A provocative James Gunn Superman conquer theory is gaining ground among fans, suggesting Superman’s upcoming cinematic return could spotlight him not as humanity’s hero, but its potential threat. As the film gears up for a July 2025 release, speculation is swirling that the new take on Kal-El might involve a darker origin: that his arrival on Earth was meant for domination, not deliverance.
Internet Fans Spark a Surprising Superman Discussion
The conversation began when the user @bluerayangel shared a theory online, proposing that Gunn’s Superman could be inspired by “Invincible’s” Omni-Man—a character who appeared heroic, yet was sent to pave the way for planetary conquest. This comparison led to a wave of online debate, as fans dissected trailers and sought subtler cues in the promotional material.
One of the theory’s central points questions Superman’s true purpose, moving beyond the classic narrative of a refugee seeking safety after Krypton’s destruction. Instead, some now speculate his placement on Earth was part of a broader and far more sinister strategy.
Examining the Emotional Struggles of Kal-El
The emotional complexity of Kal-El, torn between his Kryptonian and human influences, has always been essential to the character. This latest theory, however, suggests a deeper layer, possibly indicating Gunn’s intention to escalate Superman’s internal tension regarding his identity and purpose.
“Here’s the theory you probably haven’t heard yet. James Gunn’s Superman seems to be struggling with his identity, his Kryptonian heritage, and his human upbringing with the Kents.”
—@bluerayangel, Fan Theorist
This inner conflict—mirrored in the film’s early glimpses—resonates with the long-held tug-of-war between nature and nurture in Superman lore, but the theorized twist would transform the stakes for both the superhero and those around him.
Could Kryptonian History Be Manipulated?
“In the trailer, we hear him talk about how he feels like, maybe he’s not who he thought he was, and his father, Pa Kent, tells him, ‘Your choices, your actions, that’s what makes you who you are.’ So what if? In this version of Superman, Jor-El is revealed to have sent Superman to Earth to conquer it.”
—@bluerayangel, Fan Theorist
If Jor-El’s intentions were not benevolent, this would deeply affect not just Kal-El’s view of himself, but also the perceptions of humanity and adversaries like Lex Luthor. The theory then speculates on the possible influence of the “Superman: Birthright” storyline, where Lex Luthor takes control of the Fortress of Solitude and manipulates crucial Kryptonian messages.
“Maybe he’s the one that implants this idea that Superman was sent by Kryptonians to conquer. That Kryptonians themselves are evil. And the whole point of this story, this Superman, is to prove that people are not born evil.”
—@bluerayangel, Fan Theorist
This angle positions Lex as a master manipulator, potentially twisting Superman’s sense of self through false or corrupted messages from Jor-El, raising doubts about his true legacy and intentions.
Potential Ramifications for Superman’s Legacy
Altering the fundamental message from Krypton could recast the classic “alien outsider” theme into a confrontation with destiny versus choice. Rather than a simple struggle between good and evil, the story might evolve into a deep exploration of free will as Kal-El fights against whichever legacy he’s burdened with.
However, at present, there’s no confirmation from the filmmakers about these plot directions or how closely the movie will adhere to established Superman mythos. Fans remain in suspense, looking out for subtle hints in upcoming releases and interviews from James Gunn. With no new details yet, all theories—including this one involving Omni-Man’s influence and Lex Luthor’s manipulation—are still in the realm of speculation.
Whether or not this James Gunn Superman conquer theory proves accurate, its popularity highlights the fandom’s growing appetite for more complex, morally ambiguous storylines in iconic superhero tales. Should Kal-El be forced to grapple with the notion that he was meant to conquer, audiences could be witnessing not just a new cinematic battle, but a philosophical war over what truly defines a hero.
