The Myth of the "Dark" Superman: What the Data Actually Shows

First, we measured Average Luminance (light intensity) to see if Metropolis is actually dimming.

The data reveals a massive misconception.

• The Black Hole (2006): We tend to remember Superman Returns as a nostalgic homage, but visually? It was the darkest film in the franchise, dropping to a luminance of ~35.

• The Snyder "Gloom" (2013): Man of Steel was actually brighter than its predecessor, climbing back up to ~55.

• The Blinding Future (2025): Look at that spike at the end. The new film isn't just returning to the light; it's overcompensating. With a luminance score near 90, it is nearly 3x brighter than the 2006 era.

If the new Superman is so bright, why does he feel so different from 1978? The answer lies in the Saturation trends.

This is where the data gets controversial.

• 1978 wasn't the most colorful: Surprisingly, Superman Returns (2006) holds the title for highest average saturation (~0.42), likely due to its rich, heavy digital grading.

• The Fade (2013 - 2025): While Man of Steel started the desaturation trend, the 2025 data points to a new extreme. It sits at ~0.31—the lowest point on the chart.

The Conclusion? The new aesthetic isn't "Dark and Gritty." It is "Bright and Bleached." We are trading shadow for over-exposure.

You can see this shift instantly in the movie barcodes.

• 1978 (Top): Balanced. A healthy mix of sky blues, city greys, and skin tones.

• 2006 (Second): Distinctly muddy. You can see the heavy shadows dominating the palette.

• 2025 (Bottom): Look at the difference. It isn't black; it's silver. The barcode is full of high-key greys, whites, and pale blues.

Superman isn't hiding in the shadows anymore. The data predicts a 2025 film that is radiantly bright, but clinically desaturated. The sun is out, but it’s washing everything away.