James Gunn’s new Superman film, currently in theaters, is teeming with intricate Easter eggs that true DC enthusiasts will appreciate. Set in a universe where metahumans have been a public reality for centuries, this version of Superman, played by David Corenswet, operates in a world already familiar with superheroes, creating an atmosphere closer to the comic book roots than previous franchise beginnings like Marvel’s Iron Man or Man of Steel.
This environment allows the film to dive straight into action without a traditional origin story, enriching it with numerous nods to DC’s extensive comic history, Gunn’s previous works, and hints about what future projects might entail. From subtle street signs to character cameos, the film rewards attentive viewers with layers of carefully placed references associated with the James Gunn Superman Easter Eggs theme.
Familiar Faces Behind the Voices in Superman
The cast of Superman includes many of James Gunn’s longtime collaborators who have appeared in his earlier DC projects and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Notable actors Bradley Cooper and Nathan Fillion have significant roles, and several others contribute voice work in more discreet parts. Among these are Jennifer Holland, Gunn’s wife, Alan Tudyk, Michael Rooker, and Pom Klementieff, who voice the robots attending Clark’s Fortress of Solitude. Additionally, Michael Rosenbaum, known for portraying Lex Luthor in the television series Smallville, lends his voice to one of the LuthorCorp Raptors, armored soldiers inspired by the film’s iteration of the character.
Iconic Title Screen as a Tribute to Earlier Superman Films
The movie’s title sequence is a deliberate homage to the original Superman films by Richard Donner starring Christopher Reeve. The animation and highlighting of the logo closely resemble the style of these classic films, serving as a respectful nod to the legacy of the Man of Steel’s cinematic history before the story even begins.
Recognizable Brands in Superman’s World Build Immersion
The movie incorporates various fictional brands drawn from DC’s wide media presence, further enriching the world of Metropolis. These include advertisements for Zesti Cola, the cookie brand Chocos (a favorite of Martian Manhunter), the popular Big Belly Burger fast-food chain, and Stagg Industries, which ties into Rex Mason/Metamorpho’s origin. The frequent appearance of these brands creates an authentic feel of a lived-in world for DC fans. Meanwhile, The Sphere, the film’s fictional news network, appears to be a new introduction to James Gunn’s DC universe.
The Mighty Crabjoys and Their Cultural Footprint
The film spotlights The Mighty Crabjoys, a fictional pop band that Lois Lane playfully teases Clark Kent about during the movie. This band has appeared before in the animated DC Universe series Creature Commandos, with Eric Frankenstein wearing a T-shirt featuring the group, and an advertisement for them teasing the second season of Peacemaker. Additionally, the closing credits feature a song credited to The Mighty Crabjoys, written by James Gunn himself, highlighting their significance across multiple DC projects.
Honoring Christopher Reeve’s Legacy in the New Superman
Although David Corenswet brings a fresh take to Clark Kent, the film pays thoughtful tribute to Christopher Reeve, considered by many the definitive Superman. The score incorporates elements inspired by John Williams’ compositions for Reeve’s Superman, and Will Reeve, Christopher’s son and a television news anchor, makes a cameo as one of the reporters detailing events unfolding in the story.
Frank Grillo’s Enhanced Role Signals Future Storylines
Frank Grillo returns as General Rick Flag Sr., a character he first portrayed in Creature Commandos, with an updated role revealing his promotion to director of A.R.G.U.S., the espionage agency. This change will likely influence upcoming DC projects, with Amanda Waller’s demotion, confirmed by Gunn, set to be explored in greater depth during the second season of Peacemaker.
Peacemaker’s Hostile View Toward Superman
John Cena’s Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, makes a brief but telling appearance, showcasing his lingering distrust and hostility toward Clark Kent. Following a public revelation by Lex Luthor about a recording from Clark’s Kryptonian parents instructing him to conquer Earth, Smith uses this as confirmation of his doubts, echoing the skepticism displayed in the first season of his semi-canonical television show.
The Justice Gang: Early Formation of Legendary Heroes
The film introduces the Justice Gang, a corporate-sponsored superhero team that foreshadows the Justice League. Operating from the iconic Hall of Justice, the group’s name and the Hall’s background hint that an earlier generation of heroes, the Justice Society of America, likely existed for some time in the DC Universe. Supporting this is a mural on one of the Hall’s walls depicting various crime fighters, including a character resembling JSA’s Ted Grant, also known as Wildcat. This sequence was filmed at Cincinnati’s Union Terminal in the Museum Center, a location that inspired the Hall of Justice’s design during the 1970s animated series Super Friends.
