DC Studios is set to deepen the James Gunn DCU Superman characters roster, confirming that at least a dozen familiar faces from Superman’s world will feature in upcoming films and series. This strategy follows the introduction of David Corenswet’s Superman, anchoring the rebooted timeline and initiating a new wave of interconnected storytelling throughout the highly anticipated Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.
The relaunch has already begun to ripple across the franchise, with successes like Peacemaker Season 2 and the announcements for Man of Tomorrow and DC Crime bringing more Superman-linked characters to the forefront. These entries are poised to significantly expand on the Superman Saga, weaving in new subplots and enriching existing relationships within the DC Universe.
Key Superman Characters Set to Return in Future DCU Projects
Superman Will Take Center Stage in Man of Tomorrow
David Corenswet’s take on Superman anchors the DCU narrative and will return in Man of Tomorrow. Although absent from Peacemaker Season 2, Superman will be drawn into the ongoing conflict following the series, particularly concerning the planet Salvation—intended as a penitentiary for dangerous metahumans. The setup for Salvation stands at odds with Superman’s values, echoing his disapproval of Lex Luthor’s pocket dimension from his solo debut, suggesting growing internal and external tensions for the Kryptonian hero.
James Gunn has hinted at a dramatic partnership ahead, as Superman appears likely to team up with long-time nemesis Lex Luthor to confront an even greater, mysterious threat in Man of Tomorrow, deepening the dualities and alliances within the universe.
Lex Luthor Will Return with New Allies and New Armor
Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, made a striking appearance in Peacemaker Season 2 and is confirmed for a significant presence in Man of Tomorrow. Entering the narrative with a fresh alliance with Rick Flag Sr., Lex’s role is expected to be more action-oriented. Gunn has teased that Luthor will don his iconic green and purple Warsuit for the first time in the DCU, signaling a direct involvement in battles, alongside Superman, against an as-yet-unrevealed adversary, speculated by some to be Brainiac.
Lois Lane Takes on a Pivotal Role in the Sequel
Rachel Brosnahan‘s Lois Lane, intricately linked to Clark Kent’s journey, is also stepping into a larger role for Man of Tomorrow. Building on her demonstrated resourcefulness and resolve during the upheaval in Metropolis, Lois is expected to play a key, action-focused part as the stakes continue to escalate in the franchise’s second Superman film.
Supergirl Embarks on a Cosmic Quest
Kara Zor-el, played by Milly Alcock, stands ready to lead her own adventure in 2026’s Supergirl. The storyline promises an expansive space narrative centered on Kara’s pursuit of revenge against Krem of the Yellow Hills, a formidable antagonist rooted deeply in the cosmic lore. Supergirl’s more impulsive and uncompromising aspects, previously alluded to, are expected to drive the narrative forward.
Further intrigue surrounds possible crossovers, as Supergirl will encounter Jason Momoa’s Lobo and possibly even David Corenswet’s Superman, hinting at complex family dynamics and shared threats across the cosmos.
Krypto the Super Dog Joins the Fray
Krypto, whose appearance in Superman delighted audiences, will return to the screen alongside Supergirl. His arc appears poised to draw directly from Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comics, particularly the storyline where Krypto is poisoned by Krem, providing Kara renewed motivation for her interstellar quest for justice and vengeance in the 2026 movie.
Guy Gardner Returns in Lanterns Series
Nathan Fillion will reprise his role as Guy Gardner for HBO Max’s new Lanterns series. Although Gardner’s exact storyline is mostly under wraps, his well-known self-assuredness is likely to spark friction and possibly comic relief in his interactions with fellow Green Lanterns, John Stewart and Hal Jordan. As Gardner asserts that Earth falls under his jurisdiction, viewers can expect internal rivalry within the Green Lantern ranks, eventually giving way to reluctant cooperation, possibly even as they build toward forming the Justice Gang.
Hawkgirl Faces Consequences and New Challenges
Isabel Merced’s Hawkgirl, who made a strong impression in Superman, will return in Man of Tomorrow. Following a controversial act involving the president of Boravia, Hawkgirl faces potential pursuit from Rick Flag Sr. and the ARGUS agency, marking her as a candidate for imprisonment on Salvation. Hawkgirl, however, has the strength of her alliance with Superman and the Justice Gang, adding both personal and geopolitical tension to the film’s stakes.
Rick Flag Sr. Drives New Conflict Forward
Having played a pivotal role in Peacemaker Season 2, Rick Flag Sr. steps into a leadership position within Salvation in Man of Tomorrow. His uneasy truce with Lex Luthor introduces more uncertainty to the narrative, positioning Flag as a key influencer, potentially urging Superman and Luthor into an unexpected alliance as new, more dangerous adversaries emerge.
Daily Planet Staff Take the Spotlight in DC Crime
The DCU’s expansion continues with DC Crime—a series built around the investigative journalism of the Daily Planet’s finest. Jimmy Olsen, previously instrumental in Lex Luthor’s downfall, leads the cast into this new true-crime venture, investigating supervillains like Gorilla Grodd and building on his character’s growing importance in the expanded DCU. Perry White, the steadfast editor-in-chief, facilitated major revelations by guiding Lois Lane and her colleagues through Luthor’s exposure and subsequent arrest, and his involvement in DC Crime will further examine the Planet’s shift to supervillain coverage.
Steve Lombard, known for his dynamic with Clark Kent, will get more depth as DC Crime allows him to express his own views on Superman and his peers during the aftermath of Metropolis’ chaos. Cat Grant, a gossip columnist with sharp investigative skills, may provide an insider’s look at Daily Planet operations, possibly uncovering more about Clark Kent’s dual identity. Political columnist Ron Troupe, previously persuaded to examine Luthor’s actions, is set for greater development as the series dives into a more layered narrative around the Daily Planet’s newsroom staff.
The Expanding Impact of Superman’s World on the James Gunn DCU
The confirmed return of these twelve James Gunn DCU Superman characters points to a revived focus on interconnected storytelling, combining character-driven plots with high-stakes action across multiple formats. The new status quo introduced by the reboot has set the tone for complex alliances, fresh conflicts, and bold interpretations of classic DC icons.
With multiple story arcs unfolding—such as the Justice Gang’s growth, intergalactic family feuds, and shifting newsroom dynamics at the Daily Planet—the coming years for DC Studios promise an intense, evolving narrative. As more details on salvation’s true purpose, the rise of new supervillains, and the fate of these heroes come to light, audiences can expect increased tension and surprises, reflective of the restless tone driving this new era of the DC Universe.
