Superman’s Connection to the New Justice League, Explained

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Summary

  • Superman
    will feature the Justice League International & Authority, setting up the new DC Universe.
  • Superman, not part of a corporate team, brings optimism by doing the right thing for the sake of it.
  • James Gunn establishes superheroes already existing in the world and sets up for a new era of DC characters.

This article discusses the upcoming film “Superman” and how the Justice League International (JLI) will be portrayed in the movie. The JLI is depicted as a corporate team, similar to The Seven from “The Boys,” but without the same level of violence and questionable behavior. Superman, played by Jonathan Corenswet, is seen working with the JLI in set photos, but he’s not wearing their branded suits and doesn’t appear to be a member of the team. Instead, Superman wears a traditional Superman suit and operates independently. The article also mentions that the Authority, another superhero team, will be featured in the film. Overall, the article suggests that “Superman” is laying the foundation for James Gunn’s new DC Universe by introducing Superman into a world where superheroes already exist and are a part of everyday life. The movie aims to define what makes Superman unique and inject new life into the superhero genre which has been experiencing fatigue in recent years. “Superman” is set to be released on July 11, 2025.

James Gunn’s new “Superman” movie is actively being produced with outdoor shoots in Cleveland. This has provided fans with their initial peeks at several characters in the production. Initially, images revealed David Corenswet as Superman collaborating with Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Subsequently, we caught glimpses of Corenswet’s Clark Kent and a cast of Daily Planet colleagues, including Rachel Brosnahan portraying Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Steve Lombard, and Cat Grant. However, the latest photos offer the most promising insights into the film’s narrative.

In the recently unveiled images, Superman and Mister Terrific join forces with other previously announced heroes for an upcoming film. These heroes consist of Nathan Fillion portraying the Guy Gardner variant of Green Lantern, and Isabela Merced stepping into the role of Hawkgirl. The intriguing aspect lies in their new costumes: Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific don uniforms displaying emblems signifying membership in Justice League International.

As a dedicated gamer and avid follower of the DC Universe, I’m thrilled about the unexpected addition of the Justice League International to Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. This game-changing move could significantly alter our initial expectations for the movie’s narrative. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into the future landscape of this dynamic universe when Superman soars back into action in 2025. Here’s a rundown of what we currently know:

What Makes the Justice League International Different

To begin with, it’s crucial to recognize the difference between the Justice League International and the conventional Justice League. The traditional Justice League is the well-known team composed of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and other primary DC superheroes. This group is typically founded and managed by the heroes themselves, and they have their own headquarters, such as the Hall of Justice. We’ve encountered this team in films before, notably through 2017’s “Justice League” and Zack Snyder’s alternate cut, titled “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” which was released in 2021.

Regarding the Justice League International, their dynamics diverge from the conventional Justice League in several aspects. The team’s name itself signifies their focus on addressing issues that transcend national borders. Moreover, they don’t function independently; instead, they are backed by the United Nations and frequently collaborate with Maxwell Lord’s company, Lord Technologies. Consequently, the Justice League International can be seen as a more corporate entity compared to the traditional Justice League. In essence, they share some similarities with The Seven from “The Boys,” but without the same level of violence and ethical ambiguity.

Based on the evidence from the set photos and casting information, it’s strongly suggested that the team depicted is indeed the Justice League International. The presence of the LordTech logo, which includes a “J,” “L,” and “I,” has been spotted on various props and advertisements throughout the filming location. This same emblem can be seen on the costumes of Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific. Additionally, Sean Gunn’s character in the movie is named “Lord,” further strengthening the theory that he will lead this iteration of the Justice League. It’s also worth mentioning that another superhero group, the Authority, has been confirmed to be part of the film as well, and they seem to work under government authority.

How Superman Factors Into Justice League International

What role does Superman play in the Justice League International for this storyline, as depicted in the film? The title character, portrayed by Corenswet, differs from other Justice League International members with his attire – he wears a classic Superman suit with red briefs instead of the usual white LordTech uniform. In these photos, Superman can be seen collaborating with the team, but it’s unclear whether he is a member or if they welcome his presence.

Based on Gunn’s previews of the film, it appears that Superman will join a universe brimming with other superheroes. Given the presence of the corporate Justice League International and the governmental Authority, the arrival of Superman could potentially stir up some controversy. Unlike these entities, Superman is expected to operate independently without any government or corporate control.

He acts autonomously, free from external influence or motivations, choosing to do what is morally right solely for that reason. This sets him apart as a refreshing contrast in the current landscape of rigidly structured superhero groups.

What This Means for James Gunn’s DCU

In 2025’s “Superman,” the presence of both the Justice League International and the Authority offers an intriguing glimpse into James Gunn’s vision for the new DC Universe. As the inaugural film in the rebooted DC franchise, “Superman” carries a significant responsibility. It must introduce a fresh universe, reacquaint audiences with classic characters, and distinguish itself from previous DC iterations such as the Snyderverse and DCEU. Given the magnitude of this undertaking in the comic book film genre, James Gunn, with his proven track record, appears to be the ideal choice for the job.

In “Superman” set in 2025, Joss Whedon introduces the idea that two established superhero teams are already present in the DC Universe, making it a world where superheroes have become an integral part of society. This is a departure from “Man of Steel” (2013) which initiated the DCEU by introducing Superman to a world without any known superheroes. Instead, in this scenario, Superman joins a preexisting mix of various superhero characters, implying that he may not be the first superhero but rather a new addition to an already bustling scene.

Through his unique take on “Superman,” Gunn will effectively highlight what sets this iconic character apart from the multitude of superheroes portrayed in films over the past two decades. By placing Superman within an established superhero universe, Gunn is constructing a foundation for this legendary figure to surprise and invigorate not only that universe’s standard but also our contemporary superhero movie genre.

In today’s movie scene, superhero fatigue is a significant issue. Gunn seems determined to counteract this trend with his take on “Superman.” If he falls short, DC films will remain in their slump of the past five-plus years. Conversely, if Gunn succeeds, he could inaugurate a new era for DC characters in cinemas. The release date for “Superman” is July 11, 2025.

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2024-07-14 04:32