DC Studios has unveiled a series of vibrant character posters for the upcoming Superman film, set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, with the Justice Gang taking center stage. Directed by James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios and mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy, this reimagined Man of Steel introduces the Justice Gang—a dynamic trio of heroes funded by tech mogul Maxwell Lord—as a key pillar of the new DC Universe (DCU). Featuring Guy Gardner (Green Lantern), Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl, alongside Superman, Krypto the Superdog, and the enigmatic Superman Robot #4, the posters offer a thrilling glimpse into the team’s comic-accurate designs and the film’s bold, optimistic vision.
The Justice Gang: A New Breed of Heroes
The Justice Gang, described as the DCU’s “Super Friends,” is poised to play a pivotal role in Superman, bringing a fresh dynamic to the superhero landscape. Funded by Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn), the group comprises:
Guy Gardner (Green Lantern): Nathan Fillion embodies the brash, confident Green Lantern, sporting a comic-faithful green suit and his iconic red hair. Known in the comics for his bold attitude and unwavering courage, Gardner’s power ring glows brightly in his poster, hinting at action-packed sequences and a larger-than-life personality that could steal scenes.
Mister Terrific: Edi Gathegi’s Michael Holt, the genius inventor and martial artist, appears in a sleek, tech-enhanced suit with his signature T-shaped mask. His poster exudes intellect and strength, suggesting Mister Terrific will bring both brains and brawn to the Justice Gang’s missions.
Hawkgirl: Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl soars with winged armor and a fierce mace, marking her live-action debut. Her poster captures the character’s warrior spirit, rooted in her rich comic history, and Merced’s enthusiasm for the role promises a standout performance.
These heroes, united under Lord’s financial backing, are set to complement David Corenswet’s Superman in a story that blends “epic action, humor, and heart,” according to Warner Bros. The posters’ vibrant, comic-accurate designs signal Gunn’s commitment to honoring DC’s legacy while crafting an accessible, modern superhero saga.
Supporting Stars: Krypto and Superman Robot #4
While the Justice Gang dominates the spotlight, the posters also introduce two quirky additions. Krypto the Superdog, inspired by Gunn’s rescue dog Ozu, bounds into the DCU with a heroic pose, promising to add warmth and humor as Superman’s loyal Kryptonian companion. Meanwhile, Superman Robot #4, voiced by Alan Tudyk, appears in a sleek, metallic design with a cape, hinting at its role as a high-tech defender in the Fortress of Solitude. These characters add a playful, Silver Age-inspired flair, complementing the Justice Gang’s more grounded heroism.
Superman's Star-Studded Ensemble and a Cohesive Vision
Beyond the Justice Gang, Superman features a robust cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, with supporting roles by Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Frank Grillo, Wendell Pierce, Neva Howell, and Pruitt Taylor Vince. Gunn has emphasized that each character, especially the Justice Gang, will have a meaningful role, avoiding the pitfalls of overcrowded superhero films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The Justice Gang’s prominence suggests a team dynamic that will resonate with audiences, setting them up as key players in the DCU’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters.”
Maxwell Lord’s role as the Justice Gang’s benefactor raises intriguing questions. In the comics, Lord is a complex figure with darker ambitions, and his involvement hints at potential tension within the team, adding depth to their story.
As the cinematic cornerstone of the DCU, following the animated Creature Commandos series, Superman aims to establish a vibrant, cohesive universe distinct from the darker DCEU. The Justice Gang’s posters, with their bold colors and faithful designs, evoke the whimsical spirit of DC’s Silver Age comics (1956–1970), aligning with Gunn’s vision of a hopeful, character-driven narrative. Produced by Gunn, Peter Safran, and executive producers Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo, and Lars Winther, the film promises to balance spectacle with emotional depth.
DC Comics is amplifying the excitement with its "Summer of Superman" initiative, releasing eleven Superman-related titles, including a Krypto the Superdog miniseries and a new Supergirl run, between May and September 2025. These comics will deepen the Justice Gang’s world, engaging fans ahead of the film’s release.
With Superman set for a July 11, 2025, release in theaters and IMAX, and an advance Amazon Prime screening on July 8, the Justice Gang is poised to make a lasting impact. Early box office projections suggest a blockbuster opening, and the team’s prominence in the posters indicates they’ll be more than sidekicks to Corenswet’s Superman. As the DCU takes flight, Guy Gardner, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl are ready to shine, proving that the Justice Gang is a force to be reckoned with in this bold new era of superhero cinema.
