Small Details You Missed In James Gunn’s Superman

Contains spoilers for “Superman”

Instead of merely presenting a fresh portrayal of Superman by David Corenswet, this film serves as the inaugural project in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase for superhero films in Hollywood. Characters such as Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) are joining forces to combat kaiju and other malevolent entities in this high-profile summer release. Notably, Nicholas Hoult portrays Lex Luthor as the principal antagonist. This production is a tribute to all things DC Comics, and considering that early responses to “Superman” have predominantly been favorable, it appears that Gunn (who both wrote and directed the film) is heading in the right direction.

For those new to the world of superheroes, or perhaps fans who lean more towards Marvel films, “Superman” offers an excellent starting point to familiarize yourself with the essence of this new franchise, serving as a launchpad for the inaugural tale in the DC Universe titled “Gods and Monsters”. Long-time DC enthusiasts, especially those fond of The Last Son of Krypton, will find numerous Easter eggs and subtle details in “Superman” to explore. While ardent DC fans may have spotted many on their own, this can serve as additional reading material to catch what you might’ve missed.

James Gunn brought some friends

James Gunn has been active in the entertainment industry for quite some time and has directed all three “Guardians of the Galaxy” films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, later moving to DC to direct “The Suicide Squad.” Over the years, he’s developed relationships with many people during his filmmaking journey, and several of these acquaintances can be spotted in “Superman.” For instance, Bradley Cooper (known for voicing Rocket Raccoon in the Marvel Universe) portrays Jor-El, Superman’s father. Nathan Fillion, a frequent collaborator of Gunn’s, makes an appearance as Green Lantern Guy Gardner within this new franchise. However, some roles may have gone unnoticed by viewers.

Significantly, the voices of Superman’s robots within the Fortress of Solitude are provided by some familiar faces. Alan Tudyk lends his voice to Robot #4, who goes by the name Gary. Tudyk is renowned for his voiceover abilities, which may explain why Gunn also enlisted him to voice Dr. Phosphorus in “Creature Commandos,” a production that Looper commended for its humorously violent nature and marked as the official launch of the DC Universe. Additionally, two other robots are voiced by Michael Rooker and Pom Klementieff, who played Yondu and Mantis respectively in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films.

Dupree Chemical

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always got my eyes peeled for hidden details, and upon revisiting “Superman,” I stumbled upon something intriguing. In the early scenes, there’s a fleeting glimpse of a truck emblazoned with “Dupree Chemical.” This company, it turns out, made its debut in 1991’s “Justice League Quarterly” #1 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Chris Sprouse. They were the shady sponsors of a new superhero squad known as the Conglomerate – Booster Gold, Vapor, Echo, Maxi-Man, and others were part of this team. Now, Dupree’s intentions weren’t exactly noble; they had ulterior motives for controlling a superhero team. In fact, at one point, they sent the team to quell rebels in another nation, all in the name of safeguarding their own plants.

Although Dupree doesn’t play a direct role in the storyline of “Superman,” there exists a corporate-backed superhero team, known as the LordTech group. This team includes Guy Gardner, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl. It is overseen by Maxwell Lord (portrayed by Sean Gunn). Perhaps in this universe, Dupree inspires another team to rise up, one that will fight for what they believe is right instead of just following the orders of a CEO.

Flo Crawley is back

In a different phrasing: Lex Luthor holds a meeting with various high-ranking government officials, including Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), General Mori (James Hiroyuki Liao), and Flo Crawley (Tinashe Kajese-Bolden). You might recall that Rick Flag had a significant role in “Creature Commandos”. Flo Crawley is the cousin of Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) and played an important part in saving Task Force X during their mission on Corto Maltese. In the series “The Suicide Squad”, Flo’s character has already been introduced. When the team disregards orders, Amanda Waller considers setting off explosives implanted in their necks. However, it is Flo Crawley who manages to knock out Amanda Waller. Following this event, Flo and other A.R.G.U.S. agents assist the team in defeating Starro.

At the conclusion of the movie, Flo is apprehended and presumably imprisoned due to her attack on Waller. Yet, it appears that this hasn’t negatively impacted her professional trajectory. She remains involved in significant meetings with Lex Luthor, suggesting a potential role in an upcoming Amanda Waller spin-off series. However, the status of “The Suicide Squad” within the ongoing narrative is unclear, as James Gunn clarified on BlueSky that only the Creature Commandos sequel is canon. This flexibility may be why Flo continues to work for the government.

Shoutouts to some DC Comics brands

Creating an engaging world in storytelling isn’t only about introducing various characters. It’s equally important to make the setting feel authentic, as if it’s a real alternate universe where characters can move freely and inhabit. This is what makes it enjoyable to notice numerous brands that have been woven into DC media throughout the years.

