As a seasoned comic book enthusiast who’s spent more hours than I care to admit poring over panels and pages, I find myself utterly captivated by the intriguing revelations that have emerged from James Gunn’s “Superman” teaser trailer. From the tantalizing hints of familiar DC villains to the subtle nods to classic Superman stories, this film is shaping up to be a love letter to fans like me who’ve grown up with the Man of Steel.
Since the news broke that James Gunn would direct his own Superman film, fans have been eagerly anticipating what he’d create. When the initial glimpse of James Gunn’s Superman in his suit was unveiled, some fans voiced concerns, with a few commenting that the new attire seemed dull or lacking inspiration. However, upon the debut of the fresh “Superman” teaser trailer, these sentiments persist. Yet, there’s no cause for despair. On the contrary, the latest “Superman” teaser is brimming with content reminiscent of DC Comics, all aimed at expanding a more extensive DC Universe, with Superman once again taking center stage.
Before “Superman” reaches the big screen in July next year, we won’t fully understand Gunn’s take on the material. But based on what has been revealed so far, it appears he’s returning to the character’s blockbuster origins. With a score incorporating John Williams’ famous “Superman March” and some visually stunning shots of David Corenswet as Superman rescuing Metropolis citizens, there’s much anticipation building. Regardless if you’re a fan of Christopher Reeve’s or Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman, we can only hope that Corenswet delivers the character with the same skill as his predecessors.
Hey there fellow gaming enthusiasts! With the highly anticipated release of “Superman” on the horizon, I can hardly contain my excitement as I dissect every frame of this mind-blowing trailer. Sure, some may have spotted the usual DC Comics suspects, but I’m here to point out a few hidden Easter eggs that you might’ve missed. Let’s dive in together!
There’s action on Ross Street
One particularly impactful scene in the two-minute trailer showcases Superman (David Corenswet) rescuing a young girl from a fearsome kaiju monster wreaking havoc in Metropolis. Although we know little about this beast, we couldn’t help but notice that the street sign nearby, where Superman stands, subtly hints at something only avid comic book enthusiasts would recognize as an homage. This dramatic event takes place on Ross Street, possibly a nod to renowned comic artist Alex Ross.
The work of Ross, particularly his take on Superman, stands out as exceptional within the industry – it’s hard not to recognize his impact, especially on James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman. Ross was the creative force behind the visual style of the 1996 DC miniseries “Kingdom Come,” a story focusing on the essence of heroism in the DC Universe and emphasizing the crucial role Superman plays for future generations. Interestingly, Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman bears a striking resemblance to the “S” emblem design of the Man of Steel from the alternate “Kingdom Come” universe. It’s likely that Gunn made this artistic decision as a tribute to this celebrated comic book series, and the Metropolis street sign is another way to acknowledge Ross’ significant contributions to the broader DC lore.
Does Lois know Clark Kent is Superman?
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always admired the secrecy that Superman maintained about his real identity as Clark Kent in the classic narratives. In those old movies and series, it was like he had two completely different personas – the invincible Man of Steel and the timid, often clumsy reporter from the Daily Planet. It wasn’t until the ’90s that Lois Lane found out about his secret, which eventually led to their marriage and a significant change in Superman’s life.
In the trailer for “Superman,” we frequently observe Clark Kent (played by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois) sharing moments with Superman. One memorable instance is when a sorrowful Superman sits next to Lois as Metropolis burns. The final scene shows them flying in the air, locked in a kiss, and another brief moment depicts Lois passionately kissing Clark Kent without glasses. It seems that James Gunn might be avoiding the classic love triangle between Superman, Lois Lane, and Clark Kent that was prevalent in many of the Man of Steel’s early comic book adventures. If this is the case, then “Superman” may bypass much of Lois Lane’s comic book background, allowing her character to swiftly develop into Superman’s most trusted ally and emotional anchor.
Metropolis loves America’s pastime
One aspect of Superman movies that hasn’t been delved into deeply over time is the culture and background of Metropolis itself. This city boasts a rich history within DC Comics, with numerous landmarks, customs, and significant tales beyond just the Daily Planet and LexCorp. It seems like James Gunn, in the first “Superman” teaser trailer, aims to pay tribute to this depth of Metropolis’ past.
