James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, recently shed light on one of Superman’s most intricate Easter eggs: the large mural inside the Hall of Justice. This monumental artwork, seen briefly in the film, depicts a historic lineup of costumed heroes, tracing over 300 years of metahuman activity in the new DC Universe. It establishes a rich heroic legacy that precedes Superman (portrayed by David Corenswet) and the Justice Gang featured in the movie. In a detailed conversation with Rolling Stone, Gunn confirmed that the mural was carefully designed as a piece of immersive world-building, hinting at key characters and storylines that will influence the DC Universe’s future.
The Thought and Intention Behind the Iconic Mural
Gunn highlighted the extensive planning that went into creating the mural’s composition.
Oh, there was a ton of thought put into it. A ton of thought,
he said, stressing the deliberate nature of its content and design. When questioned about the likelihood of these characters appearing in upcoming DC projects, Gunn responded,
Not necessarily specifically see all of them, but yes, some of them we already have in the works in different things in different ways.
This indicates the mural serves as a narrative roadmap for future productions while leaving room for surprises.
Details Revealed in the Hall of Justice Artwork
The Hall of Justice functions as the headquarters for the Justice Gang, a corporate-sponsored super-team assembled by Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn). Members of this group include Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). The mural draws a connection to an earlier version of the team resembling DC Comics’ Justice League of America, confirming that many classic heroes exist in the DCU’s history. Prominently featured are mystic sorcerer Doctor Fate, the non-powered vigilante and boxer Ted Grant, also known as Wildcat, and the enigmatic gas-masked hero Wesley Dodds, or The Sandman.
Alongside them, the mural portrays powerful entities such as The Spectre, and historical figures like the Black Pirate (Jon Valor) from the 16th century and the medieval Silent Knight (Brian Kent) from the 6th century. Additional characters include armored hero Atomic Knight (Gardner Grayle), the magical princess Amethyst of Gemworld, international crusader Freedom Beast, and the sonic-powered Vibe. This expansive roster further solidifies a layered universe that extends far beyond Superman’s current story.
Upcoming Projects Likely to Feature Justice Society of America Members
The DC Universe’s upcoming slate is built to reintroduce or incorporate many of these historical heroes after the mural’s reveal in Superman. The closest project is Peacemaker Season 2, continuing Chris Smith’s (John Cena) story, which is expected to reconnect with characters such as Maxwell Lord and address consequences stemming from Superman’s narrative. Following this, the theatrical calendar includes Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, premiering in June 2026, and a Clayface-focused film slated for September 2026. Both may explore or reference new dimensions of the heroic past revealed in the mural.
Additionally, the Lanterns series on HBO, starring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, offers a chance to investigate the legacies of earlier Green Lanterns, including Alan Scott, the first magic-based bearer of the power ring. These stories will deepen the mythology around iconic characters displayed within the Hall of Justice’s tapestry.
Potential Appearances of Mural Heroes in Future DC Productions
Further expanding the presence of the Justice Society of America in the DC Universe are projects still under development. James Mangold is attached to write and direct a gothic horror film featuring the Swamp Thing, which could naturally introduce supernatural characters like Doctor Fate or The Spectre. On a different tone, Wildcat’s street-level brawler persona might be woven into The Brave and the Bold, possibly portraying a previous generation vigilante from Gotham City.
The diverse genres and styles planned for DCU movies and TV ensures the historic characters shown in the mural will have meaningful roles ahead. Such storytelling avenues will enrich the heroic legacies and reveal long-hidden chapters of DC’s universe.
Superman’s Release and Fan Engagement
Superman is currently playing in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the universe that James Gunn has begun to expand through visual cues like the Hall of Justice mural. Fans have expressed curiosity about which mural heroes might resurface in upcoming projects, underscoring the excitement around this layered approach to continuity. As DC Studios continues to build its slate, the connections teased in the mural are poised to become integral parts of the franchise’s evolving narrative.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he has also described himself as “somewhat anti-religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After getting removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, Gunn believed his career had ended. Fortunately, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios in 2022, paving the way for his next superhero venture. During that period, Toby Emmerich at Warner Bros. contacted him.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. The CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family. He has shared that prayer is still significant to him but also described himself as sometimes being against religion.
