James Gunn is ready to bringSupermanback to the big screen with the DCU’s first movie,Superman, hitting theaters Jul 29, 2025. With so much anticipation building for the next iteration of Superman and the beginnings of a cinematic universe for DC Comics, there are some things that we hope that James Gunn has kept in mind when it comes to bringing Superman to live-action to ensure a definitive portrayal of this iconic hero.
The DCU needs to do a few things to win back the grace of fans, and to ensure that this is a Superman that will be remembered fondly, and in need of many sequels for the years to come. The DCU has a checklist of essentials that it needs to get right in order to bring a defining Superman to the big screen.
7Introduce Fun Elements of Superman’s Lore
Different Colors of Kryptonite and Krypto are Prime Examples
Superman doesn’t always have to be a loner, mourning the loss of his planet. There are some aspects of Superman’s lore that embrace the more fun and alien sides of him, like the Bottled City of Kandor, or evenKrypto the Super Dog, who is already confirmed for James Gunn’s Superman.
Elements that embrace the weirder and fantastical help to showcase how diverse the DCU can become, especially with the introduction of different colors of Kryptonite that showcase strange advantages and weaknesses to Kryptonians. There doesn’t always need to be a scientific explanation to have fun.
6The Ultimate Love Story Between Lois and Superman
Lois Lane and Superman’s Romance is Key to the Character
A central aspect of Superman’s character is his human love for Lois Lane, and the love story between the two can really help ground these characters in a romance that becomes larger than life. Embracing the intimacy and growing love that these characters have for each other could be wholesome, and cute, and make for a loving watch.
It would be nice to see theromance between Lois Lane and Clark Kentblossom into something spectacular, as Lois is one of the key reasons why Superman is so happy and hopeful, and who isn’t a sucker for a good love story?
5An Exploration of Superman’s Rogues Gallery
Iconic Villains From Earth and Beyond Deserve Attention
It’s great that James Gunn is using Lex Luthor as his Superman villain of choice. Luthor is the nemesis that Superman needs, and it shows that it doesn’t always have to be about absurd physical strength, but sometimes a super genius. However, Superman does have some great villains that are on par with Batman’s own, so it would be ashame not to utilize them.
Whether Superman is fighting the Kryptonite-infused cyborg of Metallo, or battling monstrous wars against Mongul, or even getting frustrated over the absurdity of the Fifth Dimension’s Mister Mxyzptlk, some villains definitely deserve to appear instead of being ridiculed for being a tad odd.
4The Secret Identity of Clark Kent
Focus on Clark’s Life as a Reporter, Son, and Hero
It’s not just the red cape, trunks, and boots that make Superman such an iconic hero. It’sthe man underneath the Kryptonian, the human within that makes Superman so compelling. Superman’s personal life, his secret identity as Clark Kent, is just as important as Superman to help reign in his humanity and show his life outside of the day-to-day heroics.
It would be nice to see some scenes with Clark Kent and his mother and father, Martha and Johnathan Kent back in Smallville. It would also be nice to see Clark interact with his friends and colleagues at the Daily Planet, showing the stark differences between Clark and Superman.
3No Killing
A Superman Who Doesn’t Kill is a True Superman
Superman believes that all life is sacred, and he should go out of his way to ensure that life remains as such. Superman should not kill, and his rules on the matter should not waver, no matter what. By instilling a sense of preciousness about life itself, this Superman can show how much he cares, and that killing isnot something he is willing to do. Not now, not ever.
Superman’s strict no-killing rule should be established early on, and it helps showcase his brighter and hopeful tendencies in a world that might disagree. Superman shouldn’t tolerate killing, nor should he indulge it, showcasing to the world what a true superhero can be.
2Batman and Superman’s Friendship
The DCU Needs the World’s Finest
Batman and Superman have one of the best friendships in all of comic books. Their harsh opposites and clashing themes are what make them work so well. Batman and Superman have often been depicted in the comics as being best friends, and it’s obvious why. Batman and Superman have incredible chemistry and respect for one another.
With Batman heading to the DCU,these two DC titanswill inevitably interact, and it would be greater than ever to see the two as good friends who respect one another, rather than butting heads and growing seeds of doubt regarding true intentions.
1A Compassionate Superman
A Superman Not Afraid to Save a Cat Out of a Tree
Superman should not be perceived as a god, but instead, as a friend. To easily showcase this, theDCU should embrace what Superman loves about Earthby having him do what some would consider a mundane task. Whether it’s helping an elderly woman cross the street or saving a cat out of a tree, it’s these good morals that make Superman so super above all else.
One of the more heartwarming moments could even be Superman showcasing his vulnerability and compassion by aiding those who wish to take their own life, showing them that there’s always hope even when there doesn’t seem to be any left. A compassionate Superman is a hopeful Superman and one the world needs.
