5 Superman Characters That Deserve Their Own DCU Movie

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James Gunn’s version of Superman has finally hit the screens, and although the movie primarily focuses on Clark Kent (David Corenswet), it lays a strong foundation for an expansive tale within the DC Universe. From the very start, the world is richly detailed, filled with characters who are already heroes or villains, active far before the story unfolds. This method immediately gives the universe a sense of history and depth, subtly setting up future plots by introducing intriguing figures. Moreover, while the supporting cast in Superman plays crucial roles in the Man of Steel’s first film appearance, the movie wisely leaves many of their individual stories intriguingly open-ended.

As a die-hard movie buff, I can’t help but notice that each character’s journey in the epic saga of Superman skillfully contributes to the overall narrative. However, some heroes and villains are given intriguing pasts and futures as tantalizing loose ends, hinting at potential DC Universe expansions. Even though a standalone movie could easily be justified by this captivating plot alone, certain characters are so fascinating that I find myself pondering how their own stories could unfold in a solo film. With Superman now gracing our screens, let’s delve into the DCU character who deserves a spinoff more than any other – but beware, there will be plenty of Superman spoilers ahead!

1) Lois Lane

The movie revolves around an alien resembling a deity, with Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane providing a strong human perspective. She serves as the story’s beacon of truth, having already been revealed as Clark Kent’s partner who is privy to his secret and unafraid to challenge some of the hero’s actions. Moreover, she plays an integral part in the film, assisting in driving the main narrative forward. For example, when Lex Luthor (portrayed by Nicholas Hoult) tarnishes Superman’s reputation with a Kryptonian message, Lois stands firm against the deception. She takes charge, persuading a hesitant Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) to aid her in rescuing Clark. Eventually, Lois unmasks the entire conspiracy, announcing the truth to the world, vindicating Superman, and sending Luthor to prison.

As a die-hard moviegoer, let me put it this way: The final scenes show Superman’s name being cleared again, but they leave me wondering about Lois’ destiny. Taking down the empire of a billionaire benefactor who was once admired by many marks a turning point in her career, one that would certainly make new adversaries more powerful. A standalone production could delve into the perilous aftermath of her triumph over Luthor, pushing her to maneuver through menaces that demand investigative prowess rather than superhuman abilities. Furthermore, the Daily Planet setting offers a rich backdrop for a thrilling street-level tale, making a Lois Lane-centric movie ideal for uncovering the political and corporate deceit within the DC Universe.

2) Lex Luthor

In the movie titled “Superman“, Nicholas Hoult portrays Lex Luthor as a brilliant and captivating tycoon who harbors a dangerous belief that Superman poses a threat to human potential. His intellect is second only to his mercilessness. Throughout the film, he orchestrates global politics, generates an unstable and aggressive Superman duplicate named Ultraman, and falsely accuses the hero of planning to dominate the world. His fixation pushes him to the brink of destroying Metropolis, demonstrating his readiness to sacrifice countless lives in pursuit of proving his supremacy. The movie ends with Luthor’s apprehension, but for a character like Lex, imprisonment is merely a momentary obstacle.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but speculate about what lies ahead for Luthor now that he’s been defeated. His imprisonment doesn’t signal the end of his war; instead, it marks the beginning of a fresh chapter. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if a solo project emerged from his time in prison, where a man as brilliant and resourceful as him would certainly continue to pull the strings, manipulate the media, and orchestrate his return.

The film has also set LuthorCorp up as a formidable global powerhouse, and the future of his corporation and its potentially dangerous technology remains an intriguing unresolved plot point. A story focusing on Luther could transform into a gripping corporate-political thriller, delving into his ongoing machinations and revealing why his influence poses such a threat, even when he’s behind bars.

His incarceration in Belle Reve might even lead to the genesis of the DCU’s Injustice League, as Luthor forges new alliances along the way. It’s an exciting prospect that leaves me eagerly anticipating what’s next for this complex character.

3) Metamorpho

I, Anthony Carrigan’s Rex Mason, also known as Metamorpho, am presented as one of Superman’s most heartbreaking characters. Initially, I’m encountered as a captive in Luthor’s pocket universe, compelled to serve due to the threat he poses to my son, Joey. Manipulated into crafting Kryptonite, my world changes when I witness Luthor brutally slay an innocent man. In response, I rebel against my oppressor and significantly contribute to the heroes’ liberation. The movie concludes with me being acclaimed as a fresh recruit of the Justice Gang, yet my narrative remains unfinished.

Reimagining Metamorpho’s solo adventure would offer an intriguing platform to examine his heartbreaking backstory, tracing his life as Rex Mason prior to the accident and contrasting it with the immediate challenges of becoming a public figure after his terrifying transformation into a shapeshifter. This exploration could delve into how a man who harbors doubts about his own abilities, as hinted in the film, navigates the reconciliation of his past identity with his new role as a superhero, thereby creating a deeply personal, character-focused narrative that the movie has already established.

4) Mister Terrific

Undeniably, Edi Gathegi’s portrayal of Mister Terrific stands out in the series Superman. Known as a seasoned superhero, Mister Terrific is an integral part of the Justice Gang, a team sponsored by corporations. His crime-fighting is characterized by his intelligence. At first, he appears content with operating within the system, but Lois Lane manages to persuade him to aid in saving Superman, demonstrating his readiness to swim against the tide in pursuit of truth. Furthermore, his technical brilliance plays a crucial role in sealing the rift in the dimension that threatens Metropolis.

The main mystery concerning Mister Terrific revolves around his benefactor, Maxwell Lord (portrayed by Sean Gunn). While the film clarifies that LordTech, Lord’s company, bankrolls the Justice League, it fails to disclose Lord’s intentions. A standalone Mister Terrific storyline would be ideal for exploring this plotline, as a high-tech espionage thriller where Michael Holt employs his intelligence to expose his superior’s true goals aligns perfectly with the character’s intellect. Given that Mister Terrific is too shrewd to be a mere pawn, a solo film would provide Gathegi with ample screen time, showcasing why he deserves more attention following his impressive performance in Superman.

5) Guy Gardner

In a compelling portrayal, Nathan Fillion embodies the gritty, self-assured, and headstrong persona of fan-adored Green Lantern Guy Gardner. Entering as a seasoned member of both the Green Lantern Corps and the Justice League, Gardner’s abrasive demeanor quickly butts heads with Superman. As an accomplished combatant who holds his own against Luthor’s kaiju, Gardner is depicted as a hero fighting on Earth-bound grounds. This placement in the story leaves many wondering about his principal responsibilities, introducing an intriguing and unresolved aspect to the narrative.

In an unusual turn of events, it’s puzzling to see Guy Gardner, a member of a prestigious intergalactic police unit responsible for policing a vast cosmic region, spending his days on Earth as part of a corporation-backed team. To shed light on this situation, perhaps a standalone project would be beneficial, focusing on the dynamics between Gardner and the Green Lantern Corps, and his unique arrangement with Maxwell Lord. This is particularly intriguing since it’s confirmed that Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) is also a seasoned Green Lantern in the DCU. Nathan Fillion will reappear in the “Lanterns” series, but given his charming character, a solo DCU film could also be fitting for Gardner.

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2025-07-15 19:41