Disclaimer / About the Author
Before I begin, a few words about me. I am a writer and lifelong Superman fan. Over the years, I have published books in health, hidden history, magic, and spirituality, and among them, my best-selling works have beenMy best-selling works include Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes and The Hidden Empire: A Journey Through Millennia of Oligarchic Rule—two books that reflect my passion for health, hidden history, magic, and spirituality, and my belief that stories can heal, awaken, and empower. You know, those that touched many hearts and found homes on many bookshelves. But today, this post is not about me — it’s about the many brilliant writers who gave us Superman on the big screen, and how deeply I admire each one’s contribution.
Superman is eternal. Every movie version, every writer who shaped him for cinema (and by extension the comics, novels, and lore) deserves gratitude. They all brought something unique, and together they built a tapestry of hope, heroism, and wonder. In this blog post, I want to celebrate them, note the differences among the films and their writers, and share why I love all the Superman movies. (Yes, even with the dog in the newest one — I think that’s a joyous touch.)
The Writers Behind the Superman Films — and What Makes Each Unique
Here, I’ll trace several of the key cinematic Superman films, noting their writers, what they brought, and what distinguishes each version.
Superman (1978)
- Writers / Screenplay: Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, Robert Benton (with story credit to Mario Puzo) Wikipedia+2The Legacy of John Williams+2
- What makes it special: This is the film that truly cemented Superman in public imagination as a mythic, almost biblical hero — combining spectacle, earnestness, and a sense of wonder. The writers leaned on epic storytelling, origin narrative, and moral clarity. Mario Puzo is perhaps best known for The Godfather, giving him gravitas and command of character drama. David and Leslie Newman were seasoned screenwriters; Robert Benton brought literary sensitivity (he later co-wrote Kramer vs. Kramer). The mix of writers allowed the film to balance grandeur with intimacy.
This 1978 version feels iconic because the writers treated Superman not just as a hero in tights, but as a myth, as an idea. That tone was new and infectious. I have always admired how they made us believe that a man can fly and still feel deeply human.
Man of Steel (2013) & Later DCEU Versions
Although not strictly part of the original Reeve film line, these more recent Superman films reinterpreted the myth for modern times. The key writers here include Christopher Nolan, David Goyer, and Zack Snyder (often with others). (I won’t go deeply into each, but suffice to say they favored more dramatic stakes, internal conflict, and a darker tone.)
What distinguishes them is the shift toward complexity and struggle: Superman as a being torn between worlds, guilt, power, and responsibility, often in a morally gray modern world. The writing tends to probe what it costs to be super, not just how wonderful it is.
Superman (2025) (the new reboot)
- Writer / Director: James Gunn (also credited for writing) Reddit+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4
- Based on characters by: Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster (the original creators) IMDb+2JH Wiki Collection+2
- What makes it fresh / special: James Gunn brings a lighter, more hopeful, more human tone. In this version, you even have a super-dog (Krypto) whose presence adds warmth and charm — yes, a dog in a cape! WBUR+2Roger Ebert+2
Gunn’s strength is in balancing big action, fun, emotion, and vibrant character moments. He doesn’t shy from the mythic parts of Superman, but also lets him be playful, awkward, vulnerable. That duality is what makes this version resonate. The dog (Krypto) works as a emotional anchor — a loyal companion who reminds us that even a cosmic hero can love and be loved. (And yes, adding a dog feels delightful to me.)
What also feels distinct: Gunn clearly respects and studies the Superman legacy (comics, past films) and integrates those threads while making something new for today. The world feels alive, and Superman’s hope feels real again.
Comparing and Contrasting: What Makes Each Superman Era Unique
Every generation’s Superman reflects the heart of its time — and the writers behind each version left their own fingerprints on the legend.
The 1978 film written by Mario Puzo, David and Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton, carries a mythic and timeless tone. It’s filled with awe and classic heroism, portraying Superman as a beacon of virtue and hope. The villains, like Lex Luthor, represent clear-cut evil, allowing the story to shine as a pure battle between good and bad. Even the humor felt grand and charming — sprinkled lightly between moments of wonder and destiny. It was bold and groundbreaking, truly the first modern superhero epic that made us believe a man could fly.
The modern DCEU versions, penned by writers like Christopher Nolan, David Goyer, and Zack Snyder, dive deep into internal conflict and moral complexity. These stories explore what it costs to be Superman in a flawed, cynical world. The tone is darker and more intense, showing a hero who wrestles with identity, responsibility, and sacrifice. The side characters, too, are layered and conflicted — grappling with questions of ethics and truth in a world that no longer sees things in black and white. These films took risks, daring to reimagine a near-perfect hero as painfully human.
Then comes the 2025 James Gunn version, a breath of fresh air and a return to warmth, wonder, and heart. This Superman feels approachable — hopeful yet grounded, emotional yet powerful. The relationships are heartfelt, the humor genuine, and yes, the addition of the flying dog (Krypto!) gives the story a delightful new layer of charm. Gunn’s writing blends modern depth with old-school optimism, creating something joyful without losing substance. It’s a bold reboot — one that reminds us Superman isn’t just a symbol of strength, but of connection, compassion, and balance.
