10 Worst Things Superman Has Ever Done In The Films
9. Giving Up His Powers
Richard Donner's Superman II is the one that most look at now as the true sequel to Superman (1978), with Richard Lester's version being sidelined. Ironic, when you look at what happened with Zack Snyder 35 years later.
Anyway, when Lois finally catches on that Clark is Superman, he decides that he wants to be human and give up his power to live a normal life with her. So, he uses the molecule chamber to alter his body, thus stripping him of his Kryptonian abilities.
Clark Kent's struggle growing up is not news to Superman fans, as it is well established that he was always different when he wanted to be normal. However, to do it for love and to want to stop being what he was born to be is a dereliction of the duty that fundamentally makes him Superman. He is always supposed to be the one to stand up for the greatest good, no matter the cost to himself.
This means that his wanting to be normal is the most selfish part of himself - he has to be Superman for the good of the planet.
Of course, it doesn't last long and he soon regains his powers to defeat Zod and once again fly around the Earth.