James Gunn’s Superman Introduces Diverse Metahumans, Expands DC Universe

James Gunn's 2025 Superman film reinvents the iconic superhero with a deeply human and flawed portrayal by David Corenswet, diverging from previous iterations by presenting a world where metahumans have existed for centuries. This new DC Universe introduces a broad definition of metahumans, encompassing not only alien biology but also magic, technology, and training, expanding the roster to include diverse characters such as Angela Spica (The Engineer), Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and others hinted at in a Hall of Justice mural. Superman's powers—ranging from super strength to heat vision—are complemented by his emotional intelligence and moral compass, making him central to the narrative while contending with complex villains like The Engineer. The film also explores the dynamics of the Justice Gang, government-licensed superhumans whose roles blur traditional hero-villain lines, and sets up a broader DC Universe with historical and secret metahuman figures. Gunn's approach avoids typical superhero tropes by skipping Superman's origin story and instead focusing on his role as a hopeful Daily Planet reporter balancing his alien heritage. This fresh take adds layers of complexity and humanity to Superman and the metahumans, positioning the film as both a tribute and a reimagining of the superhero genre.