The latest addition to Superman‘s cast proves James Gunn is addressing a few of Man of Steel‘s criticisms. Man of Steel kicked off the DCEU on a polarizing note. While audiences learned to love Henry Cavill as Superman, there were many complaints regarding Zack Snyder’s portrayal of the character along with the movie’s tone. Cavill’s performance was somber and stern, with little humor or lighthearted moments. The same could be said for the film’s tone, as the themes were quite heavy and the movie’s color palate made it feel gray and bland.

Gunn’s superhero movies are the complete opposite of Man of Steel. The Guardians of the Galaxy films are colorful, filled with heart, and feature hilarious moments that make viewers fall in love with each character. When Gunn announced he was directing the DCU’s Superman movie, there was hope that he would bring his distinct style to this character, providing a more upbeat and charismatic version of Kal-El. Gunn recently announced that Beck Bennett is joining the cast of Superman, proving that he is improving a few aspects of Snyder’s version.

Beck Bennett Joining Superman Suggests The Film Will Have A Lighter Tone Than Man of Steel

Bennett was reported as joining the Superman cast, adding to the large ensemble of excellent talent. Gunn later announced that the SNL alum is playing Steve Lombard, a former football player who joins the Daily Planet as a sportscaster. Lombard is crude and arrogant, and often plays childish pranks on Clark Kent, perceiving him as a pushover, not the powerful son of Krypton. Based on the character’s comic book history, Bennett is a perfect choice and can lend his comedic talents to the role.

With Bennett’s addition, Gunn appears to be leaning more into the comedic side of Clark Kent’s world. Lombard will most likely be a comic relief character, giving the film a much lighter tone than Snyder’s Man of Steel. In addition to Bennett, Superman‘s cast includes other comedic talents, like Rachel Brosnahan and Anthony Carrigan, so there are plenty of opportunities for Gunn’s comedy to shine in this film. After the heavy, dramatic tone of Snyder’s Superman films, it will be refreshing to see the character in a buoyant environment.

Clark Kent And The Daily Planet Will Be Featured More In The DCU

Lombard’s addition to the growing cast of characters shows Gunn wants The Daily Planet to be an essential part of Superman’s story. Lombard is joining a staff room that is filled with Corenswet’s Clark Kent, Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, Wendell Pierce’s Perry White, and Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen. This addresses another criticism of Cavill’s Superman, where Superman’s alter-ego of Clark Kent wasn’t much of a factor in his narrative.

While he does start his job at the Daily Planet at the end of Man of Steel, it isn’t much of a key element in Batman V Superman, and it’s almost non-existent in Justice League. Gunn wants Clark to be a crucial part of Superman’s story and show how he balances being a superhero with his career as a journalist and his relationship with Lois Lane. Bennett may have a small role in Superman, but it shows that Gunn wants to fix some of the DCEU’s problems.