In the trailer, there are two instances where references to one (or possibly both) of Metropolis’ top baseball teams are made. In a scene on Ross Street, a banner for one of the city’s baseball teams is displayed, though it’s difficult to identify which one. Later, Superman battles a powerful adversary at the Metropolis Meteors’ stadium. The upcoming “DC’s Spring Breakout! #1” comic in 2024 emphasizes Superman’s passion for sports, and we anticipate that the 2025 “Superman” series will follow suit.
Back in the ’90s, according to the Atlas of the DC Universe, it’s the Metropolis Meteors who rule the National League in our city’s baseball scene, while the Metropolis Monarchs play ball in the American League. I’ve always been a fan of Clark Kent, and he’s usually rooting for the Monarchs. Here’s hoping they make an appearance in the upcoming movie. These two teams have made quite a name for themselves in Superman’s world too. The Meteors got a nod in “Superman & Lois,” and the Monarchs have been part of the wider DC Extended Universe and the “Young Justice” animated series.
It’s LuthorCorp, not LexCorp
In 2001, “Smallville” debuted, focusing on the teenage years of Clark Kent (the Man of Steel), as he discovered and honed his superpowers on his path to becoming a hero. Michael Rosenbaum portrayed Lex Luthor, a character who was influenced by his father, Lionel Luthor (John Glover), and sought to take control of the LuthorCorp business empire. By integrating the Luthors into the family business, “Smallville” delved into the topics of inherited wealth and family legacies in a way that hadn’t been explored before in other stories. In the final season of “Smallville,” it appears that LuthorCorp was rebranded as LexCorp.
In the upcoming series “Superman & Lois,” we see a shift from LexCorp to LuthorCorp, which could pave the way for some exciting storytelling opportunities regarding Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor. Furthermore, keep an eye out for the Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) who perches atop the LuthorCorp building and seems to be tracking someone within, possibly hinting at a new villain role in relation to Superman.
Stagg Industries exists in this film
In the upcoming “Superman” trailer, we also see Stagg Industries, a company that could play a significant role due to its DC Comics history. Named after character Simon Stagg, who debuted as a villain in “The Brave and the Bold” #57 in 1965, this corporation has ties to another film character, Anthony Carrigan’s Rex Mason, better known as Metamorpho. In that same issue of “The Brave and the Bold,” it’s shown that Stagg caused Mason’s transformation from human to extraordinary hero after Mason fell in love with Stagg’s daughter. Although Superman typically doesn’t cross paths with Stagg, their connections to Metamorpho might bring them together in this new film.
It seems likely that Superman’s transformation leads him to Stagg Industries, as Carrigan’s Metamorpho is featured in the trailer. It’s possible that the colossal monster terrorizing the city is a retaliation from Stagg against Rex. Alternatively, this monster could be a byproduct of Stagg’s attempts at revenge.
Who is that robot in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude?
One poignant scene in the “Superman” movie preview is a fleeting view of his Fortress of Solitude. This icy retreat, reminiscent of the Kryptonian crystal fortress from the 1978 original, underscores that even amidst the Arctic’s isolation, Superman never truly stands alone. Apart from the buzz about Krypto, the canine companion in the Superman universe, this new film also introduces a robotic ally for Kal-El. Since there have been several robotic assistants in Superman’s comic book lore, it’s tricky to identify this character precisely, but we do have some speculations.
Given that James Gunn mentioned Grant Morrison’s “All-Star Superman” series influenced his interpretation of Superman, it’s plausible this robot could be one of many Superman-controlled robots, designed for maintaining the Fortress and shielding his identity. Within traditional storylines, Superman has been known to work with robotic allies like those seen in “Action Comics” #282 during the Silver Age.
Indeed, it could well be a rendition of Kelex, the Kryptonian servant from House of El as depicted in John Byrne’s rebooted “The Man of Steel” origin story. You might recall that Kelex made an appearance in 2013’s “Man of Steel” and in certain episodes of the television series “Supergirl.” As a devoted fan, I can’t help but wonder if this android character shares some similarities with this iconic figure.
Conflict occurs in Boravia
One small DC Comics Easter egg that probably blew by even the most die-hard of fans was a glimpse of the war-torn nation of Boravia. The fictional DC Comics nation hasn’t been featured in very many stories since the 1950s and has fallen into relative obscurity, but this small detail actually contains a powerful connection to the Man of Steel.
