James Gunn has shared the surprising origin story of one of Superman’s strangest characters, Mr. Handsome, created by Lex Luthor when he was only 12 years old. This intriguing detail, revealed by Gunn, adds a deeply personal layer to Lex Luthor’s character and enriches the DC Universe’s backstory.
Gunn explained that Lex Luthor attempted to create a human being in a Petri dish at a young age, which ultimately led to the creation of Mr. Handsome. Though the experiment did not succeed as planned, Mr. Handsome holds a special place in Lex’s life, suggesting a rare moment of genuine sentiment from the usually ruthless villain.
Mr. Handsome: Lex Luthor’s Only True Sentiment
Despite Mr. Handsome’s brief appearance in the film as the entity responsible for transporting Superman into the pocket dimension prison, his backstory hints at a deeper emotional connection with Lex Luthor. James Gunn revealed that a photo of Mr. Handsome on Lex’s desk is a sign of the affection Lex holds for this creation, which contrasts with his otherwise cold and calculating nature.
“When people ask me my favorite character from #Superman it just might be Mr. Handsome. Lex created Mr. Handsome in a Petri dish when he was 12 – he was trying to make a human,”
Gunn shared on Bluesky. He added,
“He didn’t come out so well, but he just might be the only one in the world Lex has any true sentiment for, as evidenced by the photo on his desk. Our Mr. Handsome was portrayed by the wonderful Trevor Newlin.”
—@jamesgunn.bsky.social
The Role of Mr. Handsome in the New Superman Film
Mr. Handsome’s role in the movie is minimal, yet essential: he facilitates the transportation of Superman into a pocket dimension prison conceived by Lex Luthor. This chilling power reflects Lex’s scientific brilliance and cruelty and enriches the dark tone of their conflict. The connection between Lex and Mr. Handsome makes their dynamic more nuanced, revealing a rare vulnerability in the villain.
This backstory element, though only briefly touched upon, feels like a missed opportunity to deepen the film’s narrative. Gunn’s disclosure highlights how this unique detail aligns perfectly with Lex’s character—his childhood ambitions, his struggle for control, and his complex emotional world.
Expanding the DC Universe: Upcoming Projects and Canon Clarifications
The current Superman movie marks the opening chapter of DCU’s new saga, titled Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Following Superman, Supergirl is scheduled for release next year, while Peacemaker season 2 is upcoming on the small screen. Gunn has been actively clarifying some confusion regarding Peacemaker’s canonical status, explaining its transition from the DCEU into the new DCU storyline.
Another important element unveiled by Gunn is the “quantum unfolding chamber,” or QUC, which will play a crucial role across multiple seasons of Peacemaker and beyond. Gunn shared,
“We go into, for the first time ever, what is known as the quantum unfolding chamber. Now, for those who are just seeing the show… [It’s also known as] the QUC, and the QUC becomes an incredibly important thing in the DCU throughout the two seasons of Peacemaker and beyond that. The QUC is, as we see in season 1, is a gigantic space that exists behind a bookshelf.”
—James Gunn
Why This Backstory Matters for the DC Universe
This revelation about Mr. Handsome underscores how the DCU is investing in layered character development and intricate world-building, distinguishing itself from previous adaptations. By shedding light on Lex Luthor’s humanity through his creation, the storyline adds emotional complexity to a character often viewed only as a villain.
With the DCU continuing to expand through films like Supergirl and series such as Peacemaker, these subtle character details help foster a richer narrative universe for fans. Mr. Handsome’s backstory not only enriches the audience’s understanding of Lex but also hints at the potential for more emotionally driven storytelling amid the action-packed drama.
