Following the recent theatrical release of Superman, fans of the DC Universe have eagerly examined the detailed mural displayed in Metropolis’ Hall of Justice, featuring 26 legendary superheroes. Director and DC chief James Gunn recently offered the first full view of this mural and acknowledged the fan community’s impressive effort in identifying the characters, while teasing two pivotal figures linked to an undisclosed project.
Director Teases Two Crucial Characters in an Upcoming DC Project
James Gunn praised fans for their thorough breakdown of the mural’s characters but added a new layer of intrigue about the mural’s significance beyond its appearance. Speaking to IGN, he said,
“Listen, fans have done a pretty good job. I think they’ve found all of the different characters. But yeah, I will just say that in one of our scripts we’re working on, two of those characters are kind of important,”
—James Gunn, Director and DC Boss.
This revelation suggests that these two figures may play major roles in a forthcoming DC film or television series not yet publicly announced. With multiple productions underway, including Amazonian-themed Paradise Lost, the Booster Gold series, and upcoming movies like The Brave and the Bold and Wonder Woman, fans speculate about how the mural’s characters could connect to these projects or hint at fresh storylines.
Detailed Breakdown of the Mural’s Iconic Heroes
The mural offers a rich tapestry of metahuman heroes who have shaped the last 300 years within the DC Universe, many originating from its comic lore. In the first segment of the mural, from left to right, viewers can spot Sister Symmetry (Madame Xanadu), Silent Knight, Exoristos, Black Pirate, Miss Liberty, Whip Whirlwind, Super-Chief, El Diablo, Iron Munro, Ghost of Flanders, Sandman I (Wesley Dodds), Amazing-Man, and Zatara the Magician.

The second segment showcases Liberty Belle, Bulletman, Bulletgirl, Max Mercury, TNT, Dan the Dyna-mite, Phantom Lady, Atomic Knight, Freedom Beast, Wildcat, Vibe, Gunfire, and Maxwell Lord. These characters collectively represent the legacy of DC’s metahuman history and expand the depth of its cinematic universe.
Maxwell Lord’s Ongoing Presence in the DC Universe
Among the characters, Maxwell Lord has already appeared on screen, played by Sean Gunn. His cameo in Superman serves as an early introduction, and he is set to return in the upcoming episodes of Peacemaker, a show starring John Cena. Peacemaker’s second season will premiere on August 21 on HBO Max in the United States and Sky in the United Kingdom.
Significance of the Mural and Future Implications for DC’s Storytelling
This mural highlights the deep history of metahumans in the DC multiverse, potentially foreshadowing narratives that explore periods predating Superman’s advent. Identifying these characters could offer fans insights into future story directions or undisclosed series. While details remain under wraps, the emphasis from James Gunn on two important mural figures confirms ongoing expansions within DC’s cinematic and televised projects, stirring anticipation among enthusiasts eager to see how these legends will be brought to life.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him, yet he also considers himself somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director felt his career might end. Fortunately, in 2022, both he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, giving him an opportunity to work on another superhero project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. In Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation, the CGI version of Krypto the Superdog was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and often discusses the importance of prayer in his life. However, he also describes himself as somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Is James Gunn still with Marvel?
A. James Gunn was let go from Marvel because old tweets of his, which were considered offensive, came to light again.