In the course of Superman’s battle with the monster, we observe a scene from above filled with various advertisements, among them one for Big Belly Burger. This fast-food chain has been present in DC comics since its debut in “Adventures of Superman” issue 441 by John Byrne, Jerry Ordway, and Dennis Janke. In the Arrowverse shows on The CW, it became a common sight, appearing frequently as a quick meal option for characters across different realities.

An advertisement features Zesti Cola, another brand often seen in DC Comics. The real question is whether these fictional brands coexist with actual companies like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. If not, viewers can be reassured that there won’t be any incongruous product placements in upcoming DC movies.

Shoutouts to some DC Comics creators

James Gunn has made an effort to be more open about the numerous writers and artists who have influenced these comic book characters throughout the years. He even went as far as using social media to clarify that comic book creators are indeed compensated for their works being used: “Both DC and Marvel pay comic book authors for their creations. I have built personal relationships with many, if not most, of the writers who have created characters that I’ve been grateful to include in my films.

The movie appears to incorporate tributes to different comic book creators as well. For instance, there’s a store named “Vincenzo’s,” likely in honor of Darren Vincenzo, a former editor, writer, and colorist for DC Comics on titles like “Superman.” Additionally, when Superman is being arrested, you can see a street sign that reads “Waid St.,” which might be a tribute to Mark Waid, a long-time contributor to both Marvel and DC books, most notably writing the influential “Kingdom Come.

> Even Waid mentioned the sign’s appearance several months before the movie’s release on his social media platform, emphasizing how significant it is to be acknowledged for adding to the legacy of Superman. Interestingly, Waid was invited to the “Superman” premiere, making it heartening to see Gunn acknowledging those who have shaped Superman into the character he is today.

Peacemaker returns

The upcoming DC movie could potentially be “Supergirl,” however, another DC Universe project titled “Peacemaker” Season 2 is set to premiere on HBO Max in August 2025. There has been much speculation about how the character, portrayed by John Cena, will fit into this new narrative continuity. As of now, it’s unclear, but one thing we do know: he’s now in Superman’s realm.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my thoughts when I see Peacemaker appearing on the news, addressing the shocking revelation that Superman’s parents intended for him to conquer Earth. Given his outspoken nature during the first season of “Peacemaker,” it’s no surprise to hear him voice some strong opinions about the Man of Steel, especially considering his previous remarks about Superman’s questionable interests, like his supposed fixation on… well, let’s just say toilet humor.

It seems that “Peacemaker,” as portrayed in the DC Extended Universe, would have been referring to Henry Cavill’s depiction of the character. In the trailer for Season 2, it looks like “Peacemaker” may encounter a version similar to himself, suggesting multiple realities could be involved. It’s possible that “Peacemaker” might accidentally step into an entirely new franchise.

The Mighty Crab Joys

Lois Lane could be described as punk rock, yet Clark Kent is more like an ardent follower of The Mighty Crab Joys. In the movie’s early scenes, Lois openly shows her contempt for the band, whereas Clark expresses genuine enthusiasm. His fondness for the band stretches back to his childhood, as a Mighty Crab Joys poster is visible in Clark’s old room. It seems that James Gunn isn’t just focused on superhero universe-building; he has also crafted a rock band that has permeated every corner of the DCU thus far.

In our previous encounter with this band, it was in “Creature Commandos”. During a clash between The Bride (Indira Varma) and Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), he donned a Mighty Crab Joys t-shirt. Moreover, the trailer for Season 2 of “Peacemaker” contains a quick scene of a character leaping off a rooftop, and there’s a billboard showcasing some members from The Mighty Crab Joys. Although they might not be Lois’ cup of tea, it seems that DCU prominent figures are fond of The Mighty Crab Joys. Now all we need is a complete album from them!

Was that Sapphire Stagg?

Initially resisting his villainous role, Rex Mason (portrayed by Anthony Carrigan), also known as Metamorpho, is coerced into captivity by Lex, who forces him to transform parts of his body into kryptonite in order to weaken Superman. This action stems from Lex’s manipulation, as he keeps Mason’s son, Baby Joey, hostage. However, when Mason rediscovers his compassionate nature, he assists Superman in breaking free. In the subsequent scene, Mason is seen watching a news broadcast with a woman sporting blonde hair, portrayed by Louisa Krause.

As a gamer immersed in this comic book universe, I’d bet my last game coin that the woman I just encountered is Sapphire Stagg. She’s known for being Metamorpho’s wife, Joey’s mom, and the daughter of the big boss at Stagg Industries, Simon Stagg. We already saw Superman enter one of their buildings earlier, so it’s clear that Stagg Industries is part of this world.

