Why Lex Luthor Sought to Discredit Superman in 'Dawn of Justice'

Lex Luthor's motivation for attempting to discredit Superman in the 2016 superhero film 'Dawn of Justice' is a complex mix of personal pride, strategic psychological warfare, and his recurring theme of skepticism towards the role of superheroes. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind Luthor's actions and how they fit into the broader narrative of the character.

Psychological Attack and Strategic Clash

Lex Luthor's scheme to discredit Superman was, at its core, a psychological attack designed to diminish Superman's status and trustworthiness. This move was intended to embolden Luthor's own agenda and to instill doubts in the public and key figures about Superman's true intentions and capabilities.

The goal was not just to undermine Superman but to create a confrontation with Batman. This strategic clash between the two heroes served multiple purposes. First, it heightened the rivalry and fascination with their shared past, driving more viewers to the theater. Second, it allowed Luthor to position himself as a counterweight to Superman, presenting himself as potentially the more formidable and fearsome protector in a world where a flawed human with superpowers reigns supreme.

Lex Luthor's Pride and Challenge

A recurring theme in the interactions between Lex Luthor and Superman across various media—comics, movies, animated series, and TV series—is Luthor's pride. This pride makes him clash with Superman not out of any genuine altruism or intellectual superiority, but because he cannot stand the idea that there is someone better or more capable than him.

Luthor's paranoia about Superman's potential unpredictability stems from his fundamental belief that no one, not even someone with superpowers, can be trusted. This attitude is rooted in his own sense of superiority and deficiency. For Luthor, superhuman abilities represent a threat not because of the potential for damage but because they overshadow his own capabilities and accomplishments. This pride makes him constantly seek to prove himself, often through overtly adversarial actions.

Lex's Skepticism and Rivalry

Lex Luthor's opposition to Superman extends beyond mere pride. He advocates a paranoid worldview where the presence of a being like Superman poses a serious threat to humanity. Despite his scientific outlook and advancements, Luthor cannot reconcile with the idea that someone with superpowers is inherently beneficial to society. This belief is a reflection of his own dependency on human control and order.

This skepticism is further emphasized by Luthor's assumption that he would be the better choice to combat such a being. This is not based on any genuine altruism or superior intellect but on a fundamental insecurity. He assumes that he, with his technological prowess and strategic mind, is in a better position to handle the unpredictability and potential dangers of a god-like figure. This belief is a product of his pride and fear, driving him to oppose Superman at every turn.

Conclusion

Lex Luthor's decision to discredit Superman in 'Dawn of Justice' is a complex amalgamation of personal and strategic motives. His pride, fear, and paranoia make him clash with Superman not because of any moral objections but because he cannot accept the idea of someone being better than him. This dynamic adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, making the heroes’ interactions more compelling and their moral conflicts more complex.