James Gunn’s latest Superman film introduces audiences to a world teeming with superheroes, centered around the Justice Gang who gather in the under-construction Hall of Justice. This iconic location features a striking mural that traces the lineage of metahumans within the DC Universe, stretching back 300 years or more, highlighting a long-standing legacy of heroes including the first ever superhero team, the Justice Society of America.
The emphasis on a deep-rooted heroic history distinguishes the James Gunn DCU superhero legacy, signifying a universe where superheroes have been part of society for centuries rather than emerging in isolation. This historical mural serves as a visual anchor to the expansive timeline embedded within the film’s world.
The Justice Society of America: The Pioneer Superhero Team
The Justice Society of America (JSA) holds a landmark place in comic book history as the original superhero team, debuting in 1940’s All-Star Comics #3. Within the film’s mural, several JSA members are featured, reinforcing their presence in this new cinematic world. Characters such as the Spectre, Wildcat, Sandman—the 1940s mystery figure, not the mythical entity—and Jay Garrick, the original Flash, are clearly portrayed, signaling their foundational role in the DCU’s heroic heritage.
A version of the JSA also appeared in the Black Adam movie, connecting previous DC films to this ongoing universe. Additionally, characters linked to the Justice Gang like Kendra Saunders (Hawkgirl) and Michael Holt (Mister Terrific) trace their origins back to later incarnations of the JSA seen in the 1990s, bridging legacy heroes across different eras.
Other Legendary Heroes Featured in the Mural
The mural extends its homage beyond the JSA, including a variety of heroes from different timelines and genres. Medieval knight Silent Knight and the 16th-century Black Pirate represent earlier periods of heroism, while the Atomic Knight symbolizes futuristic sci-fi elements. Indigenous hero Black Bison adds cultural depth, and Vibe, known for his role in the CW’s Flash series, links the cinematic universe to recent television portrayals.
One particularly notable inclusion is Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld, an otherworldly fantasy hero who made an appearance in the Creature Commandos series, connecting the past to ongoing storytelling threads. The presence of these varied figures suggests a richly textured universe where heroism spans many centuries and styles.
James Gunn’s Insights on the Mural’s Role and Meaning
James Gunn explained the mural’s purpose as a significant Easter egg within the film, drawing on a real-world historical mural at the filming location. He shared in an interview with Buzzfeed,
“It’s a giant Easter egg. The scene where the Justice Gang is in the Hall of Justice,”
“We replaced that with a mural of the metahumans that have existed in the DCU over the years.”
—James Gunn, Filmmaker
This choice underscores the intent to demonstrate that metahumans have long shaped the world of the DC Universe, shaping its history and influencing the present day within this cinematic iteration.
Looking Ahead: Unlocking the Legacy of Past Heroes
As the James Gunn DCU superhero legacy continues to unfold, the mural acts as a teaser for potential storylines involving these historic characters. They may soon play larger roles or inspire new heroes within the expanding universe. This layered storytelling approach enriches the DCU by acknowledging its deep heritage, offering fans a broader view of heroism beyond the familiar faces.
Superman is currently showing in theaters, inviting viewers to explore this evolving world. The mural and its century-spanning heroes set the stage for future films to deepen connections between past and present, promising new adventures grounded in a vast heroic tradition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn lost his job at Marvel due to a backlash over old tweets that included offensive jokes about pedophilia, rape, and abuse.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu influenced the new CGI-animated version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important. However, he has described himself as being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important, but he has also expressed that he is, in some ways, against organized religion.
