James Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie introduces significant changes to established lore, creating a potential challenge for the upcoming 2026 Supergirl film. Gunn’s reinterpretation of Superman’s origins involves a surprising message from his Kryptonian birth parents, altering the motivations behind their choice of Earth as Clark Kent’s new home. This shift not only deepens Superman’s character but may also introduce a narrative gap that Supergirl will be required to address in the DC Universe (DCU).
Receiving positive feedback from critics and audiences alike, Gunn’s Superman is the foundation for their renewed DCU slate. The film’s updates enhance emotional complexity but diverge from traditional storylines, prompting speculation about how subsequent stories will align. This is especially pertinent as Supergirl’s narrative hinges on Kryptonian heritage and the consequences of their cultural values.
Significant Change: Superman’s Parents’ True Intentions Revealed
At the center of the lore adjustment is the content of the message sent with baby Clark to Earth. Traditionally, Superman’s parents are depicted as loving guardians who sent their son to safety. In Gunn’s version, however, their message carries a more calculated purpose: they selected Earth not merely as a refuge but because they intended Clark to dominate humanity and rebuild Kryptonian society by forming a harem.
In the film, this message is initially incomplete and becomes a major turning point for Clark when fully revealed. The revelation creates an emotional and ideological conflict for Superman, shaking the foundation of what he believed about his origins and mission. Although this shift intensifies Clark’s inner journey, it potentially complicates continuity for the next DCU installment, Supergirl, which features his cousin Kara Zor-El.
Supergirl’s Connection to Krypton Raises Questions
Supergirl, portrayed as Kara Zor-El, shares a similar Kryptonian background but arrived on Earth later than Clark, sent as a teenager after Krypton’s destruction. Unlike Superman, who was a baby upon arrival, Kara retains memories of Krypton’s way of life and culture. The changes in Superman’s lore raise critical questions about how much Kara already knows regarding their parents’ true intentions and whether she is aware of the manipulative aspect of Clark’s message.
Though it is unclear if Kara ever received an identical message, her understanding of Kryptonian ideals should make this revelation less surprising to her. This discrepancy prompts several possibilities: did Kara withhold this truth from Clark, allowing him to live under false pretenses? Could her apparent struggles and coping mechanisms, such as her substance use, relate to the weight of these concealed truths? These are vital storylines that the Supergirl film must explore to maintain continuity and character depth.
Supergirl’s Role in Reconciling Kryptonian Legacy with DCU Continuity
The upcoming Supergirl movie carries the responsibility to address why Kara never disclosed the true intentions of their Kryptonian parents to Clark, and to explain her own rejection or struggle with those ideals. Seeing Clark’s rejection of Kryptonian dominance could represent a profound shock to Kara, signaling the possible end of traditional Kryptonian values. This narrative choice adds emotional complexity to her character and sets the stage for a story centered on identity, loyalty, and cultural legacy.
Supergirl’s story is expected to delve deeper into Krypton’s culture and the lasting repercussions of its downfall, elements that Superman’s film purposefully avoided. James Gunn and the creative team behind the DCU appear to have carefully planned this progression, ensuring that Supergirl will unpack the repercussions of the newly altered Superman lore. Audiences looking forward to this film can anticipate an intricate narrative grappling with loyalty, truth, and the emotional aftermath of their shared heritage.
Implications for the Future of the DC Universe
James Gunn’s reimagining of Superman’s backstory marks a turning point for the DCU’s storytelling approach, emphasizing complex character development while introducing narrative challenges between interconnected films. The lore shift surrounding Superman’s origins opens a new layer of tension and unresolved questions that Supergirl’s 2026 debut must confront to maintain a cohesive universe.
With Supergirl slated as the next major DCU film, its handling of these important plot points will be crucial for preserving consistency and audience engagement. As the story unfolds, fans can expect a thoughtful exploration of Krypton’s culture and the complicated relationships formed by surviving family members adapting to their new realities on Earth.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has talked about how prayer still matters to him. However, he has also described himself as being somewhat against religion.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director worried his career was finished. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, allowing him to start a new superhero project. Toby Emmerich from Warner Bros. also played a part.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The updated CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman remake takes inspiration from Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still values prayer. However, he has also described himself as being “anti-religion” in certain respects.
Q. Is James Gunn still with Marvel?
A. James Gunn was let go from Marvel because old tweets that were offensive came back into the spotlight.
