While we've been able to learn a little about the plot of Zack Snyder's Man of Steel just from casting announcements, it's still not entirely clear what the movie is about. We know that the movie will have scenes on Krypton (as Russell Crowe and Julia Ormond will play Jor-El and Lara), that there will be parts of the story set in Smallville (as Kevin Costner and Diane Lane will play Jonathan and Martha Kent), and that General Zod (Michael Shannon) will be the central villain, but everything else is kind of a mystery. Now an official plot synopsis has found its way online and while it's pretty vague, it should start a new wave of speculation.
ComicBookMovie has received an open casting call for the new Superman movie, and in addition to giving Vancouver Island residents the chance to star in a superhero film, the sheet also gives us our first description of the plot. Here it is:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone's imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question - Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as "Superman," not only to shine as the world's last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.
See what I mean by "pretty vague?" Some might take this as confirmation that Man of Steel will be an origin story, but they may very well be trying to just give context to the character. As for the central conflict of the film, Superman's battle with Zod, not much detail is given other than the fact that the entire world is in danger. The most interesting part is "Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions." Previous reports about the plot have said that the movie will see Clark Kent traveling the world to decide whether or not he should become Superman, so that could be seen as a confirmation. So what do you think? Do you see any subtle clues that might be hinting at something bigger? Leave your thoughts below.
