Summary

New speculation around James Gunn’sSupermanand theDC Universeit is set to launch suggest some surprising similarities with the Prime Video seriesThe Boys. Releasing in 2025,the cast ofSupermanis extensive and features several well-known DC heroes played by performers like Nathan Fillion and Isabela Merced. As the film is currently shooting, some set photos featuring characters like Mister Terrific have appeared online. Details of these photos have caused some speculation that has led to comparisons toThe Boys.

The Boyshas been an enormously successful series for Prime Video. Based on comics by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson,the series imagines a world where corporations exploit and control heroes,similar to what is suggested inDCU set photos of Green Lantern and Hawkgirl. The main heroes inThe Boysare direct analogs to DC heroes, with Homelander standing in for Superman and A-Train representing The Flash. As a result, it is surprising to suddenly see ties between the series and the upcoming DC universe.

Henry Cavill as Clark Kent in Man of Steel next to David Corenswet gearing up as Superman

Superman’s New Movie Can Finally Fix Something Every Live-Action Movie Has Struggled With

Many set photos from Superman are online, and a few show that James Gunn’s film will focus on an important detail other films have struggled with.

DCU’s Superman Is Set Up To Be The Boys Season 1 For 2025

The Justice League International Appears To Be Corporate Sponsored

Supermanseems poised to explore the corporatization of superheroes. Recent set photos have surfaced from the filming ofSupermanthat suggest aJustice League replacementby showing the uniforms of various heroes, including Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific.Each uniform appears to be emblazoned with images that are associated with LordTech.Considering Superman himself is not affiliated with this group, it seems likely there will be some kind of disagreement between the parties involved.

The Boyshas been a fantastic satire of superhero stories, and the genre has certainly evolved over the years. With a look to the future,Supermanseems ready to take up the mantle for 2025 and beyond.The DCU seems set to explore the responsibilities of heroes and their relationship to commercialization.AsThe Boysconcludes with season 5, the DCU is set to continue this thrilling journey.

Henry Cavill’s Superman being honored by civilians next to David Corenswet’s first look as Superman

James Gunn’s Superman Is Already Fixing A Problem With The DCEU’s Man Of Steel

James Gunn’s Superman is already proving to fix one of the biggest issues that the DCEU had with its depiction of Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.

DCU’s Superman Set Photos Make A Truly Promising Movie Story Possible

Various Influences From Garth Ennis And The MCU Can Shape The DCU

Understanding the current state of superhero storytelling is crucial in shaping a new cinematic universe. The Marvel Cinematic Universe successfully explored the influence of government and corporate relationships on heroism in films likeCaptain America: Civil War, but it took some time to get there.The DCU, even as a new universe, must address these realities sooner.The way audiences perceive and engage with superhero stories has evolved, and this evolution must be considered in the DCU’s narrative development.

Fortunately,with set photos showing a costumed hero speculated to be Ultraman arresting Superman, it appears that these realities are already set to be addressed.With the film cited to draw influence fromKingdom Come, a story that famously engages with the ideas of heroes as a commercialized institution, it appears that some of this smart, effective commentary may make its way into the DCU. As stories progress through toThe Authority- which itself serves as a superhero parody, despite its heroes existing in the main DC universe - it will be interesting to see how the franchise examines these themes.

Split image of animated Hal Jordan and live-action Hal Jordan played by Ryan Reynolds in the Green Lantern movie

The DCU’s Green Lantern Is Already Repeating Superman’s Origin Trick

The DC Universe’s Green Lantern series appears to be taking the same approach with Hal Jordan and John Stewart that it has with Corewnswet’s Superman.

The DCU Is Perfectly Placed To Weigh In On The Modern Superhero Genre

Self-Awareness And Reflection Are Key For Finding Success With Superman

Superhero movies and television have changed through the years. While early iterations tended to focus on less serious stories, around the 2000s they evolved to tell larger narratives about the world.With the MCU as the most successful entry in the genre’s canon, superhero storytelling has grown grand, sweeping, and immense.It is no longer easy to tell an isolated story without addressing the state of the genre. Similarly, there is more than one flavor of the superhero experience that the DCU will have to contend with, with humorous shows likeHarley Quinnand serious films likeThe Dark Knightdrawing from the same lore.

Luckily, James Gunn appears to be building a universe that is well aware of that.Supermanis set to take place in a populated world that features different kinds of heroism.Some aspects will be subverted and likely warped by institutions, while others, like Superman himself, can bring a fresh and invigorating look at heroism and the superhero genre.Dark and gritty themes that have been popularized can still be engaged with, but Superman himself can remain a bright light at the center of the stories.

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I’ve Completely Changed My Mind About David Corenswet’s Superman Costume

I was not a fan of David Corenswet’s Superman suit at first, but after new set photos, I’m glad to say I’ve changed my mind about Superman’s costume.

Supermanhas a great deal to live up to, but everything coming out about the movie is giving audiences faith that it will be able to do so. The film appears to be smartly built around classic themes, but intends to explore them in new and engaging ways. If done well,Supermancould represent the future of superhero cinema, and how the genre can continue to thrive and survive going forward, even potentially exploring territory that previously may have looked almost impossible for it to delve into.

Superman

Cast

Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.