In Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), the origin story of Clark Kent, also known as Superman, is reimagined, exploring the pivotal role both his adoptive and biological parents play in shaping his identity. The film highlights a complex parental dynamic that blends human values with his alien heritage, which ultimately molds Clark into the hero who will protect Earth from destruction. The influence of Jonathan and Martha Kent, his Earth parents, is balanced by the survival-driven guidance of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, his biological Kryptonian parents, each contributing crucially to his journey.

The Kents: Grounding Clark in Humanity

Jonathan and Martha Kent, played by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, represent the nurturing foundation that enables Clark to embrace his humanity, despite his extraterrestrial origins. Their home in Smallville, Kansas, becomes a symbol of hope and stability, providing Clark with the moral compass he needs to navigate the complexities of his superhuman abilities.

Jonathan Kent’s Protective Influence
Jonathan Kent, the more cautious and protective of the two, plays a key role in instilling the values that guide Clark’s sense of responsibility. He consistently encourages Clark to hide his powers and live a quiet, normal life, fearing the potential societal backlash that could arise if Clark’s abilities were discovered. A pivotal moment that underscores Jonathan’s fear of society’s reaction occurs during a dramatic tornado scene, where Jonathan chooses not to allow Clark to save him, fearing the consequences of exposing his powers. His death in this scene highlights Jonathan’s willingness to sacrifice himself to protect Clark’s secret, and it reinforces a central theme in Clark’s upbringing: the importance of living humbly and with restraint. As noted in Parent Cue (2013), Jonathan’s portrayal highlights a fear of societal rejection, a theme that shapes Clark’s understanding of sacrifice and the weight of his powers.

Martha Kent’s Moral Guidance
Martha Kent, on the other hand, provides emotional support and moral guidance, encouraging Clark to embrace his abilities for the greater good. Her nurturing presence helps Clark navigate the internal conflict between his human upbringing and his Kryptonian heritage. Martha’s influence is vital in Clark’s decision to become Earth’s protector, as she helps him accept his destiny and understand the responsibilities that come with his powers. In The Raising Children Network (2013), Martha is praised for her selflessness, with her character embodying the sacrifices parents make to protect and guide their children toward heroism. Her role is integral to the formation of Clark’s heroic identity, making her one of the key figures in his development as Superman.

Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van: The Kryptonian Legacy

While the Kents provide Clark with his moral grounding, his biological parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, portrayed by Russell Crowe and Ayelet Zurer, are responsible for his survival and for passing down his Kryptonian heritage. Their actions ensure that Clark not only survives Krypton’s destruction but also understands his true purpose on Earth.

Jor-El’s Vision and Guidance
Jor-El, a brilliant scientist, is the first to recognize that Krypton is doomed, and he makes the critical decision to send his infant son to Earth. His role extends far beyond merely ensuring Clark’s survival; through a holographic AI in the Fortress of Solitude, Jor-El continues to guide Clark on his journey. He imparts knowledge about Kryptonian history, the extent of Clark’s powers, and his destiny as Earth’s protector. Jor-El’s influence is instrumental in Clark’s understanding of his dual identity as both an alien and a hero. Screen Rant (2022) suggests that Jor-El’s role is pivotal in shaping Superman’s purpose, and his actions in alternate versions of the DC Universe, such as Dark Knights of Steel, show how different outcomes would arise if Jor-El’s guidance were absent.

Lara Lor-Van’s Sacrifice
Although Lara Lor-Van’s screen time is brief, her act of sending her son to Earth is foundational. Lara, along with Jor-El, ensures that Kal-El escapes Krypton’s inevitable destruction, and her sacrifice is a testament to the selflessness of parents who put their children’s well-being above all else. As noted in Raising Children Network (2013), Lara’s role is a poignant example of maternal love and sacrifice, ensuring that Clark’s future is not defined by the fate of Krypton but by the opportunities available on Earth.

Parental Influence: The Balance Between Earth and Krypton

The dual roles of Clark’s parents—Jonathan and Martha Kent on one hand, and Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van on the other—demonstrate the balance between his earthly upbringing and his Kryptonian legacy. The Kents instill in Clark a strong moral compass, teaching him to cherish human values such as kindness, sacrifice, and humility. Meanwhile, Jor-El and Lara provide the knowledge and history of his Kryptonian lineage, ensuring that Clark understands his cosmic significance and the power he wields.

Comparative analyses, such as those in Screen Rant (2022) and DC Comics Lore, further explore the impact of these parental influences. In stories like The Nail and Dark Knights of Steel, where Clark is raised outside of the Kent’s nurturing environment, his path is markedly different, illustrating just how critical the Kents’ guidance is in shaping Superman’s identity and sense of purpose. Without them, Clark might have followed a much darker or more self-centered path, underscoring the Kents’ importance not just as parents, but as transformative figures in his life.

Conclusion: The Dual Legacy of Superman’s Parents

In Man of Steel, Superman’s upbringing is a blend of love, sacrifice, and wisdom from both his adoptive and biological parents. Jonathan and Martha Kent offer Clark a grounding in human values and moral integrity, while Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van provide the legacy of his alien heritage and the knowledge necessary to fulfill his destiny. Together, these parents mold Clark Kent into the hero he becomes, demonstrating how a balance of influences—earthly and alien, human and Kryptonian—shapes Superman into a symbol of hope for the world. Their contributions ensure that Superman’s identity is not just defined by his powers, but by the values he holds dear, making him the hero humanity needs.