Since at least 1939’s “Superman” #2, Boravia has been portrayed as a European monarchy that descends into a lethal civil war. Superman’s intervention ultimately leads to its reunification, but this occurs after he compels leaders from both factions to work together. Later appearances of Boravia in the “Blackhawks” comics suggest it lies within the Alps. However, based on the trailer for Gunn’s “Superman” movie, Boravia seems to be situated in a war-ravaged Middle Eastern or desert region within the DCU rather than the Alps.
On the big screen, it’s no surprise that Superman might once again take part in global matters. Just as Christopher Reeve’s Superman disarmed nuclear weapons at the United Nations in “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace,” and Henry Cavill’s Superman prevented an African warlord from harming Amy Adams’ Lois Lane in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), it seems another international crisis may unfold now.
Is there a tragedy in the Kent family?
One key factor that truly defines Superman is the influence of his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. Hailing from Kansas’s heartland, these humble farmers instill traditional American virtues in young Kal-El, encouraging him to pursue truth and justice always. In the movie “Superman,” Pruitt Taylor Vince portrays Pa Kent, while Neva Howell takes on Martha Kent, although only the former appears in the trailer. A poignant scene shows them sitting on the porch together, looking troubled, raising speculation about their situation. Could it be that they’re facing financial difficulties like losing their farm? Or could Martha meet an untimely end, leaving her sons alone? The most likely scenario is that Jonathan Kent might be ill, and this isn’t an unprecedented event in his storyline.
In many popular Superman adaptations, Jonathan Kent usually passes away before witnessing his son don the iconic red cape and blue suit. For instance, in “Superman: The Movie,” Pa Kent played by Glenn Ford perishes from a heart attack, while John Schneider’s version of the character also dies in “Smallville.” In “Man of Steel,” Kevin Costner’s portrayal makes a dramatic decision to prevent his son from saving him, thus concealing his secret identity. The new Superman trailer hints at a potential flashback scene depicting one of Clark’s final moments with his father. Given that James Gunn lists Richard Donner’s “Superman” among his favorite comic book films, it wouldn’t be unexpected if this narrative choice was reflected in his own production as well.
One notable DC villain may be terrorizing Metropolis
In the initial picture of David Corenswet donning his Superman costume, the Steel Man sat, meticulously putting on his boots, with Metropolis under attack behind him. While many people were captivated by the Superman suit itself, dedicated comic enthusiasts spotted a large, radiant orb, resembling an eye, flying in the backdrop. At that time, it was widely believed that this represented the DC Comics villain Solaris, and the recent teaser trailer further supports this notion. First introduced in 1998’s “DC One Million” #1 by Grant Morrison, Solaris is an artificial sun that exhibits a peculiar sentience. Furthermore, the character served as a foe in the comic series “All-Star Superman,” also written by Morrison.
Although it’s unclear why Superman isn’t engaging in combat against this potential Solaris, we can surmise that there must be a logical explanation behind Big Blue’s actions. If the menacing figure outside his window is indeed Solaris, then perhaps the living sun has drained Superman of his powers? Alternatively, he might be hesitant and could benefit from Lois Lane’s support. Regardless, it appears that James Gunn’s exploration into DC Comics mythos will prove rewarding.
Why does the movie kind of look like The Flash?
One intriguing criticism from some viewers on Reddit and X is that certain sections of the “Superman” teaser trailer seem to bear a striking resemblance to 2023’s disappointing blockbuster, “The Flash.” Despite the films appearing to be vastly different in mood, it’s easy to understand why fans are making this observation, particularly when examining scenes featuring Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific alongside the battle sequence involving Michael Shannon’s General Zod towards the end of the movie.
Despite not being a complete flop at the box office, “The Flash” has generally been seen as the weakest link in the DCEU. However, James Gunn, who praised the DC film initially, didn’t let the reception of “The Flash” deter him from hiring the same cinematographer, Henry Braham, for his upcoming Superman reboot.
Previously unbeknownst to many, James Gunn and Henry Jackman had collaborated before, with the latter stepping in for Ben Davis as cinematographer when Gunn took over director of photography duties on “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Following this collaboration, they went on to work together on the third “Guardians” movie, the 2022 “Holiday Special,” and Gunn’s first DC project, “The Suicide Squad” in 2021. Given Jackman’s involvement with Gunn’s DC Universe since its inception, it’s logical that he would be involved in “Superman.” Even if we found “The Flash” disappointing, and every cameo in the movie ranging from worst to best, “Superman” seems to be off to a more promising start.
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2024-12-20 04:01