I Didn’t See The One Superman Change James Gunn Made Thanks To Smallville Coming

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I believed I understood all the major changes James Gunn was making with his new Superman movie coming out in 2025 – the more cheerful feel, the focus on hope, and the hint that it wouldn’t be another dark and gritty restart. I paid close attention, or so I thought. Then Gunn surprised me with a subtle, almost hidden change connected to the popular early 2000s TV show Smallville.

James Gunn recently explained on Threads that the change from “LexCorp” to “LuthorCorp” in the upcoming DC Universe was inspired by the TV show Smallville. He was responding to a fan who had asked about the name change.

Okay, as a huge fan, I gotta say, I’m loving the decision to keep the name Luthor Corp. It always felt weird that Lex would brand his company with a cutesy nickname like ‘Bruce Industries,’ right? It just didn’t fit the character. Seriously, thank you for making that official – it feels so much more right. That was a perfect move! 💪

If that idea excited you, many others feel the same way. When a fan expressed their gratitude for the adjustment, Gunn responded quickly, acknowledging the source of the inspiration. He simply wrote:

Thank Smallville!

Fans of the original Smallville will remember LuthorCorp. The show consistently used this more formal name to highlight Lex’s drive for power, his desire to be respected, and his focus on building a lasting legacy. It wasn’t just a company name; it was about how Lex wanted to be seen and the control he wanted to exert. He didn’t want to appear like a typical comic book villain; he wanted to be viewed as a serious and powerful leader. LuthorCorp sounded more imposing and enduring, while LexCorp felt a bit too simplistic in comparison.

It’s remarkable how seamlessly Gunn incorporated this into the beginning of the DCU. He didn’t make a big announcement, instead adding a subtle detail referencing a show that defined how a whole generation understood Superman’s story. It’s a small change that doesn’t affect the main plot, but it significantly enriches the overall world-building.

This latest development confirms what James Gunn has been hinting at: this new Superman isn’t starting from scratch. It’s drawing on the many ways the character has been portrayed over the years. Smallville clearly had an impact, shaping how audiences see Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, and the gradual breakdown of their friendship. As a longtime fan of DC films, it’s great to see that influence recognized, even in small details like the name of a company.

LuthorCorp feels more believable than LexCorp. LexCorp always seemed like a typical comic book company, but LuthorCorp feels like a real, global business. This fits Lex Luthor’s character and his desire to build something lasting. What’s really clever is how subtle this detail was – I didn’t notice it at first, and many others probably didn’t either. But once you realize it, it makes you question other similar choices made in the show and what else might be hidden in plain sight.

The level of detail James Gunn is including suggests he deeply respects DC’s history while also being open to new ideas. This makes me even more enthusiastic about the upcoming Supergirl movie, slated for 2026, and the development of the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow.

If you’re curious about the origins of these creative decisions, you can watch Smallville on Hulu and Superman (directed by James Gunn) with a subscription to HBO Max.

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2025-12-15 00:38