James Gunn's 'Superman': A Fresh Start for the Man of Steel
The upcoming James Gunn 'Superman' movie, starring David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, promises a modern take on the iconic superhero. But it's not just a simple retelling of the origin story. Gunn is introducing a significant change to the DC Universe: metahumans have been known for 300 years.
Metahumans: Not a New Phenomenon
In the DC Comics universe, metahumans are humans with a special gene that grants them superpowers, often triggered by extreme events. Gunn broadens the definition, including Superman, whose powers derive from his Kryptonian heritage. This change implies that superheroes and supervillains are not a recent development in this world.
Implications for the DC Universe
By establishing that metahumans have been around for three centuries, Gunn creates a world where superpowered individuals are more integrated into society. They are less of a terrifying unknown and more like celebrities. This also opens up possibilities for exploring the history of metahumans and introducing familiar characters with established backstories.
The movie cleverly avoids rehashing Superman's origin, instead focusing on his current role as the most powerful superhero on Earth. The "300 years" detail shapes the new DCU, suggesting a rich history of metahumans. The first metahuman in DC Comics is Vandal Savage, who got his powers 50,000 years ago.
Parallelism and Pocket History
Gunn's choice of "300 years" might be for parallelism, aligning with other details like Superman intervening in a war three weeks ago and starting a relationship with Lois Lane three months ago. Regardless, this detail adds depth to the DC Universe and sets the stage for exciting new stories.
This fresh approach signals a bold new direction for the DC Universe, making 'Superman' a must-watch for both long-time fans and newcomers.