The “Martha” scene in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has been perhaps the most serious bone of contention with fans and moviegoers. While many find it ridiculous, many others have managed to connect to the pivotal moment in the March 25 release.
Geoff Johns, who served as an executive producer for the Zack Snyder flick and is now co-running Warner Brothers' DC Films banner along with Jon Berg, has something to say about that particular scene in Batman v Superman. According to Johns (via Comic Book):
The movie uses a great unifying thing, right? Martha. They both have a deep connection to their parents, whether their parents are alive or dead. And that one word “Martha” I think is a really cool connection. They share that, and they obviously share a lot. Because even despite their differences, at the root of it all, they are allies and friends.
Diane Lane, the actress who portrays Superman's mother Martha Kent in the DC Extended Universe, also shares her insight on the “Martha” scene.
She says that despite coming to being as superheroes "from opposite roads", Ben Affleck's Dark Knight and Henry Cavill's Man of Steel have "similar histories". They both lost their parents, and hence, they're both orphans. The 51-year-old actress adds:
And I don’t think Batman sees Superman as human until he realizes that he has a mother. And I think, when Batman makes the decision to rescue Martha, Superman’s mother, in a way he’s redeeming his own sense of powerlessness he had when he could not save his own mother.
Those who didn't connect to the “Martha” scene mostly blame the way it was executed in Batman v Superman. Why would Superman utter the name Martha right away? He could have used "my mother" or "my mom" instead and revealed the name in the next line.
I for one have no issues with the scene. It makes sense to me that Superman, who has Batman's foot planted on his neck, and a Kryptonite spear soon to penetrate his heart, preferred using Martha instead of mother. You don't have all the time in the world!
