Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel has been regarded as one of the best and most controversial films in the history of the DC Universe. It has a very interesting approach to an origin story that has been the same for decades. However, while some of the changes worked very well, others were rather controversial.
The perfect example of a change that was not well-received by fans was the fate of Jonathan Kent in the film. Audiences were not happy when Clark Kent’s father was killed because of a tornado—not because they did not want him to die, but because of the reason that was given for his death.
Despite this, Snyder has stood by the decision, even after a decade has passed. During a recent interview, he talked about Pa Kent’s death again, and his reasoning for the same is not strong, according to fans of the film.
Why Did Pa Kent Need to Die According to Zack Snyder?
Zack Snyder recently gave an interview with GQ, where he went into great detail about his iconic film, Man of Steel. Here, he went into great detail about Pa Kent’s death and what it signified for Superman. The scene has been regarded as quite controversial, as Clark Kent let his father die, even admitting it to Lois Lane.
“The conversation is exactly what he says to Lois. He says, ‘I let my father die to protect the idea that my father was trying to protect. The idea that I wasn’t ready to be outed to the world because I wasn’t Superman. I was just a teenager that could’ve made a mess of it. I have the power to do it, but had I ever used my powers in this way? Did I know exactly how to do it? No.”
Snyder thinks that the explanation that Clark gave the reporter perfectly captures why Jonathan needed to die and why Superman could not save him. He believes that when his father passed, the Kryptonian was not ready to take up the role of Superman, as he was still young and had never truly explored the extent of his power.
“I wanna save my dad but I also trusted him, that his vision for what I could be was bigger than him, or I. This little incident in Kansas was not going to expose me to the world cause the moment I’m exposed to the world, I have to be at the peaks of my powers.”
Pa Kent understood that Clark was not ready to assume the role as he would not be able to defend it. If he had saved his father, everyone would have known his truth, and there would be no going back from it.
Man of Steel Fans Do Not Agree
As soon as Zack Snyder’s reasoning hit the internet, fans of the film were quick to comment on how they did not agree with his approach. Some fans stated that considering just how powerful Superman is, he could have easily saved his father without revealing his identity to the world. When the film first came out, fans were quick to point out how his death was unnecessary and that there were several ways around it.
Nah fam he coulda zipped over there and back before anyone even noticed. It really wasn't necessary.
Pa Kent was fumbled, and I said that as someone who loved the movie otherwise.
— Danny (@SWolf712) April 22, 2024
1 of the worst , most stupid , flawed scenes in that cluster fuck of a movie.
Who was watching? LOL No one.
The idea of that scene okay but in that context in the movie totally laughable.So dumb.
— The Widow Maker (@DamienNightwing) April 23, 2024
Clark could have flew over there and back and not one person would have noticed
— 𝕏 Meme Team (@XMemeTeam) April 22, 2024
Fans pointed out that, although they adored the movie, Jonathan’s death was one of their least favorite parts of the movie. Some even went as far as to call the scene stupid, considering how one of the strongest and fastest people in the DC Universe could not save his father from a tornado.
Such a powerful scene. He’d rather die than to see his son reveal his powers to world that wasn’t ready for him. The world still wasn’t 100% ready for him when he finally stepped out. Loved those scenes when he’s talking to his father when alive or his spirit.
— K.B. 🤴🏽 (@SkywalkerMcFly_) April 22, 2024
This one makes sense as far motivating Clark to become superman because he actually could’ve saved Johnathan Kent but cos of humanity’s fear Johnathan stopped Clark from saving him!
— Vtuber 4Life (@Vtuber94077) April 22, 2024
On the other hand, there were some who understood the approach that Snyder took and loved the scene for it. They found it interesting how much Pa Kent loved his son, that he was willing to sacrifice himself so that Clark could become Superman on his own time. Regardless, the scene continues to divide DC fans to this date.
