James Gunn’s DCU Justice League is still forming, but the groundwork is clear following the events in Superman, where superpowered heroes step into the spotlight on Earth. With Gunn’s bold approach to skipping origin stories, metahumans and legendary figures like Superman, Supergirl, and the Justice Gang are already active, offering fans an exciting glimpse into a universe teeming with strength and potential.
Set in a world where Maxwell Lord backs a new superhero group and familiar faces hint at bigger things to come, the James Gunn DCU Justice League is poised to feature some of the most powerful characters in DC lore. The film and related announcements indicate a future where Batman and Wonder Woman will join this dynamic roster, shaping what could be the most formidable Justice League yet.
The New Direction of Gunn’s Justice League
Superman lays out the foundation for a Justice League, introducing heroes like Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) as Green Lantern, Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) in the Maxwell Lord-funded Justice Gang. Although this isn’t yet the official Justice League, their cooperation with Clark Kent (David Corenswet) in saving the city from Lex Luthor’s (Nicholas Hoult) scheme marks a significant team-up in the DCU.
James Gunn clarified on social media that, following changes to Peacemaker Season 1, Superman and Supergirl (Milly Alcock) often collaborate with the Justice Gang, frequently acting as an unofficial league. However, leadership ties to Maxwell Lord are ruled out, indicating the group’s independence.
With anticipation building for upcoming titles like Lanterns, Supergirl, and Man of Tomorrow, speculation is rampant that more iconic heroes, including Batman and Wonder Woman, will soon emerge as part of a fully-fledged Justice League. DC Studios’ new priorities suggest fans will see familiar powerhouses integrate into Gunn’s vision for the team.
The Five Most Powerful Justice League Heroes Ranked
5. Hawkgirl: A Fearless Warrior with a Mysterious Past
Hawkgirl, played by Isabela Merced, introduces a strong new presence in the DCU, making a decisive impact in her debut. In Superman, she decisively defeats Vasil Ghurkos, emphasizing her willingness to act more ruthlessly than Superman when necessary.
Her arsenal of superhuman strength, speed, and durability, along with her ability to soar swiftly through the sky, makes Hawkgirl a fierce contender even if she’s not the top powerhouse. Armed with a signature mace that amplifies her close-quarters skills, she is shown taking down squads of armed fighters and wounding colossal threats like Kaiju.
The suggestion that Hawkgirl’s reincarnation powers may hold deeper secrets adds to her mystique. Still, as evidenced in Superman, she’s fully capable of making an immediate difference without relying on any second chances.
4. Mr. Terrific: Brains, Technology, and Tactical Mastery
Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) may not boast superhuman brawn, but his ingenious mind and advanced technology provide him with an essential edge. Echoing Marvel’s Iron Man, his inventions give him the firepower and versatility to match and sometimes overcome physically stronger foes.
His T-Spheres, small multifunctional drones, serve as powerful tools in combat—scanning, hacking, and acting offensively, including detonating internal threats. Mr. Terrific’s analytical proficiency lets him defeat ordinary opponents swiftly, as demonstrated in the skirmish with Lex Luthor’s Raptors.
While he lacks bulletproof defenses like Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific uses his devices to operate on the battlefield with comparable effectiveness. His intelligence shows in scenes such as his solo decryption of the villainous Pocket Universe.
“I don’t need your help. I’m goddamn Mr. Terrific.”
– Edi Gathegi, Mr. Terrific
3. Green Lantern: Willpower-Powered Might
Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) stands tall among the DCU’s formidable heroes. Empowered by the Green Lantern Corps’ signature Power Ring, he can achieve an extraordinary array of feats, including rapid flight, energy projection, and conjuring enormous constructs based purely on willpower.
In the Superman film, Green Lantern’s prowess was vividly displayed when he neutralized a Kaiju-level adversary using quick, inventive thinking, rescuing Mr. Terrific with well-timed constructs in battle. Gardner’s resourcefulness and the limitless potential of his ring highlight his value to any superhero team.
Traditionally a core figure in DC’s universe, the Green Lantern will likely have an expanded role once the Lanterns series introduces notable members Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) in the coming year.
2. Supergirl: Kryptonian Might and Newfound Promise
Supergirl (Milly Alcock) makes a memorable if brief appearance, her scenes hinting at an overwhelming reservoir of power. Sharing the same Kryptonian physiology as Superman, Kara draws immense strength, velocity, flight, and near-complete protection beneath Earth’s yellow sun.
Even during her limited time on screen, she exhibits remarkable toughness, brushing off blows from her loyal dog Krypto with ease. Audiences will soon see a deeper exploration of her talents in her upcoming solo feature, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, where her origin and abilities are expected to be revealed in full.
If Supergirl’s storyline stays true to her comic heritage, she will be nearly Superman’s equal—setting the stage for her to become a pivotal leader within Gunn’s new Justice League. Her presence signals major changes and new possibilities for the DCU’s future direction.
1. Superman: The Heart and Powerhouse of the DCU
Superman (David Corenswet), the DCU’s most recognizable hero, leads the power rankings. His unique Kryptonian genetics grant him abilities far surpassing those of mere mortals—superhuman strength, tremendous speed, the capacity for flight, and resistance to nearly all physical harm provided by Earth’s sun.
The film demonstrates Superman’s extraordinary talents, witnessing him counter colossal menaces like the Kaiju and endure the harshest environments, from outer space to the edge of black holes. Yet, Gunn’s iteration brings moderation, representing power with humility and human connection, distinguishing this Superman from previous incarnations.
While still nearly unmatched so long as Kryptonite is absent, what sets Superman apart is the combination of his physical gifts and his commitment to humanity—a trait that shapes his interactions and unites his colleagues around a shared mission.
The Future Lineup and Implications for the Justice League
The introduction of these heroes in Gunn’s evolving DCU signals bold changes for the legendary team dynamic. With Maxwell Lord, iconic villains like Lex Luthor, and emerging champions such as Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Guy Gardner already in play, the universe is primed for further expansion.
Anticipation now centers on how soon Batman, Wonder Woman, and other classic figures will join the existing lineup, and how their skills and leadership will reshape the Justice League’s mission. As fans await the arrival of upcoming films and series, the stage is set for a thrilling new era in which the James Gunn DCU Justice League stands ready to face cosmic threats, grounded by emotional intensity and a renewed passion for heroism.
