James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film introduces a fundamental transformation in the character‘s origin story, permanently altering the narrative within the DC Universe (DCU). Unlike traditional retellings, this movie bypasses flashbacks to Krypton and instead reveals Superman’s origins through a key plot device by the film’s conclusion. This approach centers on the unexpected motives of Superman’s Kryptonian parents, shifting perceptions of the Man of Steel’s purpose on Earth.
The film, which serves as the first installment in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, unfolds Superman’s journey in the present day, with subtle nods to Krypton embedded as Easter eggs. One of these Easter eggs becomes pivotal when the villainous Lex Luthor, aided by a nanobot-enhanced adversary known as The Engineer, uncovers a crucial message from Superman’s biological parents, Jor-El and Lara. This message dramatically redefines why Kal-El was sent to Earth.
Rewriting Kryptonian Intentions: What Really Motivated Jor-El and Lara
Traditionally, Superman’s parents are portrayed as sending their son to Earth to save him from Krypton’s destruction, with hopes that he would protect humanity. This belief shapes Clark Kent’s identity, both as a man and a hero. However, the film reveals that the original message sent with Kal-El was corrupted during his journey to Earth and this deception was uncovered and repaired by The Engineer.
The restored message exposes a darker truth: Jor-El and Lara sent Kal-El to Earth not as a savior for humanity, but as a means to ensure Krypton’s survival through domination. They foresaw their son using his formidable abilities to enslave Earth’s inhabitants, take multiple wives, and repopulate the universe with Kryptonian descendants. This revelation starkly contrasts with prior versions where Kal-El’s relocation to Earth was an act purely of protection and hope for his survival.
Impact of the New Origin on Superman’s Personal Journey and the DC Universe
This retcon sends Clark Kent into a profound crisis of faith, challenging his understanding of his own legacy. Initially, Superman embraces the idea that he embodies hope, a belief instilled by the first half of the video message and reinforced by his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. However, the second half of the message—that his birth parents’ true intentions were selfish and sinister—shakes him deeply.
Clark’s trip to the Kent farm becomes a turning point, reaffirming that his moral compass stems from his human upbringing rather than his alien heritage. This realization strengthens his resolve to protect Earth, not as a conqueror but as a defender of its people. Within the larger DCU narrative, this reinterpretation tarnishes the reputation of Krypton and its people, casting a shadow over the legacy of its remnants, including his cousin Supergirl.
Supergirl’s brief appearance in the film hints at potential future storylines complicated by Krypton’s damaged reputation. Despite her heroic identity, her status as a Kryptonian could lead to mistrust among humans, especially following the revelation of her birth parents’ malevolent schemes. The fallout from this retcon could therefore reverberate across upcoming DC movies and story arcs, redefining relationships between characters and the complex dynamics within the DC Universe.
The Thematic Importance of James Gunn’s Superman Rewrite
The shift in Superman’s origin has sparked debate among fans and critics who value traditional interpretations of the superhero’s story. Nevertheless, James Gunn’s alteration serves a deliberate thematic purpose by deepening the complexity of the Man of Steel’s character and his world. This version of Superman is not simply an alien savior thrust onto Earth; he is a human hero who chooses goodness despite darkness surrounding his origins.
The film underscores that even Superman’s biological parents, once regarded as paragons of hope, harbored selfish and destructive ambitions. This duality conveys that malevolent intentions exist not only in his enemies, such as Lex Luthor and his followers, but also within his own lineage. The contrast between these perspectives accentuates Clark’s unique role—as someone who rejects evil regardless of its source and embraces humanity as his true foundation.
By highlighting the influence of Jonathan and Martha Kent, the movie places the emphasis on Clark’s decisions, rather than his predetermined destiny, in defining who Superman truly is. This approach allies with the message of goodness and kindness in a cynical world, reinforcing that Superman’s strength lies in his humanity rather than his Kryptonian origins.
How This New Origin Story Sets the Stage for the Future of the DC Universe
James Gunn’s Superman retcon invites viewers to rethink the hero and his place within the broader DC Universe. The revelation that Kal-El’s birth parents intended him to be a conqueror adds layers of conflict, both internally for Superman and externally with other characters who may grapple with Krypton’s stained legacy. This narrative complexity promises to influence future films and character arcs, including potential tensions between Superman, Supergirl, and Earth’s inhabitants.
Ultimately, this reimagining challenges conventional superhero mythology by presenting flawed origins and emphasizing the power of personal choice. Superman’s struggle to rise above the expectations set by his parents’ intentions offers a fresh perspective that highlights the heroic ideal of fighting evil wherever it exists—even if it means opposing one’s own bloodline.
James Gunn’s reinterpretation of Superman’s origin redefines the Man of Steel not as a predetermined symbol of hope born from alien kingship, but as a hero forged through moral courage and human values. This foundational shift is poised to reshape the character’s journey and the trajectory of the DC Universe in the years ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn was let go from Marvel because of old tweets with offensive jokes about serious topics that upset many people. By July of that year, the situation had significantly altered for the director.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn’s 2025 version of Superman features a CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog inspired by Ozu. Raised in a Catholic household, Gunn finds prayer important but describes himself as “anti-religion” in some aspects.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up Catholic in Manchester, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. He has five siblings: Sean, an actor; Matt, an actor and political writer; Brian, a screenwriter; Patrick; and Beth. Gunn’s father was from an Irish immigrant family, so he is of Irish heritage.
Q. Are Chris Pratt and James Gunn friends?
A. In a recent talk with ComicBook, Gunn described Pratt as one of his very close friends worldwide. He mentioned he is always searching for roles suited for the actor.
