Stephen King critiques the superhero genre, underscoring a mismatch between his horror storytelling and the typically hopeful and bombastic portrayal of heroism in these films. In comments to The Times UK regarding “The Long Walk,” he expresses disdain for how superhero movies trivialize violence, describing it as “almost pornographic.” He points out that these films often depict supervillains destroying entire city blocks without showing any blood, which he believes sanitizes the horror of violence.
King’s perspective aligns with ongoing debates about the implications of superhero narratives. He contrasts different approaches within the genre, referencing Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” which emphasizes the real human consequences of superhuman battles, with less bloody yet emotionally impactful storytelling. On the other hand, he critiques films like the recent “Superman” for their unrealistic portrayals of disaster, such as a full evacuation during catastrophic events.
Moreover, King reveals his admiration for Batman, citing the character as his favorite superhero since childhood due to his relatabilityโBatman is “just a guy” whose adventures, while improbable, are still believable. Kingโs narrative strategy centers on ordinary people’s reactions to the extraordinary, so his concern about the fallout from superhero conflicts stems from a desire for grounding in human experiences amidst chaos.
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Stephen King has a major issue with superhero movies, and itโs very on brand