How the best Twilight Zone episode inspired James Gunn’s Superman

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In simpler terms, an important aspect in James Gunn’s version of Superman resembles one of the most memorable episodes ever aired on television.

Currently playing in theaters, Superman’s latest film is receiving positive feedback from critics, boasting an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

In our 4-star Superman review, we concur that this film is unique from other Superman movies, with both strengths and weaknesses. It’s grand, moving, and demonstrates that the Man of Steel isn’t monotonous. By the end, you’ll find yourself convinced that James Gunn’s DCU has the power to soar. Keep your gaze skyward and anticipate what lies ahead.

It additionally offers an unexpected turn that could spark debates, reminiscent of a well-known twist from The Twilight Zone, a significant plot element that is hinted at in the storyline…(Spoilers alert)

How Superman evokes Twilight Zone episode ‘To Serve Man’

According to traditional Superman tales, Kal-El was dispatched to Earth by his parents in a desperate attempt to protect him as Krypton neared its end. Alongside him, Jor-El and Lara sent messages advocating for peace and love, urging their son to embody the noblest human values.

Instead, in James Gunn’s version of Superman, it’s not just about the typical storyline. At a pivotal point, Lex Luthor unearths a message from Jor-El that carries a far darker tone. This message urges their son to rule over Earth with an iron fist, positioning himself as the last surviving Kryptonian.

As a devout follower, I’m tasked with amassing numerous wives and progeny, ruling over this world with an iron fist, showing no compassion.

When the information spreads worldwide, humanity often questions whether Superman is indeed the reliable source. There’s a bit of uncertainty about the truthfulness of the information, as it could potentially have been corrupted during transmission or deliberately altered by Lex.

Another possible expression could be: It’s possible that the meaning got misinterpreted during the translation process, reminiscent of the famous Twilight Zone episode titled ‘To Serve Man.’

Back in 1962, I found myself captivated by an episode from Season 3 of a show, where the narrative began with an extraordinary visitation: friendly extraterrestrials known as the Kanmits graced our planet Earth. They offered promises of tranquility, wealth, and even an end to worldwide hunger.

As part of their message of optimism, they also present a book titled ‘To Serve Man.’ A government cryptographer is attempting to decipher its contents, written in an alien language.

As a gamer, stepping into this reality feels like leveling up to an entirely new dimension. The Kanamits have kept their word, transforming our world into a utopia that’s beyond my wildest gaming fantasies. They’ve even extended the invitation for me, a volunteer, to journey to their planet – a paradise that’s rumored to be the ultimate gaming experience.

Meanwhile, as the main character steps onto a Kanamit spacecraft for a visit, a cryptographer comes up to him with important information – she’s decoded ‘To Serve Man’, revealing it to be a cookbook, implying that these aliens intend to consume the inhabitants of Earth.

The twist is quite intriguing, and it echoes the perplexity surrounding the true interpretation of that Kryptonian message. For now, Kal-El hints at the enigma when discussing the mystery, stating: “I suspect my parents sent me to Earth with a mission to help its people.

Currently, you can catch Superman on the big screen! To learn where you can stream it later or delve into how Star Wars and Game of Thrones impacted the movie, as well as details about a deleted scene, follow this link.

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2025-07-11 06:18