It seems likely that Sapphire and Metamorpho have followed a similar path to their comic book counterparts. In the comics, she falls in love with Rex before his mutation. And guess what? During a business trip on her father’s behalf, it was during this time that Rex encountered a powerful meteoric light, which transformed him into an elemental man – just like in the stories I grew up reading.

Despite Sapphire not having any dialogue in ‘Superman’, her appearance showcases James Gunn’s commitment to maintaining DC’s mythology. Metamorpho is undeniably one of the standout characters in this film, leaving room for optimism that Sapphire might play a more significant role in future projects.

Lex Luthor’s new country is a deep cut

It turns out that Lex Luthor isn’t just trying to profit from selling weapons to Boravia for them to fight against Jarhanpur. Instead, he’s secretly colluding with the president of Boravia, with the ultimate goal being that when Boravia conquers Jarhanpur, Luthor gets half of it. The Daily Planet team uncovers this information and even manages to catch a glimpse of Lex’s new map, which shows Jarhanpur split into two parts, one of which is named “Luthoria.”

(This version maintains the original meaning but rephrases some sentences for easier reading and better flow.)

It makes sense that Luthor would pick a name like Luthoria for his country, given his ego. However, since James Gunn is known for his intricate references to comic books, it’s hard to believe he didn’t notice that Luthoria is also a name from DC Comics. This name was actually used for a country in the comics, but it hasn’t been significant for many years. It first appeared in “Detective Comics” #34 from 1939, written by Gardner Fox, Bob Kane, and Sheldon Moldoff.

It turns out that Luthoria, a character from the comics, doesn’t seem to be connected to Lex Luthor at all. This is because Lex Luthor didn’t debut until 1940, and Luthoria predates him. Unfortunately, Lex won’t get a chance to interact with Luthoria, as Superman prevents his schemes by the end of the movie.

Otis returns

2025’s film titled “Superman” honors the iconic character’s rich legacy. Director James Gunn has discussed the movie’s inspirations, ranging from the comic book series “All-Star Superman” to Zack Snyder’s portrayal starting with “Man of Steel.” Undeniably, the character wouldn’t be as we know him today without Richard Donner’s 1978 film “Superman: The Movie,” and its sequels. In this new version, Gunn has reintroduced the humorous elements from the original “Superman: The Movie,” although it should be noted that his comedic touch isn’t as pronounced in this instance.

Initially, Otis (Ned Beatty) was introduced in the 1978 film as Lex Luthor’s clumsy assistant. Despite his constant blunders, he attempted to secretly name one piece of California land “Otisberg” when Lex planned on buying properties at a discount. Since then, Otis has been featured in various DC productions like “Young Justice” and “Supergirl.” In the 2025 movie “Superman,” Otis will reappear on the big screen, portrayed by Terence Rosemore.

Rosemore often works alongside James Gunn, most notably in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “The Suicide Squad.” Unfortunately, it appears that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has set a trend for superhero films to lack distinctive henchmen, a trend that seems to have been followed here, as Otis’ role is quite minimal, almost too brief to notice.

Lex goes to Belle Reve

In the climax of the movie, I find myself being dragged into a vehicle and informed that I’m bound for Belle Reve. To anyone versed in DC comics, this name rings a bell – it’s where they lock up super-powered villains. While I don’t possess any powers myself, evidently, the authorities consider me a threat worthy of incarceration in such a high-security facility.

It turns out that Belle Reve serves as the location where Amanda Waller selects her team members for the Task Force X, also known as the Suicide Squad. However, since not everything in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” will be considered canonical moving forward, it remains uncertain whether Lex Luthor will run into Calendar Man (portrayed by Sean Gunn) and ponder why he bears a striking resemblance to Max Lord.

It appears that, with his extensive assets and wealth, it’s hard to imagine Lex will remain imprisoned at Belle Reve for much longer. However, keeping him out of the scene could pave the way for another villain from Superman’s rogue gallery to take center stage in a potential “Superman” sequel.

Krypto is Supergirl’s dog

As a gamer, I can relate this scenario like so: Though Superman seems fond of Krypto on some level, there’s an underlying tension towards the pup that’s hard to miss. At one point, he mentions that Krypto is more like a foster pet for him. It becomes crystal clear at the end when Supergirl (Milly Alcock) smashes into his icy lair. Turns out, Krypto belongs to Supergirl, and she’s here to retrieve him.

It’s likely that we’ll see Krypto again when “Superman 2” is released, but he seems to have other commitments first. The upcoming “Supergirl” movie, initially named “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” will incorporate aspects from the comic book of the same name by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. In this story, Krypto is included, however, fans should be prepared for some potential dog danger.

2025-07-11 05:01