Zack Snyder has explained how Superman’s eventual death in the DCEU’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was foreshadowed in Man of Steel. In 2013, Warner Bros. and director Zack Snyder loud the foundation for what would become the DCEU with a Superman origin story, Man of Steel. The Henry Cavil led Superman project would eventually lead to the much-debated and often criticized Batman v Superman, and later, 2017’s theatrical release of Justice League, which saw a Superman hampered by poor CGI. The films were Warner Bros. attempts to emulate Marvel’s connected universe, and so there was intertwining links between the three Snyder projects.

Snyder has recently been delving into his past DCEU projects during this quarantine period for the world, conducting live commentary streams for Batman v Superman and, more recently, Man of Steel. Offering fans a more in-depth look into his films, and even sharing the possibility of certain villains making a return. In Man of Steel, a lot of events set up BvS, with apparent links being Superman’s destructive battle with General Zod leading to Batman viewing Superman as a threat. However, according to Snyder, a much subtler moment in Man of Steel is an indication of Superman’s ultimate sacrifice in BvS.

During Zack Snyder’s Vero watch party of Man of Steel, he discussed a deeper meaning to Clark’s visit with the priest in the Church, before deciding to hand himself over to the military. According to Snyder, the scene, particularly the visual of a Jesus-like figure wearing a red robe in the background as Clark speaks, provides a link to Jesus’ story, as questions are posed about Clark’s future. In a way, setting up the sacrifice Clark eventually makes when using the kryptonite spear to kill Doomsday.

"I really like this idea, this low angle with the stained glass behind Clark with these characters, this biblical figure with this red robe on. Kind of gives this notion it's Jesus. That like, what is going to be asked of Clark? What kind of life of sacrifice and what kind of questions will he be asked and what will he be asked to give if he gives himself to what he knows is morally right, what will be asked. And what is he capable of, and I think that's part of this conversation with the priest."