(Image: Warner Bros. Pictures)
For decades, fans have debated a classic conundrum: How does Clark Kent's simple pair of glasses prevent anyone from recognizing him as Superman? While various theories have emerged over the years, the upcoming "Superman" film is set to offer a definitive explanation, drawing from a long-established, yet often overlooked, piece of DC Comics lore.
During a recent interview with ComicBook.com, director James Gunn was praised by a reporter for his "brilliant" decision to incorporate the "hypnotic effect" of Clark's glasses to explain his disguise. Gunn was quick to clarify that this particular detail was a result of discussions he had with veteran DC Comics writer Tom King.
(Image: DC Comics)
Gunn recounted a conversation with King where he expressed his long-standing confusion, shared by many fans, about how Clark's glasses could effectively conceal his identity. King then informed him that, in established comic book canon, Clark's glasses possess a hypnotic function that prevents outsiders from recognizing him as Superman – a detail many had simply forgotten.
When asked if he considered showing audiences what characters in the film would perceive Clark to look like while wearing the hypnotic glasses, Gunn replied, "No, I never thought about doing that. I just want Clark to remain Clark." He added that while he had imagined it in his head, the difference wasn't drastic, "just a little bit different." Gunn then described his imagined version of Clark, as seen by others, as having a slightly rounder face and a more circular nose.