James Gunn’s Superman (2025) kicks off the new DC Universe with a fresh and joyful adaptation of the Man of Steel. Packed with easter eggs and homages to famous Superman lore, the film is a treat for comic book fans and newcomers alike.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest Easter eggs and references you might have missed in the movie:
Familiar Voices and Faces
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Bradley Cooper voices Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father, delivering a crucial message to Kal-El.
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Fortress Robots are voiced by familiar actors including Jennifer Holland, Alan Tudyk, and Guardians of the Galaxy stars Michael Rooker and Pom Klementieff.
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A nod to Smallville: Michael Rosenbaum, famous as Lex Luthor in the TV series, voices a LuthorCorp soldier. The new Lex Luthor, Nicholas Hoult, consulted with Rosenbaum for the role.
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Will Reeve, son of the legendary Christopher Reeve, appears as a news reporter, paying tribute to the Reeve legacy.
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Frank Grillo reprises his Creature Commandos role as General Rick Flag Sr., while John Cena makes a cameo as Peacemaker.
Nods to the Donner Era and Classic Comics
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The iconic Superman logo animation in the title sequence is a direct homage to Richard Donner’s classic films starring Christopher Reeve.
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The musical score subtly references John Williams’ unforgettable themes from the 1978 movie.
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Lex Luthor’s real estate war between Boravia and Jarhanpur mirrors Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor scheme in the 1978 film.
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A running gag from comics is included where Perry White tells Jimmy Olsen not to call him “Chief.”
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Clark Kent’s disguise is explained through hypno-glasses, a clever comic-book twist revealed by Guy Gardner.
Comic Book Deep Cuts and Fictional Brands
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Keep an eye out for Zesti Cola and Chocos, the latter a favorite snack of Martian Manhunter.
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The Arrowverse staple Big Belly Burger appears.
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References to Stagg Industries and a fictional network called The Sphere enrich the DCU world-building.
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The villainous drone created from Superman’s DNA is named Ultraman, a classic evil counterpart in the comics.
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The film draws heavily from Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman comic, with several direct panel-to-screen moments.
Setting the Stage for the Future
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Rick Flag Sr. is introduced as the new head of A.R.G.U.S.
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The Justice Gang operates from the Hall of Justice, filmed at Union Terminal in Cincinnati, the original inspiration for the Super Friends cartoon’s Hall of Justice.
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A painting inside includes Ted Grant/Wildcat, teasing the Justice Society of America (JSA).
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An interstate road sign points to Gotham City.
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Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn) briefly appears, revealing his company LordTech funds the Justice Gang.
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Lex Luthor is imprisoned in Belle Reve, famous for housing Task Force X (Suicide Squad) members.
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Luthor’s pocket dimension prison connects to Peacemaker Season 1 tech, with a mysterious inmate dubbed “Mr. Handsome” speculated to be a White Martian.
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The fictional pop band The Mighty Crabjoys is referenced, linking to Creature Commandos and Peacemaker Season 2.
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The post-credits scenes set up Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, featuring Kara Zor-El (Millie Alcock) and her dog Krypto.
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Additional post-credit moments pay tribute to All-Star Superman and introduce Mr. Terrific surveying battle damage.
This Superman movie is not only full of fun easter eggs and deep comic references but is also a solid, entertaining film that sets a promising foundation for the new DC Universe.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
