How Marlon Brando Redefined the Meaning of Superman’s Iconic S-Logo

Originally serving as the character's initial, Superman's recognizable "S" emblem had a straightforward significance. The letter was incorporated into the hero's clothing by designers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster as a simple reference to his name. In 1938, the logo made its debut in ‘Action Comics #1’ as a crimson "S" on a yellow badge-like design. By 1940, it had taken on its well-known diamond shape, and it subsequently came to represent other characters, such as Supergirl and Krypto the Super Dog.

When the ‘Superman’ movie came out in 1978, everything changed. Under the direction of Richard Donner, the project aimed to address the difficulties of making a superhero film at a time before blockbusters while also enhancing the character's legacy. Newcomer Christopher Reeve was cast in the lead role, but Marlon Brando was cast as Superman's Kryptonian father, Jor-El. Although Brando's participation was a huge coup, he had a reputation for being challenging on set, demanding creative control, and making unorthodox suggestions.

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Reimagining the "S" emblem as a family crest for the House of El, Brando's suggestion to incorporate it into Jor-El's outfit was one of his most enduring contributions. By this choice, the "S" was elevated from a mere initial to a representation of Kryptonian ancestry. 

The meaning of the logo evolved throughout time through a number of modifications. In 1948, Krypton was first featured in the comics, and subsequent tales strengthened the bond between ‘Superman’ and his Kryptonian heritage. Superman explains the emblem's dual meaning as a family crest and a symbol of hope in Zack Snyder's ‘Man of Steel’. By 2003, the logo had become the Kryptonian symbol for "hope," thanks to Mark Waid's ‘Superman: Birthright’.

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Additional layers of significance were added by other interpretations. According to a DC Comics plot, the "S" came from a Kent family symbol that represented healing and was connected to Native American mythology. The emblem was reinterpreted in Supergirl as the family slogan "El mayarah," which translates to "stronger together." The emblem is used to represent hope in the face of hardship in James Gunn's upcoming ‘Superman: Legacy’, which seems to be inspired by the Kingdom Come plot.

Marlon Brando's proposal significantly impacted the ‘Superman’ mythology. It transformed a straightforward design into a rich representation of legacy, hope, and resiliency. From its beginnings as a simple letter to its current status as a timeless symbol, the "S" has inspired people of all ages.

–Farheen Ali