2013's Man of Steel could now be considered a fan-favorite movie, albeit not for every DC fan. Despite its initial mixed critical and commercial reception, the film successfully launched the DCEU, paving the way for everything that came next. Its standing has improved over time, and now many consider it one of DC's best films, although there is no denying that it is one of the most polarizing.
A sequel has been rumored for years, but it has never come to fruition. Should it ever materialize, Zack Snyder would probably be the first choice to bring it to life. However, several other directors would be great to helm it, bringing their distinctive style to the Last Son of Krypton.
Zack Snyder
If a Man of Steel sequel ever happens, most fans would perhaps expect Zack Snyder to direct. After all, he's the man behind the original film and the quasi-architect of the DCEU. Yes, the DCEU is problematic and continuously struggles to stay fresh and relevant, but its fans are ride or die about it.
Snyder has expressed interest in making many films, and per his own words, he considered Brainiac for a potential Man of Steel sequel. The idea sounds great, and his loyal fanbase would certainly show up to support him. Now, if only Warner Bros. could get their act together.
Kate Herron
Loki was a revelation. Arguably the best of Marvel's many, many, many streaming shows, Loki was the perfect throwback to classic sci-fis of the 50s and 60s. The show also confirmed director Kate Herron as a rising talent; she previously helmed episodes of Netflix's hit comedy Sex Education, but Loki elevated her to the big leagues.
Herron would be an intriguing choice to direct the Man of Steel sequel. She proved to have a unique voice and style while working under a tight and notoriously limiting structure like the MCU. Herron won't return to direct Loki's second season, making it the perfect time to snatch her and bring her to the DCEU.
Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay took Hollywood by storm with her third feature film, 2014's Selma. She followed the project with the box office bomb A Wrinkle in Time, but one setback does not a career destroy, and DuVernay recovered with the universally acclaimed Netflix miniseries When They See Us.
At one point, DuVerney was to helm a New Gods-centric project for the DCEU, but it failed to materialize. DuVernay has a clear and firm style that would greatly benefit the DCEU. Her take on Superman would keep several of the more raw and challenging elements Man of Steel introduced, updating them for 2022's audiences.
Chad Stahelski
Chad Stahelski was a prominent stuntman before he made the transition to directing. Along with David Leitch, Stahelski co-directed the first John Wick before taking over for the next two sequels. The franchise's success turned him into one of the most in-demand action directors in the business, and Staheslki currently has a slew of projects in various stages of production.
Stahelski could bring his vast experience into Superman, making his version the most physical yet. The movie's fight choreographies would impress fans, especially if he went with a more brutal villain like Mongul or Lobo. Stahelski and Cavill will work together in the upcoming Highlander reboot, currently in pre-production, making him the ideal choice for a Man of Steel follow-up.
Regina King
Already an established movie star, Regina King went behind the camera with 2020's One Night in Miami. The film received critical praise and even garnered Oscar buzz for King's directorial efforts. She failed to secure the nomination, but her work in the film established her as one of the most promising directors in the business.
King would be an inspired choice to direct a Man of Steel sequel. She has experience with the comic book genre, having starred in the critically adored HBO adaptation of Watchmen. Furthermore, she would provide considerable prestige and a much-needed fresh perspective to the project.
Matthew Vaughn
Perhaps the most stylish action director in the business, Matthew Vaughn knows what he's doing. Furthermore, his audience knows exactly what to expect from him. A Vaughn movie will be fast-paced, deliciously violent, hilarious, and subversive. From Kick-Ass to Kingsman, Vaughn is the man when it comes to highly-stylized action setpieces.
For years, it was rumored that Vaughn would direct a Man of Steel sequel, which he at one point described as "uplifting" and "feel-good." Vaughn worked with Cavill on the upcoming spy-thriller Argylle, meaning the two already have a relationship. A fun Superman movie sounds great, especially the overly-gloomy approach previous DCEU films took.
Christopher McQuarrie
These days, Christopher McQuarrie is best-known as Tom Cruise's go-to guy. McQuarrie directed Jack Reacher and four of the eight entries in the Mission: Impossible saga.
Christopher McQuarrie is another director Cavill already worked with, and with great success; indeed, Cavill gave one of his best performances under McQuarrie's direction. McQuarrie and Cavill once pitched an idea for a Man of Steel sequel to Warner Bros., but the studio rejected it because, according to the director, they wanted someone to fix their "broken" ideas rather than propose new ones. Still, with the Mission: Impossible franchise seemingly ending soon, McQuarrie will be free; perhaps Warner will be more open to hearing his ideas now that the DCEU is struggling more than ever.
Sam Mendes
Sam Mendes is one of the most acclaimed actors in the business. An Academy Award winner with experience in different genres, Mendes revitalized the Bond franchise with 2012's Skyfall; indeed, Mendes is behind some of the best action scenes in Daniel Craig's Bond movies.
A director like Mendes would add a lot of prestige to the DCEU. Mendes could bring the same depth and spectacle he imbued in 1917 to Superman's world, potentially creating the best take on the Man of Steel yet. Mendes' relationship with Daniel Craig would hopefully entice the former Bond to join the DCEU because he would be an amazing Lex Luthor.
James Gunn
With The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, James Gunn's DC credentials are more than proven. The director has plenty of experience with the world of superheroes, including his subversive take on the genre, 2010's Super. However, he consolidated himself with the Guardians of the Galaxy series, which will soon premiere its third and last installment.
The director could bring his acclaimed brand of chaos and heart into Superman's world. Gunn often blends extreme violence with frantic tonal changes, but he's always in control of his craft. Above all, Gunn never forgets the heart at the core of these stories, and what's Superman if not heart? Gunn also has the perfect set-up for the sequel, pitting Superman against the man who put him in the ICU, Bloodsport.
Alfonso Cuarón
One of the most gifted and accomplished directors in the business, four-time Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón would be the perfect choice to helm a Superman movie. Cuarón's filmography is extensive and diverse; he is as deft in magical fantasy pieces, like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and A Little Princess; ambitious and thought-provoking sci-fis, like Children of Men and Gravity; and searing, emotional dramas like Roma and Y Tu Mamá También. In other words, he has the range.
Cuarón's Superman would be flawed but optimistic and inspiring. His world would be tough and unyielding, but the Man of Steel wouldn't get deterred or broken. Ever the technically-accomplished director, Cuarón's movie would be beautiful to look at, the perfect mix of visual spectacle and thematic resonance.