Why Kevin Costner Was Disappointed by the ‘Man of Steel’ Script — and It’s Hilarious
Kevin Costner’s Funny Disappointment with His Role in ‘Man of Steel’
Being part of a superhero movie is thrilling, and starring in a Superman film seems like a dream come true. But for longtime Hollywood star Kevin Costner, his experience with Zack Snyder’s 2013 reboot Man of Steel was a bit different. Costner, who played Jonathan Kent, revealed that his initial reaction to the role wasn’t what you’d expect—and it’s actually pretty funny.
Kevin Costner Wanted Superpowers
Man of Steel is packed with super-powered characters—from Henry Cavill’s Superman to Michael Shannon’s General Zod and other Kryptonians. Yet, not everyone in the film has special abilities. Amy Adams’ Lois Lane and Christopher Meloni’s Colonel Nathan Hardy, for example, are regular humans, and even Russell Crowe’s Jor-El, though Kryptonian, doesn’t show powers under Krypton’s red sun.
Costner admitted he didn’t realize this when he took the role. “It’s just my luck to be in a superhero movie and be the only person that’s normal,” he joked. “I was like, ‘Really? I can’t fly? And I can’t punch through a wall? Maybe I should’ve read this closer. I’m a farmer?’” Despite the humor, Jonathan Kent remains a vital figure in Superman’s story, shaping Clark Kent’s path to becoming the hero we know. Costner also reflected on one of the film’s more intense scenes, where Pa Kent tells young Clark that sometimes, people have to be allowed to die—a moment rooted in doubt but ultimately defining Jonathan’s protective love.
A Unique Take on Superman’s Origin
Man of Steel took a bold, fresh approach to Superman’s story, which wasn’t embraced by all fans, especially due to Jonathan Kent’s role and Superman’s controversial decision to kill General Zod. Zack Snyder’s later films, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, continue to explore Superman’s struggles, showing how Jonathan Kent’s influence helps Kal-El grow into a more classic hero. Costner even returned for brief cameos in these sequels.
Though Kevin Costner humorously lamented not having superpowers, he deeply appreciates the significance of Jonathan Kent’s character. In a 2014 interview, he explained that his own personality shaped how Snyder portrayed Pa Kent: “I like to think I gave him the DNA for his character and how he behaves. I never tried to do that on purpose; people just see you in a certain way.” Costner’s roles in films like Field of Dreams—where he also played a Midwestern farmer—undoubtedly influenced his take on the iconic Smallville dad.
Whether you’re a fan or critic of Man of Steel, it’s a Superman story that dared to be different, and Costner’s unique contribution to the role is definitely worth remembering.
