"Man of Steel" is a huge film for Warner Bros as the studio no longer has the money making "Dark Knight" and "Harry Potter" franchises to rely on financially. The importance of the new Superman flick is so great that the company has even stated that the future of the "Justice League" movie will depend on the gross of "Man of Steel." Given the "Dark Knight's" success, it is no surprise that the Christopher Nolan-directed films keep getting brought up in conversations relating "Man of Steel." But is it a good thing for the upcoming "Superman" movie?
Nolan is hired as the Producer for the Superman flick so it is natural that he would get brought up; even Batman scribe David Goyer has been hired to pen "Man of Steel." However, according to Unleash The Fanboy, Warner Bros seems to be employing a comparison tactic to increase anticipation for the upcoming Superman film. Writer Steve L notes that it "seems to be the cornerstone of Warner Bros. marketing campaign. Amidst all of their overused superlatives, 'Man of Steel' is the beneficiary, perpetually the better when compared to THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY." Screen rant's Kofi Outlaw adds that "The "danger" of making such comparisons [between the 'Batman' and 'Superman' movies] is that they tend to rile up those fans who either A) don't think the Nolan Bat-films are as great as millions (upon millions) of people think they are, or B) don't think that a bright and shining hero like Superman should be in any way similar to a dark and brooding guy like Batman."
A number of the film's cast members and production team have drawn the comparisons to the two films. Actor Dylan Sprayberry (Young Clark Kent) stated in an interview that "When Zack [Snyder] and I were talking about it the first time, he was saying how Superman, they want to give it a more edgy feel like The Dark Knight but also make it more realistic and emotional so it's not just the all-American superhero that saves everyone. He has dilemmas and love and struggles throughout the whole movie, especially when he's a kid.
Actor Michael Shannon, who plays General Zod, added that "['Man of Steel'] is edgy in a way like when Nolan took over the 'Batman' franchise."
The most recent person to draw comparisons between the two franchises is writer David Goyer. Goyer stated that ""There is more action in Man of Steel than any of the Dark Knight Films"
Obviously, Warner Bros is trying to invoke one of its most successful franchises in hopes of bringing in good revenue for this film, but are the comparisons necessary? Do you think that invoking the "Batman" movies builds hype for "Man of Steel?" Is this a good thing?