During a celebratory fan event at Leicester Square in London, excitement surged as director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran, joined by actors David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, revealed intriguing new hints about the upcoming Superman film. The movie, set to premiere in UK theaters on July 11, 2025, promises an immersive experience for viewers, with Gunn emphasizing the abundance of hidden references and nods throughout the story, particularly regarding its connection to the wider DC Universe.
This event was not a complete screening but offered attendees 30 minutes of exclusive footage, fueling anticipation for the return of Superman to the big screen. The gathering showcased Gunn’s passion for DC’s unique world, as he hinted at deeply embedded Easter eggs and significant background narratives within the film.
Gunn Reveals Extensive Comic References and Intricate World-Building
James Gunn highlighted that his new Superman film will be packed with references for dedicated fans, touching nearly every aspect of the movie universe. The creators have meticulously designed the environment, incorporating details that pay tribute to the comic book origins of nearly every character and locale featured on screen.
“This is the most Easter egg-laden movie I’ve ever made. I have a lot of easter eggs in this movie. I mean every character in the movie is practically from the comic books. Everyone in Lex’s control room- all those people are characters from the comics…Every street in the movie is named after a comic book writer or artist.”
—James Gunn, Director
The director further explained the extent of these hidden gems, elaborating that the immersive world-building doesn’t end with just the characters or street names:
“Most of the businesses are either named after either a comic book writer or artist, or they are named after businesses that exist within the DC Universe, on the page. Later on, there’s an iconic scene with a huge, huge mural in the background that tells you the story of metahumans in the DCU and that’s going to be really, really fun when we release those images to the public. So the stuff goes deep, it’s really really fun and it was really fun creating the world. That was one of the reasons why I like DC a lot because it isn’t New York and Los Angeles, it’s Gotham and Central City and Evergreen. It’s really creating another world, with other rules and other things that are common.”
—James Gunn, Director
Gunn’s approach ensures that fans exploring the film’s environments will find nods to the work of comic book writers and artists, as well as businesses that exist within DC’s pages. This dedication to depth is central to the immersive experience the filmmakers aim to create.
The Mysterious Mural and the Justice Society Connection
Among the most compelling elements teased by Gunn is a mural featured during a key scene, which is reported to tell the history of metahumans in the DC Universe. According to event rumors, this mural does more than serve as background art—it potentially includes depictions of the Justice Society of America, offering fans significant visual Easter eggs and expanding the historical depth of superhero teams in the cinematic universe.
This inclusion strongly hints that the Justice Gang is not the original group of heroes, as the mural visually acknowledges the Justice Society’s place in the broader narrative. For attentive viewers, this may become a focal point for speculation and analysis once more images from the film are released.
Inspirations from DC Lore Shape the Metahuman Mythos
Gunn’s nods to DC’s long-standing tradition build on ideas popularized in other interpretations, like the animated Young Justice series. That show’s depiction of the metagene suggested that almost all metahumans—excluding aliens and robots—trace their abilities to the ancient villain Vandal Savage. After acquiring immortality from a meteor, Savage spread the metagene through his descendants, with groups such as the Atlanteans and Homo Magi also tied to his lineage and mystic influences.
Fans and insiders speculate that the mural seen in Gunn’s Superman movie might include a direct reference to the Justice Society of America, echoing insights gleaned from advance screening leaks. This approach positions the upcoming film to both acknowledge and enrich the deep roots of metahuman history within the DC Universe.
Screenings Set the Stage for a New Cinematic Era
Superman will officially launch a fresh chapter in James Gunn’s vision for DC movies. Following a private event at the Warner Bros. lot on June 25, only select critics and online personalities have been able to see the footage ahead of public release, with full reviews embargoed until July 7. Amazon Prime Video subscribers will get special early access on July 8, days ahead of the film’s widespread debut in theaters.
The film, previously entitled Superman: Legacy, is both written and directed by Gunn and marks a significant shift in tone and storytelling for the DC cinematic universe. With the heavy focus on hidden comic references, complex metahuman lore, and a richly designed world, audiences have much to anticipate as Superman returns to the big screen next year.
The elaborate Easter eggs and the mysterious mural, as teased by Gunn, set high expectations for both dedicated fans and new moviegoers, promising a new standard for superhero films with deep ties to comic history and iconic characters.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. When Gunn accepted the job as co-CEO of DC Studios, he decided to work only with that company. This meant he would stop working on Marvel Studios projects.
It is well known that Gunn, who wrote and directed the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, grew close to the actors from those films.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has said that prayer is still important to him. However, he has also explained that he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