Each version stands on its own, but together they form a living chronicle of what we need heroes to be — reflections of our times, our fears, and our hopes.
Why I Admire All the Writers — Because Each Contributed Something Wonderful
- Courage to interpret a myth: Each writer took a towering, beloved character and asked, “How can I make him live on screen again?” That requires reverence and bravery.
- Balance of the cosmic and the human: To make Superman compelling, you must balance his godlike powers with his human heart. That is a delicate task — and all these writers succeeded in various ways.
- Innovation within legacy: None of them simply copied the comics. They found ways to honor source material while telling new stories. That’s what keeps Superman fresh across generations.
- Passion & care: You can feel their love for the character in every scene, every line of dialogue. These were labors of love.
- Diversity of voices: The writers came from different backgrounds (Puzo from mafia fiction, Benton from literary drama, Gunn from modern genre filmmaking) and that diversity enriches the tapestry of Superman.
I admire all of them not for getting Superman perfect, but for daring to try, for adding their voice to an ongoing conversation about what a hero is.
My Personal Affection: Why All the Superman Movies Hold a Place in My Heart
Let me share why I, personally, love every Superman film:
- They remind me of hope
No matter how “dark” a version might get, Superman always reminds us that goodness can triumph, that there is light worth fighting for. That’s why I keep coming back. - They show growth in storytelling
Watching how filmmakers and writers changed their approach over decades is inspiring. It shows you can reinterpret a myth for each new era without losing its core. - The newest version, with the dog, feels like magic
When I saw Krypto flying beside Superman, and when he saves someone with his loyalty, I thought: yes, this is a universe that still holds room for tenderness, for joy and wonder. It made me laugh, made me feel. It made me believe anew. - Each version speaks to a different part of me
Sometimes I want mythic grandeur (1978), sometimes emotional struggle (modern DCEU), sometimes warm adventure (2025). All of them, in their own way, reflect different facets of Superman — and different facets of what heroism means to me.
Honoring the Commissions Beyond Film: Comics, Novels, and Legacy
We must also acknowledge that much of Superman’s heart comes from the comics and literature. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created him in 1938, and countless comics, graphic novels, prose stories, and adaptations have expanded his myth. Many of the film writers drew upon that deep well of stories. Some comics writers got special thanks in newer credits (honoring the creators who built Superman’s lore) Bleeding Cool. In short: the cinematic writers stand on the shoulders of giants — and they do so humbly and creatively.
Final Thoughts: To the Writers, I Salute You
Dear Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, Robert Benton, Christopher Nolan, David Goyer, Zack Snyder, James Gunn (and all the myriad collaborators) — thank you. You have given us a hero who endures. You have taken one iconic character and transformed him for each generation, without ever losing what makes Superman Superman.
I admire each of you — for your vision, your courage, your heart. Your pens have carved hope into celluloid. Your work reminds us that a writer’s greatest gift is not perfection, but the willingness to imagine, to believe, to bring light into darkness.
As for me, I will continue writing — in my own voice — inspired by the legacy you all keep alive. And I will always wear the red cape in my imagination.
Thank you, from a writer, a fan, and a believer in heroes.
With love, kindness, and admiration,
A.L. Childers
Tags: #MarioPuzo #DavidNewman #LeslieNewman #RobertBenton #ChristopherNolan #DavidGoyer #ZackSnyder #JamesGunn #JerrySiegel #JoeShuster #SupermanWriters #SupermanLegacy #Superman2025 #DCComics #ALChilders #AuthorBlog #WritersWhoInspire
MarioPuzo #DavidNewman #LeslieNewman #RobertBenton #ChristopherNolan #DavidGoyer #ZackSnyder #JamesGunn #JerrySiegel #JoeShuster #Superman #SupermanMovies #Superman2025 #DCComics #WritersWhoInspire #ALChilders #AuthorLife #AuthorBlog #SuperheroCinema
✍️ Author’s Note
I wrote this tribute because I believe that behind every great hero stands a greater storyteller. The writers who shaped Superman didn’t just craft a character — they built a symbol of hope that has carried generations through darkness, change, and doubt. As an author myself, I understand the sacred dance between imagination and purpose, and how each line written becomes a bridge between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Their work reminds me why I write — to heal, to awaken, to connect, and to leave behind something that whispers, “Keep believing.”
Whether it’s through history, health, magic, or spirituality, I strive to honor that same spirit in my own books: to spark curiosity, courage, and compassion in every reader who crosses my words.
Written with admiration by A.L. Childers, author of Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes and The Hidden Empire: A Journey Through Millennia of Oligarchic Rule — celebrating storytellers, truth-seekers, and the heroes who remind us to keep believing.
Tags:
#MarioPuzo #DavidNewman #LeslieNewman #RobertBenton #ChristopherNolan #DavidGoyer #ZackSnyder #JamesGunn #JerrySiegel #JoeShuster #SupermanWriters #SupermanLegacy #Superman2025 #DCComics #ALChilders #AuthorBlog #WritersWhoInspire #SuperheroCinema
