Superman, Snyder, and the Savior Story: How Pop Culture Reflects Biblical Hope

Superman being portrayed as a Christ-like figure is nothing new. The idea of a godlike being sent to Earth to guide humanity toward a better way of life practically writes itself. And when you remember that Superman’s creators—Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster—were Jewish immigrants pulling from their own cultural and religious roots, it all starts to make even more sense.

In fact, Kal-El’s origin bears a striking resemblance to that of Moses. A child sent away from a dying land, adopted by a new world, only to later rise and fulfill a divine purpose? Sound familiar? Moses helped lead his people to freedom. Superman helps save the entire world. And when you look at the Bible as a whole, that savior narrative shows up again and again—culminating, of course, in Jesus Christ. It's no wonder modern storytellers have tapped into that well for inspiration.

But no filmmaker has leaned into that imagery as boldly—or as divisively—as Zack Snyder.

Snyder’s Superman: The Modern Messiah

From Man of Steel to Batman v Superman, and even Justice League, Zack Snyder's Superman isn't just a superhero—he's a mythic, godlike figure whose presence stirs admiration, fear, and ultimately, faith. Snyder himself has said he wanted to explore what it would really mean if a being like Superman walked among us. Not just in terms of action set-pieces, but in philosophy. In theology.

In Man of Steel, Clark Kent goes on a soul-searching journey—literally and spiritually. He meets different people, wrestles with moral questions, and seeks guidance. That scene in the church, where he speaks to a pastor while a stained-glass Jesus looks on from the background? It’s not subtle—but it’s powerful. It mirrors the story of Jesus in the desert, tempted and tested before stepping fully into his divine role.

Then, after surrendering himself to save humanity, he’s marched in chains. Persecuted. Judged. Until he finally breaks free and ascends—arms stretched out like a cross—into the sky to save the world. It’s Snyder's modern reimagining of the crucifixion and resurrection.

Batman v Superman: Faith, Fear, and the Fall

If Man of Steel was Superman’s Gospel of Matthew, Batman v Superman is his Passion narrative.

The world has now seen Superman—and it’s split. Some hail him as a savior, while others fear him as a false god. Sound familiar? That’s exactly how Christ was received. The poor and the faithful saw him as hope incarnate. The powerful? They saw a threat.

The parallels are thick here. The mob turning against Superman, the media scrutiny, even Lex Luthor playing the role of a twisted, modern-day Pharisee stirring unrest. And while Superman struggles with acceptance, with whether or not this world is truly his to save, he ultimately embraces his role.

In the film’s climax, Superman sacrifices himself—arms wide, facing death—to defeat Doomsday and protect mankind. His death is framed with religious iconography: crosses, mourners, and even a visual echo of Michelangelo’s Pietà as his lifeless body is cradled. It’s unmistakable. This is Snyder’s crucifixion.

Justice League: Resurrection and Return

Though the final film in the trilogy (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) pulls back a bit on overt religious symbolism, the resurrection beats are still there.

Superman rises from the dead. His first meaningful interaction? Lois—paralleling Mary Magdalene being the first to see the risen Christ. Then he emerges from his ship, stepping into the light, reborn. Not just revived—but renewed.

And while Snyder doesn’t hammer the religious notes as hard here, the through-line remains: hope, sacrifice, resurrection.

Why It Matters: Faith in Modern Myth

This isn’t just about connecting comic book scenes to Bible stories for fun trivia points. The deeper idea is how we can use these stories—these modern myths—to reach people. Especially younger generations, who might not crack open a Bible, but will absolutely line up for a Superman movie.

These films open a door to deeper conversations about faith, hope, and redemption. As Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulation. Be constant in prayer.” That’s not just a verse—it’s a theme Snyder bakes into his Superman.

Superman’s "S" literally means hope. And from his introduction to his death and return, Snyder shows a world unsure of what to do with that hope. Some trust it. Some fear it. Some reject it outright.

Sound familiar?

The Takeaway: Our Real Superman

Let’s be honest—Zack Snyder didn’t invent the idea of Superman as a Christ figure. But he did explore it with a depth and boldness most filmmakers avoid. He challenged audiences to consider what a real-life Superman might do to our society, to our belief systems, and to our own sense of hope.

But here’s the truth: We already have a Superman. Not one who flies in a red cape, but one who died for our sins and rose again.

He is our symbol of hope.
He is our guiding light.
And He is very much alive.

So the next time someone says Superman is too much like Jesus, maybe the real response should be—exactly.

“The world doesn’t need a Superman… but it sure as hell needs hope.”
– And we’ve already got that in Jesus.

Pop Culture and the Bible—that’s the series. And it’s just getting started. If this article made you think, or you believe it’s a creative way to reach others with the message of faith, share it with your friends. Teach it to the next generation. Show them that hope can come from the pages of a comic book and the pages of Scripture.

After all…
We walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7