James Gunn Unveils New Superman Posters for Hawkgirl and Green Lantern

Director James Gunn has released a fresh series of character posters promoting the upcoming Superman feature, the first theatrical installment in the newly restructured DC Universe (DCU). The images introduce several key figures in the film, including the Man of Steel himself, the superhero canine Krypto, and supporting heroes Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern.

These posters mark the beginning of a broader promotional rollout for the film, which is scheduled to debut worldwide on July 11, 2025. The project represents a foundational piece of the new DCU continuity and is expected to establish characters and narrative arcs that will feed into future entries within the franchise.

Superman Anchors the Reimagined DC Universe

This iteration of Superman will serve as the inaugural chapter of DC Studios’ reimagined cinematic world, overseen by Gunn and producer Peter Safran. Unlike previous standalone Superman stories, this film introduces a shared universe dynamic from the outset.

The plot will feature the Justice Gang, a team of heroes led by billionaire Maxwell Lord. Members of the group include Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. These characters are expected to play prominent roles within the film’s ensemble and the wider DCU narrative.

Gunn has stated that the film will strike a tonal balance between action, heart, and grounded character work—an approach that mirrors his earlier projects but is tailored to the Superman mythos. Early cuts of the film have undergone tonal adjustments, including the removal of comedic elements that were seen as inconsistent with the central themes.

Isabela Merced Shares Reaction to Hawkgirl Casting

Actress Isabela Merced, who was recently praised for her work in the sci-fi thriller Alien: Romulus and the upcoming second season of The Last of Us, reflected on her emotional response to being cast as Hawkgirl. Merced recounted being informed of her selection unexpectedly at the end of her audition process, describing the moment as overwhelming. She noted that her first instinct was to share the news with her family, underscoring the personal significance of landing the role.

Hawkgirl, a character rooted in both mythology and science fiction within DC lore, is known for her fierce combat abilities and complex backstory. Merced’s casting aligns with the studio’s intent to bring fresh energy and cultural depth to the new cinematic universe.

Strong Box Office Forecasts and Early Screening Reactions

Industry analysts are projecting a robust debut for Superman in the domestic market, with opening weekend revenue expected to range between $154 million and $175 million. If realized, these figures would mark the highest-grossing opening for a Superman film to date.

Test screenings conducted internally by Warner Bros. have yielded promising feedback. David Corenswet’s performance in the lead role has drawn comparisons to prior fan-favorite portrayals, and the film itself is reportedly reminiscent of Gunn’s success with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise in terms of its ensemble dynamic and emotional tone.

Post-production on the film is ongoing, with refinements being made to visual effects and narrative pacing. Gunn has confirmed that select comedic scenes were cut or altered to ensure tonal consistency. These adjustments are part of the studio’s broader strategy to present a Superman story that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences.