DC Comics and Warner Bros. have long faced calls from fans to produce a dedicated Superman video game on par with the acclaimed Batman Arkham series and PlayStation’s Spider-Man titles. Despite previous attempts tied to movies and TV shows, including the notorious Superman 64 and the underwhelming Superman Returns game, a definitive Superman gaming experience has remained elusive. With the release of the new Superman film on July 11th, starring the Man of Steel, the character has instead appeared in two unique gaming crossovers within Minecraft and Fortnite, offering fans fresh ways to engage.
This strategic move coincides with the upcoming movie’s debut, providing players an opportunity to embrace the powers of The Last Son of Krypton in these popular game worlds.
Details of Superman Content in Minecraft and Fortnite
The new Superman film, initially titled Superman: Legacy, is now simply called Superman and marks the start of the DC Universe’s cinematic reboot under James Gunn, previously known for directing Guardians of the Galaxy. To tie in with the film’s arrival, Mojang and Epic Games teamed with DC and Warner Bros. to launch special Superman-themed additions in their games.
First launched was the Minecraft Superman Skin Pack, available for free through Minecraft’s Marketplace. This pack includes five characters from the film: Superman, Lois Lane, Guy Gardner Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific. Although players cannot access actual superpowers through these skins, Minecraft’s Creative Mode or elytra wings allow players to simulate flying like Superman, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl, enabling fans to act out scenes inspired by the movie.
In Fortnite, the Superman content is more interactive. Starting July 11, players can find Superman’s Call crystal in Battle Royale mode, which gives a chance to temporarily transform into Clark Kent’s Superman. This form grants abilities such as flying, heat vision to destroy structures, and superhuman strength. However, Fortnite’s Superman is not invulnerable; opponents can defeat him using standard gameplay methods, reverting the player to normal afterward.
Additional Superman Features Launching in Fortnite
Alongside the Superman Call crystal, Fortnite introduces more themed content beginning July 15, allowing players to visit the iconic Kryptonian crystal Fortress of Solitude in both Battle Royale and Zero Build matches. There, the Man of Steel himself offers various services in exchange for Bars, Fortnite’s in-game currency. Players can also find the Surging Speed Boon, which boosts sprinting speeds and reduces Energy consumption, hidden in chests or at Academy Tech Labs.
Players who invest in the Super Battle Pass unlock additional rewards, including a Superman outfit modeled after David Corenswet’s portrayal, plus a Pen & Ink style designed by Jim Lee, DC’s Chief Creative Officer and legendary artist. Other cosmetics available through the Battle Pass and Shop include:
- Daily Flight Glider
- Super Cape Back Bling
- Crystal Smasher Pickaxe
- Super Save Emote
- Mister Terrific Outfit
- The Engineer (DC) Outfit
The Future of Superman in Video Games Amid Release Rumors
Although Superman’s features in Fortnite’s Battle Royale and Zero Build modes are likely temporary, ending with the conclusion of Chapter 6 Season 3: Super, the film’s success could influence a stronger presence of Superman in the gaming industry. Early screenings have garnered positive feedback, with critics on Rotten Tomatoes awarding an 83% Certified Fresh rating, signaling promising reception ahead of wide release.
If the upcoming Superman movie meets critical and box office expectations, speculation grows that DC Comics, Warner Bros., and James Gunn might pursue a fully dedicated Superman game. Presently, Superman appears mostly as a supporting or antagonistic figure in games like Injustice 2 and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Rumors about NetherRealm’s next project point to Injustice 3; however, fans hope for a fresh take with a new Superman title exploring the early days of David Corenswet’s version, aligned with Gunn’s vision for DC Universe games sharing continuity.
Should a standalone Superman video game materialize, it could finally fulfill longstanding fan demands for a rich, immersive experience centered on Gotham’s iconic rival. Absent that, Superman will likely remain a side character or nod within other DC Universe titles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him, although he considers himself somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. Once Gunn was appointed co-CEO of DC Studios, he committed solely to that company. This meant he stopped working on Marvel Studios projects. Gunn, known for writing and directing the Guardians of the Galaxy films, had developed strong relationships with the actors from those movies.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up Catholic in Manchester, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. He has five siblings: Sean, Matt, who acts and writes about politics, Brian, who writes screenplays, Patrick, and Beth. Gunn is of Irish descent since his father’s side of the family were Irish immigrants.
Q. Why did James Gunn leave the MCU?
A. Alan Horn, the head of The Walt Disney Studios, announced that they have cut ties with James. They found his Twitter posts offensive and against the studio’s principles.
