Exploring Controversial Deaths in the DCEU

The DCEU has seen its fair share of deaths caused by its heroes. But none are as memorable as the character deaths caused by Superman and Aquaman.

In the former’s case, the reference is directed towards the controversial killing of Zod. When the hero was forced between a rock and a hard place in 2013’s Man of Steel.

Whilst the latter’s case refers to the refusal to Manta’s father from imminent death in 2018’s Aquaman. An action which bleeds into the direct conflict of the film’s sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

However, a clear contrast exists between the two scenarios. In Superman’s case, it was a dire situation that forced the hand of the hero. To make a move that would undoubtedly taint him at his core.

Although it has been argued by the fandom that Supes could have been given a number of options. But at the end of the day, Zack Snyder and Company’s vision to push not only Supes. But the entirety of the DCEU towards a darker stance prevailed. Thus resulting in a largely polarizing action.

This darker tone would reasonably permeate across the DCEU, to the point of even affecting Aquaman. As the mannerisms Jason Momoa used in portraying was something that was mostly unique to the DCEU.

Opting for a more intense portrayal, that has since changed earlier, laughable perceptions about the character.

Hence, seeing Aquaman as a more vicious personality was objectively a breath of fresh air. Which is the reason for his murderous intent being a lot more direct than that of Superman.

Owing to the fact that in the aforementioned scene from Man of Steel, Henry Cavill’s portrayal in the scene is remorseful & regrettable.

However, when Manta pleads for Arthur’s help to save his trapped father. Arthur’s karmic response is the only thing Manta is able to get from him.

The two characters of Aquaman & Superman should have been drastically different from each other.

But Zack Snyder’s flair for controversial grit caused these two characters to share more than many might take notice of.