Following the success of Superman, which earned positive reviews and grossed $600 million worldwide, director James Gunn is developing a follow-up film expected to highlight key figures surrounding the legendary superhero. Although this upcoming project is not a direct sequel, it will continue the narrative with the Man of Steel playing a central role. Fans and critics alike are eager to discover which new faces will join the story as part of the expanding universe.
The movie is widely anticipated to serve as a chapter in the broader Superman Saga alongside the forthcoming Supergirl film, slated for release next summer. Speculation points toward a focus on the Super-Family, with Superman’s cousins potentially teaming up. This article outlines five characters who have yet to appear in the DC Universe but would significantly enrich James Gunn’s next Superman film, expected in 2027.
Reviving Clark Kent’s Smallville Connections Through Lana Lang
Superman’s initial film devoted little screen time to Clark Kent’s roots in Smallville beyond his parents. Reintroducing this setting could deepen character development, especially by highlighting Lana Lang, Clark’s childhood friend and teenage love interest. Lana’s story has evolved in recent comics, where she acquires radioactive powers and becomes Superwoman, offering a fresh angle to explore Clark’s past without retreading his familiar origin story.
Integrating Lana could also provide interesting narrative tension given Clark’s budding romance with Lois Lane, creating potential drama and complexity in their relationships. Despite her significance in Superman lore, Lana is underexplored in the current DC Universe, and her presence would add emotional depth and expand the hero’s personal circle in meaningful ways.
Introducing Superboy: The Clone’s Role in the Super-Family
Superboy, known as Kon-El or Conner Kent, is a genetic hybrid clone of Superman and Lex Luthor, known from his leadership roles in teams like Young Justice and the Teen Titans. James Gunn’s previous work on Superman laid groundwork for this character, referencing a mindless clone created by Luthor who served as the villain Ultraman.
Should Luthor create a smarter, more autonomous version in the new film, it could mark the appearance of Superboy, expanding the Super-Family beyond Superman and Supergirl. His dynamic as both a clone and a hero with personal struggles fits with the thematic elements Gunn tends to explore, positioning Superboy as a natural, engaging addition to the superhero roster.
Parasite: A Complex Villain Feeding on Kryptonian Power
Parasite is a compelling adversary with several origin stories, but consistently characterized as a vampiric entity that feeds on others’ energy, often draining memories as well. Exposure to unusual radioactive substances transforms him into this energy-absorbing villain, giving him a mysterious and menacing presence.
Known as Rudy Jones and linked to LuthorCorp, Parasite poses a layered threat that could serve as a strong secondary antagonist. His ability to steal memories, including Superman’s secret identity, elevates his stakes in the storyline. Parasite would offer challenging conflicts for both Superman and Supergirl, showcasing their resilience and teamwork against a formidable foe.
The Legion of Super-Heroes: Allies from the Future
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a futuristic team of superpowered youth active during the 30th and 31st centuries. Inspired by the tales of a young Superman, or Superboy, the group was founded by Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, and Saturn Girl, with membership expanding over time and even including Superman himself after time travel encounters.
Supergirl holds a notable history with the Legion and could represent her cousin in their ranks. This introduces fascinating story possibilities involving time travel and interstellar heroics. The team also features Brainiac-5, a brilliant ally whose presence could provide unique intellectual and tactical support, making the Legion an exciting addition to the Superman storyline that broadens the narrative across space and time.
Brainiac: The Arch-Enemy with Kryptonian Roots
Brainiac stands as one of Superman’s most iconic and enduring villains, with a backstory that predates Earth‘s history, stretching back to Krypton’s final days. Renowned as one of the universe’s smartest beings, Brainiac is infamous for shrinking and collecting cities from destroyed planets, including his recurring attempts to capture Metropolis.
The rivalry between Superman and Brainiac intensified upon the discovery that Brainiac possessed Kandor, a city from Krypton. This personal dynamic offers rich storytelling potential, focusing on Kryptonian heritage and identity. Brainiac seems poised to be the central antagonist for James Gunn’s Super-Family film, following the tone set by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s celebrated Superman: Brainiac narrative. This villain’s return would raise the stakes significantly and provide a multifaceted challenge for the heroes.
James Gunn’s follow-up to Superman looks set to diversify and deepen the DC Universe by introducing these distinctive characters. Bringing in Lana Lang and Superboy will enrich Superman’s personal and heroic journey, while villains Parasite and Brainiac will heighten the conflict. The Legion of Super-Heroes adds a cosmic layer that opens up the storyline to future and past dimensions. Together, these additions promise to expand the narrative landscape and cement the Super-Family’s place in the DC cinematic world.
