James Gunn’s Superman movie introduces a major revision to the iconic hero’s origin story, transforming long-held beliefs about why Kal-El was sent to Earth. This change, revealed in the film’s climactic moments, fundamentally alters Superman’s backstory and carries implications for his future within the DC Universe (DCU).
Rather than presenting a traditional origin story, the film begins in medias res, focusing on Superman’s current adventures. However, through key plot elements and Easter eggs, it eventually conveys the origins of Superman’s journey from Krypton to Earth, setting the stage for this groundbreaking retcon.
The Hidden Truth Behind Superman’s Arrival on Earth
A crucial element in the film is a video recording from Superman’s biological parents, Jor-El and Lara. This message, intended for their son Kal-El, initially appears to reflect the classic understanding: they chose Earth as a sanctuary where he could protect mankind. This belief shapes Clark Kent’s identity and heroic motivations throughout much of the film.
However, the storyline takes a dark turn when villains led by Lex Luthor breach the Fortress of Solitude. Among them is The Engineer, a dangerous antagonist enhanced with nanotechnology, who recovers and repairs the damaged video. Lex Luthor then broadcasts the restored message worldwide, revealing a sinister truth that shifts the entire narrative.
The complete recording exposes that Jor-El and Lara did not send Kal-El to Earth to become a symbol of hope or to save humanity. Instead, their motive was far more troubling: knowing Kal-El’s immense powers, they intended for him to enslave Earth’s population, claim multiple wives, and ultimately repopulate the universe with Kryptonian descendants.
This revelation radically departs from the established Superman mythos, where the infant Kal-El’s journey to Earth was simply an act of survival. Traditionally, Krypton’s leaders sent him away because Earth was a habitable refuge safe from their planet’s destruction. The film acknowledges this interpretation in the first half of the message, but the second half upends it with a disturbing agenda.
Implications of the Retconned Origin for Superman and the DC Universe
The alteration to Superman’s origin deeply affects his character arc, introducing a profound moral crisis. Clark Kent initially draws strength from the belief that he is a beacon of hope intended to protect Earth. The revelation that his parents’ true intent was domination unsettles him and forces reflection on his own values.
Clark’s visit to the Kent family farm becomes even more significant, as Jonathan and Martha Kent—his adoptive parents—are shown to instill the ideals of kindness and justice that define the hero. These human influences ultimately allow Superman to reject his biological parents’ dark intentions and embrace his role as Earth’s defender.
The retcon also casts a shadow over Krypton and its legacy, painting the once-revered planet and its people in a tainted light. This development may impact related characters, such as Supergirl, who appears briefly in the film in a troubled state. With Krypton’s reputation diminished, Earth’s inhabitants might view her with suspicion despite Superman’s heroics.
Going forward, the film hints that the DCU will explore these consequences more fully, particularly the broader ramifications of this origin story shift on Kryptonian characters and their relationship with humanity.
Why This New Take on Superman’s Origin Enhances His Character
The retcon has sparked debate due to its stark departure from established lore, yet it also reinforces the thematic heart of James Gunn’s Superman. Unlike previous versions, this portrayal emphasizes goodness and moral integrity in a world often indifferent or hostile to such values.
By revealing that even Kal-El’s birth parents harbored selfish and malicious designs—such as exploiting Earth and its people for Kryptonian replication—the film underscores that evil is not exclusive to human villains like Lex Luthor. The revelation challenges Clark to define himself by choices rather than heritage.
The film’s core message emerges from this tension: Clark’s identity as Superman is grounded not in his Kryptonian bloodline, but in the human virtues taught by the Kents. This human-first approach marks a significant thematic departure, making Superman’s fight for justice and decency feel more urgent and personal.
Gunn’s reinvention stresses that Superman’s true power lies in his refusal to obey unjust authority or succumb to inherited darkness. This makes him a hero to admire for his resilience against corruption, no matter the source.
Though the retcon may divide fans, it ultimately serves to highlight the moral battles at the center of Superman’s story, giving his character a fresh and complex foundation within the DC Universe.
Main Cast Bringing New Dimensions to Iconic Roles
David Corenswet leads as Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El, portraying the hero’s nuanced struggle with his identity and legacy. Rachel Brosnahan joins as Lois Lane, adding depth to the supporting roles surrounding Superman and enriching the film’s narrative layers. Together, the cast underscores the film’s focus on character-driven storytelling amid the bold retcon.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn was let go from Marvel because some old, offensive tweets of his surfaced. These tweets, which included jokes about serious topics like pedophilia, abuse, and r-pe, caused a lot of public anger. Everything shifted dramatically for him that July.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. In Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation, Krypto the Superdog’s updated CGI look was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and continues to value prayer. However, he has also expressed that he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up in a Catholic family in Manchester, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.
He has five siblings: Sean, who acts; Matt, an actor and political writer; Brian, who writes for films; as well as Patrick and Beth.
Gunn’s family has Irish roots, with his father being from an Irish immigrant family.
