Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Best Netflix Shows
Don't miss these
Homelander smiling smugly in the Oval Office of the White House
Superhero Shows Amazon wanted The Boys to go beyond season 5, so Eric Kripke used season 4 to "end it on our terms"
David Corenswet as Superman
Superhero Movies How to watch DC movies in order (release date and chronological)
Milly Alcock as Supergirl
DC Movies Supergirl director says the movie will "thoroughly investigate" Krypton and Kara's home Argo City
Baby Krypto in Supergirl
DC Movies New Supergirl teaser reveals how Kara and Krypto meet and, yes, Krypto is an adorable puppy
Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen in James Gunn's Superman
DC TV Shows Jimmy Olsen's mystery comedy show features that haven't "been seen in the superhero genre" before
Robert Pattinson in The Batman
Superhero Movies Upcoming DC movies and TV shows: Every DCU title coming soon
Hal Jordan's brownish Green Lantern uniform hanging in a closet
DC TV Shows Green Lantern legend Grant Morrison also isn't a fan of the Lanterns trailer
Chainsaw Man
Anime Shows Chainsaw Man fans share their reaction to manga's "pointless" ending: "Left me feeling complete indifference"
Anthony Mackie in Captain America: Brave New World
Marvel Movies Marvel fans discuss their wishlists for Captain America 5, and the top choice is “competent writing and dialogue
Hughie in The Boys season 1
Superhero Shows The Boys' Eric Kripke slams sci-fi shows that end with no casualties: "'You can't get away with this!'"
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
Drama Movies Peaky Blinders creator was "having trouble" figuring out Tommy Shelby's fate in The Immortal Man
Milly Alcock as Supergirl
DC Movies James Gunn confirms that Supergirl is set between the events of Superman and Man of Tomorrow
The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars Movies Star Wars fans are discussing one major moment in The Rise of Skywalker
Superman 2 concept art by Jim Lee showing Superman holding a screwdriver and buddying up to Lex Luthor, who is clad in his purple and green battle armor
DC Movies Superman 2 Man of Tomorrow release date, cast, plot and trailer speculation: Everything we know about the DCU movie
Baby Krypto in Supergirl
DC Movies Baby Krypto captures our hearts in Puppy Bowl's new Supergirl teaser
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies
  3. Action Movies
  4. DC Movies
  5. Man of Steel

Man of Steel alternate ending would have removed the movie's most controversial moment

News
By Bradley Russell published 28 July 2020

"It felt like a cop out for the story we were telling"

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: DC/Warner Bros.)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

While Superman has moved on in recent decades from the image of the boy scout-style slice of Americana, his more snap-happy approach to killing in Man of Steel certainly caused quite a stir upon its release.

David S. Goyer, who wrote the 2013 DCEU debut of Supes (played by Henry Cavill), has revealed that an alternate ending was planned – one where Superman didn’t kill Michael Shannon’s Zod.

Instead of snapping the Kryptonian’s neck, Superman would have defeated him through other means, as Goyer explained during a recent Comic-Con 2020 panel (H/T Slash Film).

You may like
  • David Corenswet as Superman All-Star Superman writer Grant Morrison has some issues with James Gunn’s take on the character
  • Henry Cavill as Superman On its 15th anniversary, Zack Snyder unveils rare first photo of Henry Cavill's Superman in old school suit
  • A legion of different incarnations of Brainiac James Gunn explains his comic influences for Man of Tomorrow's Brainiac, including the classic story he's not adapting

“The idea was that Superman would – there was one of those sort of cryopods on the ship that ends up becoming the Fortress of Solitude that he’s able to put Zod back into and then throw out into space,” Goyer said. “We did talk about it and maybe some people would’ve been happier with that, but it felt like a cop out for the story that we were telling.”

It’s not quite being yeeted into the Phantom Zone a la Superman II, but it’s certainly more in line with Truth, Justice, and the American Way than Zack Snyder’s finished version.

To his and Goyer’s credit, though, they had a vision and saw it through, with Goyer also revealing there was scene in the script that explained in more detail why Superman’s decision to kill at the end of Man of Steel was a difficult one.

