The highly anticipated Superman movie has introduced a surprising new layer to the DC Universe, particularly involving the House of El and Krypton’s role. Director James Gunn recently addressed why Supergirl’s brief appearance did not include any warning to Superman about his parents’ startling intentions. As the Man of Steel returns to theaters, this revelation reshapes familiar lore within the DCU, leaving fans eager to understand the full scope of the story.
The Unexpected Kryptonian Motive Revealed in Superman
In the film, Clark Kent discovers that his biological parents, Jor-El and Lara, sent him to Earth with the expectation that he would one day dominate the planet, rather than simply protect it. This deeply complicates Kal-El’s identity as he grapples with their harsh message and the implications for his role on Earth. Despite this, when Supergirl arrives briefly to retrieve Krypto, there is no conversation between the two cousins about this revelation or what Supergirl might know about it.
This absence of interaction sparked curiosity among viewers, leading to James Gunn explaining the reasoning behind this narrative choice during a recent interview with Rolling Stone. When asked why Supergirl did not alert Superman about their parents’ true directive, Gunn emphasized the difference in their knowledge and experiences.
James Gunn: You’re assuming that everybody on Krypton is the same! And how would she know? She’s younger than him, so she wouldn’t know. She wouldn’t know anything about his parents.
—James Gunn, Director
Gunn’s comment clarifies that Supergirl, portrayed by Milly Alcock and introduced as Kara Zor-El, lacked the context or knowledge to understand her cousin’s past fully. Since she was younger and had a different Kryptonian upbringing, she would not have been privy to the motivations of Jor-El and Lara.
James Gunn’s Vision for Supergirl’s Role in the Film
When asked if Supergirl was ever intended to have a larger presence in the Superman movie, Gunn revealed that her cameo was always meant to be brief and focused. He highlighted his enthusiasm for the upcoming Supergirl film inspired by the graphic novel Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, signaling a distinct direction for her character separate from Superman’s story.
James Gunn: Yeah, it was always that. When I took this job, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow [the graphic novel that inspired 2026’s Supergirl] was, like, number one for me of the things I knew I wanted to do. Ana Nogueira just killed the script right away, and saw what I saw in how the comic could be adapted to film, where [Supergirl is] even rougher in the film than she is in the comic, I think.
—James Gunn, Director
This statement underscores Gunn’s intent to develop Supergirl’s character with her own narrative weight in future projects, allowing for separate but potentially interconnected arcs within the DC Universe.
Confirmation That Krypton’s New Narrative Will Remain
Rolling Stone also questioned Gunn about the possibility of unveiling a hidden agenda or secret behind Jor-El and Lara’s controversial choice, a topic that has divided fans who prefer the traditional portrayal of Krypton’s leaders as benevolent. Gunn responded emphatically, dismissing hopes for a retcon or revised explanation.
James Gunn: They’re s–t out of luck!
—James Gunn, Director
This clear stance confirms that the DCU will maintain this darker and more complex take on Krypton’s destruction and the intentions behind sending Kal-El to Earth, making it a permanent fixture in the franchise’s storylines.
Interpreting the Implications of Supergirl’s Limited Knowledge
Gunn’s comments suggest that despite their familial bond, Supergirl’s understanding of Krypton’s true history and the motives of her cousin’s parents is limited. This preserves the narrative tension in Superman’s journey, positioning him as the primary character wrestling with this legacy alone. Supergirl’s brief cameo does not diminish her importance but rather ensures the story remains focused on Clark Kent’s personal discovery in this initial phase of the DCU.
Although post-credits scenes from Superman do not further explain the cryptic message from Lara and Jor-El, future films in the DCU are expected to expand on this twist. Whether the ongoing examinations of Krypton’s past will incorporate Supergirl’s perspective in the upcoming movie remains uncertain. For now, Gunn’s insight advises audiences not to assume she holds all the answers concerning Clark’s complex origins.
What James Gunn’s Approach Means for the DCU Storytelling
Gunn’s vision allows Superman and Supergirl to follow their paths independently while remaining connected as cousins and the last surviving members of the House of El. This creative decision enriches the DCU by providing distinct character arcs that promise to explore Krypton’s complicated legacy from multiple viewpoints over time.
The 2025 Superman film, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, presents a nuanced portrayal of Kal-El’s struggle to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his life on Earth. The movie includes numerous Easter eggs and nods to the original comics, engaging fans with layered storytelling.
Gunn’s interpretation has ignited passionate discussions about the nature of Krypton and the fate of its last survivors in the DC Universe. As the franchise progresses, audiences can anticipate further development around these revelations and the evolving roles of both Superman and Supergirl.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer remains significant to him. However, he also describes himself as “somewhat anti-religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, Gunn believed his career might be finished. However, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios. This opportunity allowed him to start on a new superhero project. Toby Emmerich from Warner Bros. approached him during that period.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Director Ozu inspired the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household. He still values prayer but has stated he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
