll find Kal-El?
You say know the plot, well, the plot for Dial M For Murder is a man wants to kill his wife, but the film goes far beyond that basic plot to tell a really interesting tale which twists and turns at every corner. Zod's plan may be known, but my guess is the characters motivations runs much deeper, and I believe - nay hope - that the Jor-El/Zod relationship could be one of the most interesting aspects of the film. Look at some of the info; Kal-El is a natural born child on a world where people are engineered. To steal someones words, it's damn near Shakespearean. 'An illegitimate child'. Not to mention the focus of the film looks like an exploration of who Clark Kent/Kal-El is. Zod's 'plan' looks secondary to actual character development. Which I'll take all day in any movie.
Anthony Stokes: I knew how every scene would end in The Dark Knight Rises , and I guessed the structure right on the nose, and I pretty much knew what to expect.This could be the same case, but let's hope you're right and they do something cool. Admittedly I've never been a big fan of Superman so that could lead to my issues with the trailers, but I was even more so not a fan of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America and those trailers sold the movie to me. I feel like this only plays to people who are excited for the movie anyway.
Helen Murdoch: Michael Shannon, Henry Cavill, Zack Snyder, Christopher Nolan and Kevin Costner doing his dutiful Dad bit... I'm sold
Scott J Davis: It looks much more epic than I had previously thought, particularly the invasion part. Shannon looks great as Zod, and Cavill continues to grow on me. It looks like a great Snyder film, but the more I see, the more it looks like Nolan pulled more strings than he has let on. And the shot of Supes being dragged through the skulls: amazing!!
Matt Smith: I think those of us who say we've seen it all before, and variations thereof, are merely suffering because (and this may sound a bit odd) we're getting older.
There are only so many stories to tell. What Nolan did with the Dark Knight trilogy was fantastic, but let's remember. This isn't Batman. And that's a good thing.
While the common link may be the Greek-style mythic telling of tales concerning Gods (Man of Steel being a little more upfront with this), Superman's a different character. With a different director behind him. And I know you're read this already, but instead of having Nolan making us believe in a real Batman, let's just all agree we're hoping Snyder can make us believe a man can fly.
So, a mostly positive reaction to the trailer, but with some of our writers questioning the need to revisit the origin of Superman. What did you make of the fourth trailer, and are you excited for Man of Steel? Let us know in the comments below...
Man of Steel is released June 14th.