James Gunn’s Superman Will Feature an Iconic DC Location With Major Implications for the DCU

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James Gunn’s highly anticipated “Superman” movie is almost upon us, with the upcoming blockbuster set to kick off a connected DC universe in style. This “Superman” film is the second project under DC Studios’ umbrella, but it’s the first to really take center stage. In this movie, we’ll be introduced to David Corenswet as Superman, alongside other well-known characters like Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Jimmy Olsen, and many other traditional Superman allies. Additionally, Gunn’s “Superman” is expected to lay the groundwork for a larger DC Universe, introducing characters such as Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and others who wear costumes in the DC universe.

In simpler terms, Superman intends to create both an individual story that pleases audiences, as well as lay the groundwork for a fascinating universe that viewers would eagerly invest in for the next ten years. As hinted by photos leaked last year, it’s been confirmed that the Hall of Justice will be featured in this movie. This structure plays a significant role in establishing the DCU’s Justice League world.

The Hall of Justice Dates Back to the ’70s

Various iconic spots span the DC Universe, including the Daily Planet building and Wayne Manor. The Hall of Justice is also among them, albeit not a creation from comic books alone. Instead, the Hall of Justice has roots beyond just comics.

In the pilot episode that aired on September 8, 1973, the Hall of Justice, which later became the headquarters for the team of superheroes in the series, was first introduced. This iconic location eventually found its place in the DC comic book universe through Justice League of America #7, published in 2007.

One aspect of DC that captivates me is its resemblance to an alternate history. It’s not just Gotham City, Metropolis, Star City, or Bloodhaven; it’s a multitude of distinct places in an alternate reality. In some respects, it mirrors Westeros. What I adore about this is the opportunity to develop authentic world-building within DC. It isn’t merely adding superheroes to Earth; instead, it offers a more intricate and immersive narrative experience, which I believe sets it apart from Marvel at present.

The Hall of Justice bears a striking similarity to the Union Terminal in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving as its real-life model. Although the creators of ‘Super Friends’ never explicitly acknowledged this inspiration, it’s worth noting that Hanna-Barbera, the studio responsible for the show, was eventually acquired by Taft Broadcasting, a company based in Cincinnati. This connection, coupled with the striking resemblance between the two structures, led to the filming of the 2025 ‘Superman’ movie at the actual location.

In various DC stories and series, such as Super Friends, the Hall of Justice is often depicted as an iconic landmark, but its exact location varies throughout the years. While some comics place it in Washington D.C., others situate it in fictional cities like Gotham City or Metropolis. Given James Gunn’s plans to expand the DC Universe with fictitious cities, it’s possible that the Hall of Justice has found a new home within this shared universe, potentially in Metropolis.

The DCEU Planned To Use Wayne Manor As the Justice League HQ

Beyond its presence in comic books, the Hall of Justice has also found a home in both live-action and animated DC productions. In the realm of animation, it has been featured in shows like “Justice League Unlimited”, “Young Justice”, and “Justice League Action”.

In video games like “Injustice: Gods Among Us” and “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” as well as the live-action series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” often reference a location known as the Hall of Justice. However, it’s important to note that the depiction in “Lois & Clark” differs significantly from the actual building. When it comes to live-action portrayals, the Arrowverse has come closest to accurately depicting the Hall of Justice, with an old S.T.A.R. Labs hangar serving as the heroes’ base during the “Invasion!” and “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover events.

Other Notable Hall of Justice Appearances
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Invasion! (Arrowverse)
Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)
Young Justice
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Instead of showing the grand Hall of Justice consistently throughout the DC Extended Universe, as other iterations do, Justice League offered a glimpse of it. In the Knightmare scene (only found in Zack Snyder’s version), a damaged Hall of Justice flashed by momentarily.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about a hint dropped at the end of the movie, suggesting a new location for the Justice League’s abode – none other than Wayne Manor! In a scene that left us yearning for more, Bruce Wayne mentioned arranging six chairs, with Wonder Woman adding that there should be space for additional seats. Unfortunately, the DCEU didn’t have the chance to fully develop the Justice League’s headquarters, as only one film showcasing the team was released.

In Superman, the Hall of Justice Will Serve a Different Purpose For Now…

In the movie “Superman”, also known as the Man of Steel, you’ll find him interacting with other superheroes, since in this universe, meta-humans have been around for about 300 years. Consequently, the upcoming film will introduce a new team created by Gunn, called the Justice Gang. This group is comprised of Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific.

As a fervent fan, I’m excited about Maxwell Lord stepping into the spotlight in the DCU as he takes charge of the team. His corporate approach makes for an intriguing contrast to Superman, particularly since we’re dealing with a group of superheroes who have embraced the business world. In the DCU, we’ll find the Justice Gang residing in the Hall of Justice – a building owned by Lord as portrayed in the film, and currently under construction.

Although an official Justice League film hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s likely that the team will eventually come together within the DC Universe if the franchise thrives. The Hall of Justice appears to be the initial hint we have so far about this potential formation. However, it’s important to note that the Hall of Justice isn’t the only place where the Justice League calls home; either they might claim it from the current occupants (the Justice Gang), or a different location within the DCU will serve as their new headquarters.

For people like Gunn who grew up with the Super Friends, the Hall of Justice is a well-known place from DC’s past. This building holds special significance for the DC Universe as it represents a key moment in its history. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) took inspiration from the original source material to create memorable settings, such as Stark Tower being transformed into Avengers Tower and later. The MCU has established many recurring locations throughout its run, and the DC Universe plans to follow suit by creating similar iconic locations in the future.

In the upcoming film, you’ll find two iconic locations from Superman’s world: The Daily Planet and the Fortress of Solitude. However, the Hall of Justice hints at something much larger. After the debate surrounding the first Justice League movie, one of DCU’s main objectives is to portray the team accurately this time. To accomplish this, they’re starting small by subtly alluding to the team in Superman, using a well-known location that has already been established. This approach creates an exhilarating path leading up to the anticipated team-up.

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2025-07-07 04:37