Superman, meanwhile, will ‘return’ in 2021’s Justice League Snyder Cut, with a recent Justice-Con panel showcasing the first look at Kal-El in a black suit.  

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
  • New superhero movies: every Marvel, DC, and comic book movie flying your way
Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
Social Links Navigation
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

Read more
David Corenswet as Superman
DC Movies All-Star Superman writer Grant Morrison has some issues with James Gunn’s take on the character
 
 
Henry Cavill as Superman
Superhero Movies On its 15th anniversary, Zack Snyder unveils rare first photo of Henry Cavill's Superman in old school suit
 
 
A legion of different incarnations of Brainiac
DC Movies James Gunn explains his comic influences for Man of Tomorrow's Brainiac, including the classic story he's not adapting
 
 
Ben Affleck as Batman and Henry Cavill as Superman standing in the rain during the DC movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
DC Movies Zack Snyder thinks "it's fine to make fun of Martha", but Batman v Superman criticism is coming from the wrong place
 
 
Zack Snyder's Justice League
DC Movies Zack Snyder says "we talked about" continuing the Snyderverse in a comic or animated movie
 
 
Ben Affleck in Zack Snyder's Justice League
Superhero Movies Zack Snyder would "still make Dark Knight Returns as a film" even though he admits he did "steal" from the comic
 
 
Latest in DC Movies
Milly Alcock as Supergirl
DC Movies Supergirl director says the movie will "thoroughly investigate" Krypton and Kara's home Argo City
 
 
Milly Alcock as Supergirl
DC Movies Supergirl director says there are 9 distinct worlds in the new DC movie, with 5 "original" languages spoken
 
 
Ezra Miller as Barry Allen in The Flash
DC Movies Over 10 years later, Spider-Verse's Phil Lord and Chris Miller still want to make their "very elaborate" Flash movie
 
 
Baby Krypto in Supergirl
DC Movies New Supergirl teaser reveals how Kara and Krypto meet and, yes, Krypto is an adorable puppy
 
 
Milly Alcock as Supergirl
DC Movies James Gunn confirms that Supergirl is set between the events of Superman and Man of Tomorrow
 
 
Aaron Pierre as John Stewart in Lanterns
DC Movies Green Lantern John Stewart is joining the cast of Man of Tomorrow as Aaron Pierre signs on for the Superman sequel
 
 
Latest in News
Mario riding Yoshi through space with Luigi and Peach flying along beside him
Animated Movies First reactions to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie are overwhelmingly positive, calling the sequel a "100-min sugar rush"
 
 
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Steel Ball Run
Anime Shows JoJo's fans are responding to Steel Ball Run's disastrous release by trying to curse Netflix
 
 
Jack Quaid as Hughie in The Boys season 5
Superhero Shows Jack Quaid says The Boys season 5 isn't going to be a "fairytale ending in any regard"
 
 
Neil Newbon in Dead Take and Astarion from Baldur's Gate 3
Third Person Shooters Baldur's Gate 3 actor Neil Newbon gives Arc Raiders dev "props" for replacing AI voices with humans
 
 
A screenshot from the Palworld April Fools dating sim trailer, showing a few Pals and humans dressed in school uniforms.
Survival Games Palworld's Bucky threatens more April Fool's jokes, but I'm not joking when I say we need that Palworld dating sim
 
 
Deltarune
RPGs Undertale's Toby Fox doesn't want to do translations in languages he doesn't speak
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Steel Ball Run
    1
    JoJo's fans are responding to Steel Ball Run's disastrous release by trying to curse Netflix
  2. 2
    This is the best Warhammer model of the year so far, if you ask me
  3. 3
    Jack Quaid says The Boys season 5 isn't going to be a "fairytale ending in any regard"
  4. 4
    Baldur's Gate 3 actor Neil Newbon gives Arc Raiders dev "props" for replacing AI voices with humans
  5. 5
    Palworld's Bucky threatens more April Fool's jokes, but I'm not joking when I say we need that Palworld dating sim

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...