James Gunn DCU flying superheroes are expanding, as the franchise is poised to introduce its eighth character with flight abilities in 2026, following Superman, Supergirl, and several others already revealed. This move continues a pattern of bringing iconic and fresh faces to the screen, with the new flying hero set to further energize the DCU in the coming years.
DC Studios Charts a New Course with Flying Heroes
The anticipated launch of the David Corenswet-led Superman in 2025 marks a pivotal moment for James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios, ushering in a new era for the franchise on the big screen. Alongside Superman’s debut, the DCU has already introduced fan-favorite heroes and formidable villains, several of which possess flight. Veterans like Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Mr. Terrific have demonstrated airborne abilities, signaling a dynamic and action-packed future for the universe.
In footage showcased during the HBO Max Upfront event held in São Paolo, Brazil, in late 2025, new scenes from the upcoming Lanterns series drew attention to Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler. The preview, as reported by Nerdaterrado, confirmed Hal Jordan’s capability to fly, officially making him the eighth DCU figure granted that power and reinforcing the franchise’s commitment to spectacular superhuman feats.
How Hal Jordan Gains His Power of Flight
Hal Jordan’s flight stems directly from his Green Lantern power ring, a device activated by willpower and designed to bestow its bearer with remarkable abilities—including flight. Unlike innate fliers like Superman and Supergirl, Hal depends on the continuous use and presence of the ring, meaning he cannot soar without it. Flight is an essential aspect of any Green Lantern, instantly deployed as soon as the wearer dons the ring, emphasizing the blend of science fiction and heroism at the DCU’s core.
As the Green Lantern Corps prepares to welcome John Stewart as a new recruit, there is increasing speculation that he, too, will soon unlock flight through his own power ring, ensuring the lineage of airborne champions will only expand.
A Comprehensive Look at Main DCU Characters Who Can Fly
The DCU’s roster now boasts a growing number of main characters—each unique, yet united by their mastery of the skies. Below is a detailed look at every prominent flying hero introduced or confirmed in current storylines.
Superman: The Original Icon of Flight
Superman epitomizes flight, his Kryptonian physiology combined with Earth’s yellow sun allowing him to soar at breathtaking speeds. In the upcoming 2025 film, David Corenswet’s portrayal showcases classic Superman airborne action, mirroring the fast, powerful flight maneuvers familiar to fans and likened to a jet fighter in pivotal scenes. Superman remains the gold standard for superhuman flight within the DCU, setting the bar for others who follow.
Supergirl: Mirroring Her Cousin’s Abilities
Like Superman, Supergirl’s Kryptonian genetics afford her the natural ability to fly. However, a significant point of distinction involves planetary conditions—if she finds herself under a red sun, as explored in her storylines, her flight powers are completely diminished, leading to distinctive story moments. Traditionally, Kara Zor-El requires a yellow sun to fully recharge her abilities and regain her place among the DCU’s aerial defenders.
Guy Gardner: Another Lantern Takes Flight
Guy Gardner, who made a memorable entrance in James Gunn’s Superman, can also fly due to his Green Lantern power ring. His abilities, much like Hal Jordan’s, are rooted in advanced ring technology powered by personal will, highlighting the versatility of the Green Lantern Corps.
Hawkgirl: Alien Wings Give Natural Flight
Hawkgirl’s ability to fly is woven into her character, supported by both her alien origins and physical makeup. James Gunn’s confirmation in early 2025 that Kendra Saunders’ wings are entirely organic further emphasizes her unique blend of biology and heroism. As a winged warrior, Hawkgirl fuses extraterrestrial heritage with dynamic flight, enhancing the DCU’s diversity of airborne heroes.
Mr. Terrific: Soaring with Technological Genius
Mr. Terrific approaches flight differently, using his intelligence to invent T-spheres—innovative gadgets providing propulsion and limited levitation during confrontations. Though not a born flier, his creative use of technology enables him to keep pace with naturally gifted peers, embodying the spirit of human ingenuity within the superhero community.
Metamorpho: Elemental Transformation for Lift
Metamorpho wields the remarkable power of elemental transformation, enabling him to alter his physical form for varied propulsion and movement. This was vividly demonstrated during a dramatic escape alongside his child Joey, Krypto, and Superman as they navigated a perilous pocket dimension, showcasing how inventive manipulation of physical properties unleashes unconventional flight.
Blue Dragon: Heroic Flight from Another Earth
Peacemaker Season 2 introduced Blue Dragon, an alternate-universe counterpart of Auggie Smith originating from a Nazi-dominated Earth. This version of the character relies on an advanced armored suit packed with cutting-edge upgrades. The costume’s built-in jetpack and thruster system give Blue Dragon the ability to soar, expanding the possibilities for epic aerial battles across the multiverse.
Peacemaker: Alternate Reality Brings New Abilities
While the original Peacemaker (Christopher Smith) from the core DCU lacks airborne abilities, his doppelgänger from Nazi Earth, also featured in Peacemaker Season 2, attains flight thanks to specialized armor enhancements comparable to Blue Dragon’s suit. This equips him to engage in dazzling, gravity-defying feats not seen in the character’s original form.
Captain Triumph: Engineering Meets Expertise
Captain Triumph, revealed as Christopher Smith’s brother, adopts a suit with a sophisticated propulsion system dedicated to flight. His expertise is not limited to the air—his mastery allows him to dismantle threats such as helicopters during heated encounters, a testament to both the ingenuity and high stakes of the expanding DCU landscape.
The Broader Impact of More Flying Superheroes
James Gunn’s vision for the DCU brings together a rich mix of characters, backgrounds, and technologies, emphasizing both tradition and innovation through an expanding roster of flying superheroes. As John Stewart’s arrival approaches, and with Hal Jordan, Superman, and others already established, fans can look forward to increasingly complex stories and dynamic action sequences set against the backdrop of a universe in constant evolution.
The continual rise of new aerial heroes promises to open doors for team-ups, rivalries, and spectacle, shaping not only the DCU’s direction on screen but also reinforcing the enduring appeal of flying superheroes within global pop culture.
