Could the SUPERMAN Follow-Up Film Be a Literal Super Family Movie? Here’s How It Could Work

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Warner Bros. has shared that James Gunn is busy penning a sequel to the Superman story, referring to it as part of the “Superman Family.” This could possibly mean a film focusing on the broader family of Kryptonian characters associated with Superman, a concept that dates back to the Silver Age comics. Since then, characters like Supergirl, Krypto, Streaky the Super Cat, and others have been introduced, as well as Jimmy Olsen receiving powers frequently. By the 1970s, there were enough family members to regularly feature in a monthly “Superman Family” series. This idea has continued to evolve over time.

In the Pages of DC Comics, the Superman Family Keeps Growing

Starting from the 90s, the Superman universe grew significantly. Joining Supergirl was Power Girl, her counterpart from an alternate reality, and Superboy, a teenage clone of Superman. Steel stepped in as Superman when he passed away, while Kong Kenan became China’s Superman. However, recent events in the DC Universe have transformed the Kents into a full-fledged family, with Lois and Clark raising their half-Kryptonian son, Jonathan. He once temporarily carried on the Superman role, but these days, he is often called Superboy instead of Super Son.

Could it be possible that the forthcoming James Gunn “Superman Family” film will indeed focus on the adventures of Superman, Lois Lane, and their family? We’re skeptical about it being similar to the recent Superman and Lois series on The CW, which featured an established couple with super-powered twin boys. Given that James Gunn might not leap ahead a decade to depict the Kents raising a super-powered child, it seems unlikely due to the need for the rest of the DCU to keep pace. So, how can a Super Family film be made? Even without young Jon Kent in the story, there are still possibilities. Several characters within the DCU could fit the bill.

Supergirl Is Already Part of the DCU

Ragnarok didn’t make it any less of a Thor movie, this new project might have multiple superpowered characters beyond just Supergirl.

Rachel Brosnahan Wants Lois to Become Superwoman

Lois Lane has portrayed Superwoman briefly in comics before. Not too long ago, she was depicted saving lives as Superwoman in DC Comics stories. However, she’s lost her powers again recently. Actress Rachel Brosnahan has expressed interest in playing the superpowered Lois and has been asking director James Gunn to explore this angle. Although a new Superman movie sequel might not be set a decade later, it’s possible that Lois and Clark could be married by then. In a future film, Clark may find a method to grant his beloved Lois some Kryptonian powers, similar to the All-Star Superman storyline. Even if this superpowered status only lasts for one movie, it could make an exciting story on the big screen.

Superman Laid the Groundwork for Superboy/Conner Kent to Exist in the DCU

In the comics, it’s worth noting that Superman and Lois have a son named Jon Kent, who goes by Superboy and is friends with Damian Wayne (Robin), Batman’s son. However, there’s another interesting twist: Conner Kent/Kon-El, a clone of Superman created in the ’90s, was actually conceived using DNA donated by Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. So while not born in the traditional sense, Conner can be considered the son of both Superman and Lex.

Since Superman didn’t raise Conner like his own child, he considers him more as a younger brother. This dynamic is depicted in Gunn’s version of Superman, where Lex Luthor creates a clone named Ultraman for personal purposes, likely not the first attempt at creating a Superman-like being. Just like how scientists combined frog DNA with dinosaur DNA to create creatures in Jurassic Park, it’s possible that Luthor had earlier attempts to fix issues by using his own DNA. In an interesting twist, let’s imagine Superman finds a teenage Superboy stored in a cold storage unit at LuthorCorp and decides to adopt him. As a member of the Teen Titans, who are soon getting their own movie, this could be an ideal way to introduce Superboy into the DC Universe.

The DCU Needs “The Supers”

If James Gunn intends to create “The Supers” within the DCU, we already have the essential elements of a traditional family in place. Clark Kent serves as the patriarch, Lois Lane as the matriarch, Kara Zor-El as the eldest sibling, and potentially Conner Kent, who is currently frozen in the LuthorCorps basement, could take on the role of the younger brother.

Just as Pixar has the Incredibles and Marvel boasts the Fantastic Four, perhaps it’s time for Gunn to introduce “The Supers” into the DCU. Of course, their canine companion, Krypto, should be included in this family adventure. After all, it wouldn’t feel right without him. We eagerly anticipate seeing the Kent family embarking on holidays together, even if they decide to vacation on the moon.

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2025-08-08 16:03