Superman’s Legacy and Lois Lane’s Evolution
Over the years, there’s been a lot of debate about what Superman truly represents. Sure, he’s typically tall, muscular, and, well, handsome. But he also carries this humility that stands out, lending dignity to his cape. The mix of being both alien and human makes Superman a complex character. Interestingly, there are films that discuss the duality of playing Superman—sometimes seen as more of a curse than a blessing. It’s notable that no actor has truly thrived after stepping into Superman’s shoes, aside from Christopher Reeve, whose performances and real-life bravery have solidified his legendary status. This raises the question—would David Corenswet, the new Superman, agree to take on the role if it were to be his only claim to fame? Probably not, but symbolically, it makes one ponder.
James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film also sheds light on another challenging role: Lois Lane, once widely known as “Girl Reporter.” That title seems dated now, even if it graced her own 137-issue solo series. Lois has transformed significantly over the years. Historically, she’s been depicted as a strong professional woman, but her character often revolved around her connection to Superman. For a long time, she was oblivious to the fact that her colleague, Clark Kent, was, in fact, Superman. This led to many scenarios where she needed saving. Interestingly, Lois was inspired by a character from the 1930s film series, Torchie Brain, who was more than just a damsel in distress. Torchie is remembered as a lively reporter in modestly scaled stories, not super-caped adventures. She was a charming, screwball heroine who didn’t yield to romance.
As time passed, Lois evolved. She developed into a professional and integral romantic partner for both Clark and Superman. It’s been ages since comics depicted Clark’s hidden identity as a mystery. Nowadays, many portrayals show Lois quickly realizing who Superman is, like in the new film or Man of Steel. However, movie adaptations often restrict her character in ways the comics don’t. Comics can be surprisingly progressive, exploring narratives that films sometimes sideline. Unfortunately, a Lois-centric film is frequently viewed as a distraction from Superman, resulting in a cinematic portrayal of Lois that sometimes feels retrogressive, despite deeper developments in the source material.
Lois’ portrayal in films has faced challenges, despite Margot Kidder’s iconic performance. The initial Superman films shifted the focus to a fantasy where a strong woman overlooks the superhero right in front of her—something that feels a bit disingenuous. Kidder shined in her scenes opposite Reeve, though at points, it felt like her character’s humorous energy got overshadowed. Even in her second appearance, where Clark reveals his secret, there was a certain cleaning-up that took away from the chemistry. Kidder’s unique portrayal was so stark that it seemed impossible for successors, like Kate Bosworth in Superman Returns, to capture that same spark.
Recently, the DCEU cast Amy Adams, a multiple Oscar nominee, as Lois, hinting at a step forward in her portrayal given her experience with various genres. However, Zack Snyder’s take on the character didn’t allow for the playful, sharp-tongued Lois Kidder portrayed. While Adams brought a certain depth to her scenes, her significance in the overarching narrative dwindles through three films.
Now we have Rachel Brosnahan stepping into the role. Personally, I find it a bit surprising, given that she’s more known for her small-screen work. Brosnahan’s best role might still be from I’m Your Woman, a moderately successful thriller that was technically a streaming release. The narrative focuses on her character navigating life after her husband’s criminal escapade. While it’s a compelling concept, it doesn’t feel fully realized. Brosnahan tends to shine in roles promoting feminist revisionism, which might pose a risk for playing Lois Lane.
Fortunately, Brosnahan does quite well in Superman. The film lags in some ways compared to the comics, especially in her role as a journalistic detective. For example, she doesn’t exhibit as much depth as in stories like Lois Lane: People’s Enemies from 2020. But that’s not something she can control. After an initial dynamic scene with Clark, where their scripted “interviews” lead to tension, Brosnahan hints at the absurdity of her role. She questions Clark about international affairs with persistence, though she doesn’t lean too heavily into sarcasm. There’s a different vibe between the couple; while Lois expresses a keen idealism, she’s not depicted as strange alongside Clark. This feels like a shift in Brosnahan’s portrayal, showcasing her compatibility with the character in a different way than Adams did.
If Brosnahan seems somewhat like an afterthought after Adams’ powerful representation, it might be because lois has more room for growth on television, as shown in series like Lois & Clark. Since the film begins with something relatable and early on, their chemistry is felt quickly. The romantic aspect becomes a significant element—much more so than in usual superhero narratives. Even so, it’s surprising that romance-focused films haven’t gained more traction. Whether or not Lois can rise beyond being just Superman’s girlfriend remains a question, though. Her ability to shine independently is still a topic for debate.
