Superman fans preparing to watch the latest film will find plenty to uncover in James Gunn’s first DC Universe movie. Released with a tense and intense atmosphere, the movie is packed with subtle nods and Easter eggs referencing the comics and wider DC lore. As the film begins streaming on HBO Max, viewers can now spot these hidden details that add depth and excitement to the story.
Subtle Nod to Martian Manhunter Through Chocos Cookies
In the chaos of Hammer of Boravia’s attack on Metropolis, the camera briefly lingers on an office building housing the cookie company Chocos. This is not just a random backdrop; in the DC comics, Martian Manhunter, a shape-shifting member of the Justice League, has a known fondness for Chocos cookies. This hint suggests his potential involvement in the franchise’s future, aligning with his comic book appetite and hinting at a possible introduction on-screen.
Daily Planet Boss Perry White’s Joke About Being Called “Chief”
The Daily Planet remains central to the story, with Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen working as reporters in Metropolis. An ongoing joke from previous DC adaptations reappears when Perry White sharply discourages Jimmy from calling him “chief.” This moment showcases Perry’s no-nonsense approach while nodding to the longstanding tradition of his character pushing back against the nickname, grounding the movie within the familiar DC canon.
Jitters Coffee Shop Connects Superman to the Larger DC Universe
A massive kaiju unleashed by Lex Luthor causes destruction on a large scale, threatening innocent lives and local businesses. Among the casualties is Jitters, a coffee shop recognizable to DC fans for its presence in the Arrowverse TV shows. Its inclusion subtly links this Superman movie to the broader DC Universe, adding a layer of continuity for dedicated viewers.
Appearance of Will Reeve Ties Legacy and Reality Together
People in Metropolis witness media reports, including an interview of Lex Luthor by a reporter portrayed by Will Reeve, son of Christopher Reeve—the famed Superman actor. Will Reeve is a professional reporter in real life, working with ABC, and his presence in the film is a tribute to his father and a nod to Superman’s cinematic history. Despite the hostile interview, this casting choice enriches the film’s connection to Superman’s legacy.
Markovia’s Presence Adds to World-Building in James Gunn’s DC Universe
Within the complex political landscape of the movie, two fictional nations, Boravia and Jarhanpur, play a critical role as adversaries manipulated by Lex Luthor. Another fictional country, Markovia, also appears on a map that Eve Tessmacher shows to Jimmy Olsen. Markovia is familiar to comic book readers as the homeland of Geo-Force and Terra, two heroes with significant backstories, thus cementing the movie’s deep ties to DC’s rich lore.
Simon Stagg’s Role Echoes Lex Luthor’s Ruthlessness
Alongside LuthorCorp, Stagg Industries is another powerful business operating in Metropolis. Simon Stagg, known from the comics as the father-in-law of the hero Metamorpho, plays a darker role here. His character allows a kidnapping of his grandchild by a rival to almost end tragically, highlighting his coldness and drawing comparison to Lex Luthor’s own villainy. This connection underscores the high stakes facing Superman in this world.
Belle Reeve Prison Mention Suggests Future Villain Alliances
Lex Luthor’s plan to imprison Superman ultimately fails when Mister Terrific closes the portal that traps the hero. Authorities arrive to arrest Luthor and mention Belle Reeve, the notorious penitentiary where members of Amanda Waller’s Suicide Squad are held. This detail foreshadows potential alliances or story arcs involving villains trapped or recruited there, possibly in the upcoming “Man of Tomorrow” movie or other DC Universe installments.
The film’s streaming release on HBO Max starting September 19 invites both longtime fans and new viewers to catch these Easter eggs and appreciate the careful layering of references that expand the Superman mythos. James Gunn’s attention to detail not only entertains but also enriches the interconnected DC Universe, hinting at future developments and character introductions.
