I guess my biggest criticism of the Snyderverse is that, there's just no joy or wonder in it. It took itself so seriously, that I think it hurt those movies. That, and the incredibly dreary color pallet.
Going to most superhero movies, people are going because they want to have a good time.
That’s fair. Snyder was playing the long game with his Superman. Like we saw with the MCU Spider-Man. MCU Peter was in 3 solos, 2 Avengers films and 1 Captain America film (featuring all the Avengers sans Hulk and Thor), before he was truly Spider-Man. Like his alternate universe counterparts.
The loss of his aunt. The great power, great responsibility speech. Giving up his happiness and love for a greater good. No friends. No billion dollar benefactor, super suit or trust fund. Just a working stiff trying to make a difference with his handmade costume in a big city. All this happened in his 6th movie appearance as the character. Macguire and Garfield were there at the end of their first movies.
Snyder’s plan was for the 3 act Superman structure most writers follow.
Act 1: Man of Steel - His first movie shares that name.
The hero’s debut and learning the ropes.
Act 2: Man of War - BvS, Justice League Part 1 and Part 2.
Where Superman’s mettle is tested. Where his enemies hit back just as hard as he can, and will do anything to tear him down. Where Superman has to overcome his demons and not submit to them. Similar to the dark phases Peter Parker goes through. When Peter is tired of being pushed around and suffers too many losses for no reward.
We all know Superman is not a man of war. Because he is the Man of Tomorrow.
Act 3: Man of Tomorrow - Two Superman solo movies to complete his trilogy. Man of Tomorrow is where Superman fulfills the promise of making the world a better place and becoming that inspiring figure DC advertises the character as.
The above plan is why Cavil fans (not Snyder fans) were upset. With even celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Shatner commenting on Cavil losing the role. He was great in the role. He just didn’t get to finish his story.
Now we are back to Act 1 with Corenswet. I’m wishing his turn with the character all the best going forward.