Lex Luthor’s Pocket Dimension Displaying His Genius and Danger
Lex Luthor’s development of a pocket dimension serves as a private prison and a means for instantaneous travel, showcasing both his intellect and recklessness. However, this technology isn’t unique; the first season of Peacemaker revealed that August Smith, Christopher Smith’s father and the villain White Dragon, created a similar device dubbed the Quantum Unfolding Chamber. This technology will be further explored in Peacemaker’s second season, emphasizing its significance across the DC Universe.
The Enigmatic “Mr. Handsome” Debuts as a Prison Warden
Within the pocket dimension, the film introduces a mysterious figure called Mr. Handsome, who functions as the prison’s warden. Fans speculate that his pale, grayish-white skin might identify him as a White Martian, a group traditionally portrayed as adversaries to J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter in the comics, adding another layer of connection to DC lore.
Subtle Plot Echoes of Superman’s 1978 Real Estate Scheme
The storyline contains a nuanced reference to the 1978 Superman film where Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor attempted to profit by triggering the flooding of the western United States, a real estate ploy that has been noted as unusual for a superhero movie. In this film, the plot involves Lex inciting a war between Boravia and Jarhanpur, with Boravia’s dictator promising Lex ownership of half of Jarhanpur’s land upon victory. This scheme is uncovered through the investigative efforts of Daily Planet staff including Eve Tessmacher, Jimmy Olsen, and Lois Lane.
Ultraman’s Identity Remains Open to Interpretation
The duplicate Superman working as Lex’s enforcer is called Ultraman, and the film leaves his fate ambiguous as he falls into a black hole created by the pocket universe. While the comic book Ultraman exists in an alternate world, his portrayal here as a clone opens possibilities that he might be an amalgamation of various characters such as Conner Kent (Superboy), Match, Bizarro, or a hybrid of these alongside Ultraman, setting up intrigue for future stories.
Mister Terrific’s Assertive Role Evokes Batman References
Mister Terrific, portrayed by Edi Gathegi, embodies the most Batman-like qualities among Superman’s allies, relying on mental and physical prowess rather than traditional superpowers. One of his lines references a notorious moment from the often-criticized comic All-Star Batman and Robin, where he asserts, “I’m goddamn Mister Terrific,” signaling a bold homage. Additionally, a fleeting scene on a highway sign references Gotham, further linking the film to Batman’s universe.
Maxwell Lord’s Television Appearance Hints at Future Conflicts
Maxwell Lord, owner of LordTech and funder of the Justice Gang, briefly appears on television commenting on Lex Luthor’s arrest. Played by Sean Gunn, Max’s complex comic book history with the Justice League is expected to expand in Peacemaker’s upcoming season, where he will appear alongside Green Lantern Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl.
Lex Luthor’s Imprisonment May Lead to a New Task Force X
Though Lex Luthor’s arrest might seem like justice served, his transfer to Belle Reve prison opens the door for further complications. Belle Reve is known as the base for Waller’s Task Force X, or Suicide Squad. Following Creature Commandos’ storyline where A.R.G.U.S. preferred Task Force M over the Squad due to Congressional bans, Amanda Waller’s character could potentially defy orders and form a new team possibly including Lex, promising unpredictable consequences.
Supergirl’s Role Connects to Upcoming Adaptations
The film concludes with Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl and played by Milly Alcock, arriving at the Fortress of Solitude to reclaim Krypto the Superdog. Kara mentions her habit of traveling to planets with red suns to weaken her powers and enjoy drinking, which aligns with the premise established in the acclaimed comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. This sets the stage for Kara’s forthcoming solo film adaptation.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, offensive tweets by James Gunn from years before emerged, leading to his dismissal from Marvel. These tweets included inappropriate jokes on sensitive subjects, causing public outrage. However, by July 2018, significant changes occurred for the director.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation features a CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog inspired by Ozu. Raised in a Catholic family, Gunn values prayer but describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up in Manchester, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, as a Catholic.
He has five siblings: Sean and Matt, who are actors, Brian, a writer for movies, Patrick, and Beth.
Gunn’s father’s family immigrated from Ireland, making Gunn of Irish heritage.
