A man has not lived if he has not dreamt. It shall hardly come as a surprise if some, or say all of us, have at one point dreamt of being a superhero and saving the world. As the world of comics and movies has heftily established that being on the good side often comes with a personal sacrifice. However, let us also acknowledge that on its backs also comes riding a dear cost to the public exchequer. And a good example of this is Henry Cavill starrer, Man of Steel.

A redeeming scene played out in 2013’s Man of Steel. Now, defending the negative light on the movie, one of its storyboarders explained why ‘those’ scenes had to happen.

Man of Steel storyboarder explains why the movie featured such extensive destruction

Featuring his unique gritty take, director Zack Snyder had Henry Cavill play Superman’s origins in Man of Steel. However, the movie landed flak for its third act featuring the near destruction of Metropolis, the on-screen equivalent of New York City. Superman’s duel with the antagonist Zod had them ‘unnecessarily’ crashing into and toppling several buildings and populated structures. Now, in defense, one of the movie’s storyboarders responded to a fans’ discontent, claiming that he had used an “empty parking lot for said destruction.”

Although the movie shot up Henry Cavill as one of the best on-screen Superman(s), its divisive entry did not bode well for the DCEU. By fan estimates, the clash had wiped off nearly half a million people in-universe. However, storyboarder Jay Oliva rebuffed those claims, affirming that the ‘destructions’ did not involve as many deaths as projected. “If you want to believe that there’s people in there then that’s on you but not what’s in the film or what was intended,” he tweeted.

Regardless, the lessons lay ingrained and the 2023 DC flick, Flash, completely avoided a rerun of the same.

How The Flash went on to correct Zack Snyder’s ‘mistakes’

DC secured a straight entry into the fans’ hall of fame thanks to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Yet, its next big bet with Man of Steel faltered in the ratings thanks to ‘destructions’. Rather, the damage found plot in-universe with 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Moreover, Zack Snyder, in his defense, allayed critics by saying the destruction was part of an inexperienced Superman gaining depth to his character.

As good as it may have done for the fans, critics had none of it. Thus, when 2023’s The Flash revisited the moment with Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, it made sure the clash took place in an empty desert and not in a city choc-a-bloc with people. However, now the critical receptions as well as defense for the 2013 flick are out of canon thanks to James Gunn’s takeover.

What are your thoughts on Jay Oliva’s defense? Let us know in the comments below.