James Gunn’s Superman does more than reintroduce the iconic Man of Steel—it establishes the narrative groundwork for the future of the DC Universe (DCU). Released recently, this film uses the James Gunn DCU setup to plunge audiences into a complex, pre-existing world where heroes, villains, and factions are already active, accelerating multiple planned movies and series.
While Superman remains the centerpiece of this universe, other characters like Guy Gardner, Angela Spica, and even Krypto the Superdog make clear that the DCU aims for vast and varied storytelling. This approach avoids retreading origin stories, instead moving quickly into interconnected plots unfolding across diverse formats.
The Sequel “Man of Tomorrow” and the Complex Superman-Luthor Rivalry
A direct sequel to Superman, entitled Man of Tomorrow, has been officially confirmed, building on the solid foundation laid by the first film. The intense opposition between Superman and Lex Luthor is already fully established. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Luthor reveals a cunning mastermind who views himself as humanity’s sole protector against alien interference, immediately creating deep dramatic tension.
This existing antagonism enables Man of Tomorrow to dive directly into high-stakes conflicts without the need for extensive origin explanations. The upcoming story reportedly involves an uneasy alliance between Superman and Lex to confront a common, larger threat. Gunn masterfully foreshadowed this in his film by highlighting Lex’s interest in advanced technologies, specifically the Hammer of Boravia and nanite-based weaponry.
The seeds planted here seem to predict Lex’s development of the Warsuit, which Man of Tomorrow will feature prominently. By orchestrating this groundwork early on, Gunn ensures the sequel can maintain intense momentum with a compelling narrative arc centered on this fraught collaboration.
Introducing “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” with a Unique Narrative Angle
Superman closes with a surprising moment featuring Supergirl, who arrives unexpectedly at the Fortress of Solitude, slightly intoxicated and intent on reclaiming Krypto. This moment firmly places her as an active participant within the DCU rather than an undeveloped character awaiting introduction. Gunn’s choice signals the upcoming solo film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, setting her apart from Superman.
Supergirl is introduced with an unpredictable and flawed personality, allowing her movie to explore earlier challenges such as her arrival on Earth or surviving Krypton’s destruction, instead of retreading the familiar origin story tropes. Her established relationship with Superman’s world enables this film to focus on her personal journey through identity and ethical struggles, making her story fresh and nuanced.
Krypto’s connection to both heroes strengthens the narrative cohesion between Superman and Supergirl, making her introduction feel natural and exciting. In just a brief scene, Superman effectively shapes her distinct presence within the expanding DCU.
Setting the Stage for “Lanterns” Through Guy Gardner’s Role
The character of Guy Gardner, portrayed as the hotheaded leader of the Justice Gang, is one of the earliest hints towards the forthcoming Lanterns series. Although Gardner will not be the main character, his appearance firmly establishes the Green Lantern Corps as an operational force within the DCU.
This strategic move allows the Lanterns series to introduce central figures like Hal Jordan and John Stewart without spending excessive time explaining the origins or structure of the Corps. Gunn has described Lanterns as evoking a True Detective-style mystery, with a gritty Earth-based investigation grounding the larger cosmic mythology.
Gardner’s uneasy cooperation with Superman suggests tension between the Corps’ cosmic responsibilities and Earthly politics, adding layers to the narrative. By first implanting Gardner in Superman, Gunn smoothens the transition toward more complex storytelling that mixes grand mythos with grounded thriller elements.
Introducing Angela Spica and the Foreshadowing of “The Authority”
Angela Spica, also known as the Engineer and played by María Gabriela de Faría, makes a striking appearance as one of Lex Luthor’s operatives, having undergone experimental nanotechnology procedures that endow her with a liquid-metal body able to morph into weapons. Though seemingly a minor detail, this lays the groundwork for The Authority, a morally ambiguous team of antiheroes.
In the comics, The Authority operates outside conventional heroism, often taking extreme measures such as assassinating tyrants and toppling corrupt governments. Spica’s darker, compromised character introduced under Lex’s control serves as a prelude to her involvement with this radical group. Although The Authority’s standalone movie has reportedly been deprioritized, the DCU’s intent to explore both heroic paragons and morally grey figures remains clear.
By linking The Authority’s roots to Lex Luthor’s machinations, Gunn paves the way for challenging Superman’s ideals and injecting the DCU with narratives that address complex ethical dilemmas and shifting allegiances.
Subtle Setup for “Waller” and Task Force X
Though Amanda Waller does not appear directly in Superman, her influence looms large throughout the film. The movie introduces Rick Flag Sr., connected to Task Force X, while mentions of Belle Reve prison signal key plot elements. These references are no coincidences; they deliberately tease Viola Davis’ return in an HBO Max series titled Waller.
Initially intended to bridge the gap between Peacemaker seasons, the Waller series was delayed due to the Hollywood Strikes. Nevertheless, these Easter eggs tie the show firmly into the fabric of the DCU, reinforcing Waller’s central role as a ruthless strategist pulling strings behind the scenes.
These layered hints reassure audiences of a larger, interconnected narrative and emphasize Waller’s omnipresence, setting her path as a critical player who manages covert operations and shapes the direction of the universe.
Krypto the Superdog’s Role Expands with Animated Shorts
Krypto quickly became an unexpectedly popular character in Superman, balancing comedic moments with glimpses into Clark Kent’s more relatable side as a pet owner. Recognizing this appeal, Gunn confirmed the development of animated shorts that will spotlight Krypto’s adventures.
These shorts aim to broaden the DCU’s reach by introducing lighter, family-friendly content that stays consistent with the larger storyline. Since Krypto’s antics blend humor and warmth, the shorts will provide a tonal balance against the darker, more intense projects like Waller and The Authority.
By keeping Krypto connected to both Superman and Supergirl, these shorts maintain their significance within the franchise, offering engaging content for a wide audience and expanding the DCU’s diversity of storytelling.
Justice Gang’s Formation Lays Groundwork for the Justice League
One of Superman’s most thrilling elements is the Justice Gang—a precursor team including Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho, operating out of the Hall of Justice. This group’s uneasy but functional cooperation hints at how a full Justice League could emerge, an eventuality that Gunn has already confirmed with plans for a Justice League movie.
Unlike previous attempts that showed the awkward assembly of heroes, this approach depicts a team that already exists and works together, albeit imperfectly. Superman’s involvement with the Justice Gang naturally prepares the audience for the formal Justice League, making its formation feel earned rather than contrived.
The film explores team dynamics, showcasing Gardner’s ego, Mister Terrific’s intellect, and the inevitable clashes and alliances, hinting at future stories filled with tension, cooperation, and high stakes. This setup positions the Justice League as a major event in the DCU’s unfolding saga, comparable to the scale of Marvel’s Avengers.
Main Cast Bringing the DCU to Life
David Corenswet stars as Superman, embodying the iconic hero who anchors the DCU’s ambitious narrative expansion. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, delivering key emotional and narrative weight to the story as Superman’s close confidante and partner. Their performances are integral to grounding the intense, interconnected world James Gunn is building.
