The new “Superman” film, starring David Corenswet, not only delivers a standalone adventure but also cleverly sets the stage for the broader rebooted DC Universe, including connections to “Peacemaker” Season 2 and future character introductions.
Superman’s Story Unfolds
Directed by James Gunn, the latest “Superman” movie picks up with Clark Kent already established as the Man of Steel and a reporter at the Daily Planet. David Corenswet steps into the iconic role, joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as the formidable Lex Luthor.
The film skips the traditional origin story, showing a world where metahumans are a known entity. Instead, it dives straight into Superman’s conflicts, primarily with Lex Luthor, who is determined to bring him down.
Lex Luthor’s Devious Plan
Lex Luthor, far from a typical villain, employs sophisticated technology to manipulate public opinion against Superman. He creates a “pocket universe,” a dimension outside reality, where he conducts illegal experiments, including a swarm of super-intelligent monkeys flooding the internet with anti-Superman propaganda.
In a climactic move, Lex unseals this pocket universe over Metropolis, causing chaos and distraction, especially while Superman is government-imprisoned. This tactical move is designed to divert attention as a war erupts between two fictional nations, Boravia and Jarhanpur.
The Man of Steel’s Comeback
As Metropolis faces collapse, Superman breaks free and returns to confront the threats. He defeats Angela Spica, also known as The Engineer, and makes a unsettling discovery: Lex has created Ultraman, a clone of Superman. This revelation deeply troubles Superman, prompting him to question his own capacity for darkness.
In the final act, Superman confronts Lex, while Mister Terrific works to reverse the rift over the city. Meanwhile, Lois, Jimmy Olsen, and the Daily Planet team expose Lex’s crimes, leading to his arrest. The Justice Gang, a new team of heroes, also manages to survive the ordeal.
Peacemaker Season 2 Connection
The “pocket universe” technology used by Lex Luthor has a direct link to the “Quantum Unfolding Chamber” (QUC), a device from “Peacemaker” Season 1 created by Peacemaker’s father. James Gunn has confirmed that “Peacemaker” Season 2 will explore this universe-altering tech further.
Adding to the excitement, John Cena’s Peacemaker makes a brief appearance in “Superman.” Characters introduced in “Superman,” such as Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), are also set to appear in “Peacemaker” Season 2, with promises of even more major DCU cameos.
Setting Up Supergirl’s Arrival
Towards the film’s conclusion, Supergirl, portrayed by Milly Alcock, makes an appearance within the Fortress of Solitude. Introduced as Superman’s cousin, her presence clearly sets up her upcoming solo film, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” which will follow this movie and “Peacemaker” Season 2.
Other DCU Teases
- Belle Reve Prison: Lex Luthor is taken to Belle Reve, the high-security prison featured in “Suicide Squad,” which is run by Amanda Waller, who is also getting her own show.
- Justice Gang: The introduction of the Justice Gang, featuring characters like Mister Terrific and Metamorpho, hints at the formation of a new Justice League in the future.
- Angela Spica/The Engineer: As a member of The Authority, another DCU film in development, Angela Spica’s survival in “Superman” suggests long-term plans for her character within the universe.
This new “Superman” film is more than just a hero’s journey; it’s a carefully constructed cornerstone, laying extensive groundwork for the interconnected future of the DC Universe.
