A detailed mural depicting the history of metahumans in the DC Universe has been unveiled by James Gunn, sparking excitement among fans eager to identify every hero included in the artwork. The mural appears inside the Hall of Justice in the new Superman film, showcasing both well-known and obscure characters from DC’s extensive comic book lore.
Although the new DC Universe will not have a dedicated panel at San Diego Comic-Con this year, Gunn will discuss the upcoming second season of his series Peacemaker. Nevertheless, he treated fans with the unveiling of this intricate mural via his social media account on the Friday before the event, highlighting the deep historical roots of DC’s metahumans in cinematic form.
Hero Highlights and Surprises Within the Artwork
The mural features some instantly recognizable figures from the Justice Society of America, such as Wildcat and Wesley Dodds’ Sandman, whose presence is a clear nod to DC’s golden age heroes. Speedster Max Mercury also appears, standing alongside Liberty Belle, a member of the All-Star Squadron who connects to the Quick family through her marriage to Johnny Quick and as the mother to Jesse Quick.
On the mural’s edge, Giovanni Zatara, known as the father of Justice League magician Zatanna, engages in channeling magical energy, setting a mystical tone. At the far end of the mural, a figure resembling Sean Gunn, who is likely portraying Maxwell Lord, makes a subtle appearance.
Fans may find themselves challenged by the deeper cuts in the artwork, which includes heroes like the Black Pirate and Miss Liberty, part of the 1978 team the Five Warriors from Forever. B’wana Beast, a figure familiar to readers of Grant Morrison’s acclaimed Animal Man series, is also depicted, as are Bulletman and Bulletgirl, positioned prominently near the second panel’s start.
These selections demonstrate the new DC Universe’s willingness to explore and revive some of its more obscure heroes, beyond the crowd-pleasers typically associated with the franchise. This careful curation suggests an intent to build a rich and diverse tapestry of metahuman history for audiences to explore.
The Mural’s Role and Setting in the Superman Film
Within the film Superman, the mural appears briefly during a scene where Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, consults the Justice Gang—comprising Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific—requesting assistance to locate Superman, played by David Corenswet. Though the camera does not focus solely on the mural, the artwork is visible in the background multiple times, adding depth to the Hall of Justice environment.
The scene was shot at Cincinnati Union Terminal in Ohio, and the mural’s design pays homage to the building’s real-life art, blending the film’s fictional metahuman history with authentic architectural aesthetics. This choice grounds the DC Universe in tangible history and gives a sense of legacy to the characters represented.
James Gunn’s Insights and the Mural’s Future Significance
When asked if he could name all the heroes pictured in the mural during a Q&A session, James Gunn confirmed,
“I can yes.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. He explained that the mural chronicles the metahuman history within the new DC Universe, noting the film’s opening text references that the first metahuman appeared 300 years before the film’s events.
Gunn also revealed that beyond Maxwell Lord, one of the featured heroes is portrayed by a notably famous actor, though the identity and details regarding this character remain under wraps for now. This hints that several of the mural’s metahumans may receive expanded roles or future appearances within the DC narrative, promising more exploration of the universe’s rich character lineup.
Superman is currently playing in theaters, offering fans a chance to catch this historic mural and anticipate which metahumans might next emerge from the shadows of DC’s vast legacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic home where prayer still holds value for him. However, he has expressed that he is, in some respects, opposed to religion.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director feared his career had ended. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, which led to his next superhero venture. Toby Emmerich from Warner Bros. played a part in the decision.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu was the inspiration for the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has talked about the ongoing importance of prayer in his life. However, he has also described himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
