While the film Superman does not showcase any other Justice League members, James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has subtly hinted at the potential arrival of Martian Manhunter in the DC Universe. As Superman remains in theaters, Gunn encouraged fans via his official X account to revisit the film, including a clever nod to the broader DC Comics mythos that fans should not miss.
Gunn posted a series of images featuring Chocos products, a fictional brand within the DC Universe, accompanied by a caption that alludes to a beloved character associated with those snacks. This nod serves as a subtle teaser for Martian Manhunter’s future in the DCU.
Subtle Clues Hidden Within Superman Featuring Chocos
In the film Superman, Chocos do not play a central role, but an advertisement for the company appears on a billboard. In the DC Comics lore, Martian Manhunter is known for his fondness for Chocos, often depicted as having an intense craving for the cookies. One famous comic story involves Martian Manhunter becoming enraged after Booster Gold and Blue Beetle prank him by stealing his entire Chocos supply, preventing him from restocking due to the heroes buying out multiple stores.
This connection to Chocos is a fun Easter egg for fans, linking the snack back to Martian Manhunter and hinting at a potential appearance within the DCU, although it is not an outright confirmation.
Martian Manhunter’s Previous Live-Action Appearances and DCU Context
Martian Manhunter has yet to make an official debut in the newly established DC Universe, but audiences may recognize the character from the DC Extended Universe. Harry Lennix portrayed Calvin Swanwick, who was eventually revealed to be Martian Manhunter in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, marking the character’s only live-action film appearance so far. Outside of this, Martian Manhunter has appeared in various animated adaptations but has remained relatively unexplored in live-action cinema.
James Gunn’s reference to the character through Chocos suggests fans could see Martian Manhunter in future DCU projects, potentially as a key member of the Justice League, which has not yet been assembled within this new cinematic universe.
Speculation Surrounding Martian Manhunter’s Arrival in Upcoming DCU Projects
Although Gund’s post stops short of formally announcing Martian Manhunter’s debut, it encourages speculation about when and where the character might appear. Martian Manhunter is a foundational Justice League member and one of DC’s most vital heroes, so integrating him into the DCU would be a significant move. Since the Justice League itself is still being formed in the DCU, viewers might expect a wait of several years before seeing Martian Manhunter on screen in this context.
James Gunn has stated that production on DCU projects will not proceed until scripts are complete, and several projects are currently in early development stages. This cautious approach means it is too soon to confirm if Martian Manhunter will be featured soon, or in which title he might emerge.
Finally, whenever the character debuts, fans might appreciate seeing the iconic hero enjoy his favorite fictional treat, Chocos, a detail that connects to his comic book history. This small detail adds depth to the character’s potential introduction, reinforcing fan excitement.
James Gunn’s Direct Hint on Social Media
On July 30, 2025, James Gunn posted on X, stating:
“A certain Martian will be happy to hear Chocos Inc is going strong in #Superman. See it on the big screen now!” —James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
This direct quote confirms Gunn’s intentional reference to Martian Manhunter’s connection to the Chocos brand, amplifying excitement among comicbook.com fans and DC followers for the character‘s future.
