SGI-USA Publications interns Takako Funaki and Solar Kawabata share what they learned from the 2025 adaptation of the movie Superman and how they feel it resonates with Buddhist practice.
Spoiler Alert! The 2025 adaptation of Superman, directed by James Gunn, reimagines the beloved superhero after he suffers his first defeat in battle. For the first time, Superman faces mounting global scrutiny and a crisis of identity. As doubt about his abilities and intentions spread, billionaire Lex Luthor seizes the moment to manipulate public opinion and turn the world against his arch nemesis. What happens when humanity’s greatest protector is no longer seen as a hero?
Hi Takako and Solar! We understand you both really liked the new adaptation of Superman.To you, what themes from the film resonated with Nichiren Buddhism?
Solar Kawabata: The film is ultimately about Superman’s journey of human revolution. He uncovers that his biggest superpower isn’t his superhuman strength, x-ray vision or the ability to fly—rather, it’s his humanity. In the opening scene, he’s defeated for the first time in battle and retreats to the Fortress of Solitude to heal both his physical and invisible wounds. While he wrestles with his identity, one thing that never changes is his heart—or one could say, his vow—to protect humanity.
Takako Funaki: I agree. Another theme that stood out to me was the spirit to stand alone. Even when the public turns against him due to media-fueled lies, he never stops protecting life, even going so far as to rescue a squirrel. He continues to live out his mission in the face of public scrutiny.
Lois Lane, an investigative reporter for the Daily Planet, also stands alone, believing in Superman’s humanity and boldly seeking the truth, regardless of the cost.
Solar: There’s a point in the movie where Superman, still wrestling with his identity, meets with his adoptive parents. Their conversation represents a turning point for him, where he reaffirms that his deepest mission is to serve and protect humanity. Perhaps we could liken this to the realization Nichiren Daishonin experienced after he was almost executed on false charges at Tatsunokuchi.
Nichiren describes that as the moment when he cast off his provisional identity as an ordinary, unenlightened person and revealed his true identity as a Buddha. After enduring harsh persecution from Lex Luthor, Superman does the same, casting off his doubts and clarifying his true purpose.
Takako: Yes, Superman has a lot of similarities with Nichiren Daishonin and our three eternal mentors! In each case, they remained true to their vow even in the face of relentless persecution. This conviction in their mission greatly inspires me. At the very least, their examples encourage me to take action and serve others with compassion based on my own bodhisattva vow.
Solar: In contrast to Superman, Lex Luthor falls victim to what Buddhism calls the three poisons of greed, anger and foolishness—the fundamental evils that give rise to human suffering. Luthor seeks to destroy Superman out of jealousy, while never trying to understand the heart behind the superhero’s actions. While Luthor possesses great intellect, he lacks the wisdom, compassion and, ultimately, courage to use his knowledge for good.
Takako: We live in the evil age of the Latter Day of the Law, where people are easily consumed by their fundamental delusion. In the film, the public is duped by the spread of misinformation. This made me think: What action can we, who uphold this Mystic Law, take in such an age?
In one scene, a group of villagers is facing imminent danger when one young boy courageously plants a makeshift Superman flag into the ground, standing bravely as armored troops advance. In that terrifying moment, he chooses hope.
Many youth today are lost in society and are hoping for answers. Perhaps we can envision those youth as countless flagbearers who are waiting for us to share this practice with them. Every young person deserves the tools to live happy, fulfilled lives.
Solar: Just like Superman, each of us is born with a unique mission that only we can fulfill. When we stand up with our vow for kosen-rufu, we awaken the superpowers of wisdom, courage and compassion—forces strong enough to transform suffering and bring hope to those around us. As Ikeda Sensei affirms: “Somewhere in the world a mission is waiting for you—a mission that only you can fulfill. It is waiting for you, counting the days” (You Were Born to Win, p. 8). The movie inspired me to refresh my resolve to stand tall, undefeated by doubt or adversity, and help as many young people as possible reveal their own extraordinary “superpowers” as Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
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