Superman Star Teases a Fan-Favorite Justice League Romance Right out of the DCAU

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Superman presents Hawkgirl, Kendra Saunders (played by Isabela Merced), and Green Lantern John Stewart (portrayed by Aaron Pierre) will be introduced by the Lanterns next year within the DC Universe. This setup paves the way for a romantic storyline similar to the one seen in the animated series Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, which is much-loved by fans. Although it might need adjustments to fit the DCU, Merced is open to exploring this relationship if given the chance. In an interview with Nerdist before Superman’s premiere on July 11th, she expressed her interest in developing this romance.

Merced shared, “I’m deeply drawn to the concept, and it’s because I adore Lois and Clark tales – especially their alien-human romance. There’s an undeniable romantic charm about it for me. It’s like a dance of ‘We mustn’t, but we might, yet we mustn’t.’ As a child, this tugged at my heartstrings. And let me tell you, the pain I felt when she eventually left him was real. The betrayal was mind-blowing.

In the DCAU (DC Animated Universe), Hawkgirl’s character, Shayera Hol, is a genuine Thanagarian warrior, and she is voiced by Maria Canals. Merced, who plays Kendra Saunders in the new version, admires Canals’ portrayal while acknowledging that their characters will differ significantly. However, at 23 years old, Merced is an ideal age to have grown up with the DCAU, and there’s no disputing that Canals’ interpretation of the character will influence Merced’s performance.

She expressed her strong affection for the character Maria introduced to the series, who isn’t Shayera but Kendra instead. Despite this change, she retains all memories of her previous life. Consequently, I am deeply invested in her story and eagerly anticipate its development. There might be a romantic element to it, given my inherent romantic disposition.

Since 1940, Hawkgirl has been a staple character in DC Comics, yet it wasn’t until 1999 that Kendra Saunders made her debut. She is the third individual to embody the Hawkgirl persona, combining traits from earlier versions while simplifying her background slightly. The specific details of Kendra’s past are yet to be fully revealed in the DC Universe, but we do know that she is a human reincarnation of a Thanagarian warrior. This means she can recall memories and skills from her previous life, as well as carry forward any traumas she experienced during that time.

Ever since Kendra made her debut in the comics, most stories have centered around her relationship with Hawkman, or Carter Hall. However, it’s important to note that she has never been romantically involved with John Stewart, although their past encounter in “Justice League Unlimited” is still fresh in fans’ minds. Presently, John Stewart is set to appear in the upcoming HBO series “Lanterns,” currently in production and slated for release early in 2026. This show will primarily focus on Stewart and his human counterpart, Green Lantern Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler). Given the mystery surrounding the plot, it’s plausible that Hawkgirl could potentially make an appearance as well.

For the moment, the DC Universe is gearing up for a serious start, with plenty of room for future dramatic developments. Starting this coming Friday, July 11th, you can catch Superman in theaters.

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2025-07-07 19:39