Superman's New Era and the Influence of Animated Series
Superman has made a powerful entrance into theaters with a successful opening weekend, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. As the Man of Steel returns to the big screen, James Gunn’s film has already introduced elements from the DC Universe that could pave the way for future live-action events inspired by some of the best episodes of Superman: The Animated Series.
The main plot revolves around a conflict between Superman and Lex Luthor, but fans also encountered DCU versions of characters like Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific. Superman even enters a pocket universe and battles his evil clone. With Gunn’s direction revealing a shocking twist about Kal-El’s mission from Krypton, the DCU is poised to explore many intriguing directions for a Superman sequel, drawing inspiration from the animated series.
A Potential Team-Up Between Superman and Batman
One of the biggest unanswered questions in the DCU so far is who will play Batman. While Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice portrayed the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight as adversaries, the DCU could look to an episode from Superman: The Animated Series, "World’s Finest," which showcases Superman and Batman working together to defeat Lex Luthor and the Joker. Their friendly banter over three episodes solidifies their partnership and sets the stage for future appearances in the DCAU.
Kryptonians From the Phantom Zone
Fans familiar with the "Blasts From the Past" two-parter from Superman: The Animated Series may recall the presence of Kryptonians from the Phantom Zone. While General Zod and his Kryptonians were central to Man of Steel, the DCU can take inspiration from the animated series to introduce other Kryptonians like Jax-Ur and Mala, avoiding the need to revisit Zod. This could open the door for a storyline involving returning Kryptonians, enriching the lore of the DCU.
A Race Against the Flash
In DC Comics, Barry Allen and Clark Kent are close friends, and Superman has raced the Flash many times. The episode "Speed Demons" features a fun team-up where the duo races around the world. While the DCEU included a nod to this in Justice League (2017), a full feature-length team-up featuring the Flash could be a compelling addition, potentially involving villains like the Weather Wizard.
Introducing the Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is one of DC’s most popular super-teams and deserves a great live-action adaptation. What better way to introduce them than in a Superman movie? In Superman: The Animated Series, the Legion debuted when they traveled back in time to meet a young Clark Kent in Smallville. The DCU could follow a similar approach, allowing the Legion to time-travel and team up with David Corenswet’s Man of Steel in a sequel.
Bizarro and the Possibility of a Clone
David Corenswet’s Superman faced Ultraman, a masked being who was just as powerful as the Man of Steel. At the end of the film, it was revealed that Ultraman was a clone created by Lex Luthor, a concept that mirrors the DCAU’s Bizarro. In the episode "Bizarro's World," Superman helped Bizarro find a new home on an alien world. Considering Ultraman was sucked into a black hole, there's a chance he could return in a future Superman sequel.
Brainiac’s Return to Earth
It’s high time for Brainiac to make his live-action debut. In a world where Green Lanterns exist and Lex Luthor can create clones, Brainiac is a plausible villain. In Superman: The Animated Series, Brainiac was responsible for the destruction of Krypton. If adapted for the DCU, this version would give Superman a personal reason to stop him.
Superman’s Secret Identity
Superman’s secret identity as Clark Kent is crucial to his character. The episode "The Late Mr. Kent" explores what life would be like without Clark Kent, showing how important it is for Superman to maintain his disguise. James Gunn clarified that Clark wears "hypno-glasses," a concept from the Silver Age of DC Comics, adding depth to the character.
Metallo’s Tragic Story
Metallo is a tragic villain whose story could be explored in a Superman sequel. In the episode "The Way of All Flesh," John Corben wakes up in a metallic body, stripped of his senses. Lex Luthor gave him the power to fight Superman, but at a great cost. A sequel could delve into the consequences of living in an iron body, highlighting Metallo’s complexity.
Lobo’s Potential Appearance
Jason Momoa’s return to DC films as Lobo in the Supergirl movie is a promising development. The character, known for his ruthlessness, could appear in a future Superman sequel. The two-part episode "The Main Man" sees Superman and Lobo forge an unlikely alliance, offering a template for their potential collaboration.
Darkseid’s Arrival in the DCU
At the end of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a black-suited Superman and the Justice League stared down Darkseid. While the confrontation remains unresolved, the DCU could bring Darkseid to Earth directly, adapting the episode "Apokolips...Now!" for a more immediate and impactful showdown.
Post a Comment