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Traditionally, Superman has had an important place inside the DC Universe, both in-universe and in the real world. In reality, he’s obviously the very first superhero and the inspiration for everything that followed, even in an oblique sense as more and more superheroes appeared in the world… and, to some degree, that’s been echoed inside the DC Universe in every single form it’s taken, even if — as is the case in both current DC comic book canon and the new DCU from DC Studios — he’s not actually the first super-powered character to show up on the scene. So… if that’s the case, then what role can Superman actually fill? What change can he bring to the world?

The teaser trailer for James Gunn’s 2025 cinematic reboot of the character offers few details, but maybe a couple of big clues.

As if the appearance of Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern in the trailer itself doesn’t make it clear enough, the existence of Creature Commandos — the first official DCU project, currently airing on Max with new episodes each Thursday — underscores the fact that Superman won’t be the very first super-powered being in the new DCU. But what if he’s the first of a new breed? In particular, what if he’s the first superhero?

I know, I know, that sounds a little strange in context, but go with me here. Task Force M, as seen in Creature Commandos, are specifically monsters who are in government custody. There’s reference to both Peacemaker and the Suicide Squad in that show, but they’re government agents, not superheroes. And when it comes to the characters seen in the teaser trailer, it’s worth noting that they’re all wearing the same uniform, which raises the question… what if they’re working for someone, and less heroes than private contractors or a private security staff? After all, when we first see Green Lantern, it’s in the lobby of Stagg Industries. What if the pre-existing heroes are Stagg Industries projects, just like Metamorpho, and Superman stands out because he’s not on someone’s payroll?

It might be a stretch, but the teaser trailer also shows what seems to be a revolution happening in a foreign country with the Superman insignia on a flag — if that doesn’t mean that he ends up standing for something unexpected and inspirational, then I’ll eat my metaphorical hat. I’m calling it right here: Superman is going to be the inciting incident for the new DCU because he’s going to demonstrate to the world that those with extraordinary powers can stand for doing the right thing, and not simply reinforce the existing status quo — and in doing so, he’ll inspire other heroes to step into action.

We’ll see if I’m wrong when Superman flies into multiplexes and theaters July 11, 2025. (But I bet I’m not.)

James Gunn's Superman is flying into theaters soon enough, and Popverse has all you need to prepare. Refreshing your cinematic memory with our Superman movie watch order, learn what we know about the upcoming Superman movie, Superman's S-Shield through the ages, and read about what DC is doing ahead of their flagship hero's triumphant return.