James Gunn Just Unveiled the 9th Super-Family Member In the DCU

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James Gunn’s DC Universe is expanding its group of Superman-related heroes, and recent marketing materials have revealed a new character. With Superman and Supergirl as the initial focus of the DCU in theaters, the franchise is highlighting both Superman’s connection to Earth and the history of Krypton.

During the Puppy Bowl, DC Studios released a new trailer for the upcoming Supergirl movie. The trailer showed the most extensive look yet at the planet Krypton before it was destroyed, and included the first appearance of Krypto as a puppy. Fans also got their first look at live-action versions of Kara’s parents: Zor-El, played by David Krumholtz, and Alura In-Ze, played by Emily Beecham. Supergirl is scheduled to hit theaters on June 26th.

We’ll see scenes showing Krypton’s last days through flashbacks, including the attempt to save Argo City. These scenes illustrate the idea, expressed by Kara in the Supergirl trailers, that “Krypton didn’t die in a day.”

As a huge DC fan, I’m really excited about the introduction of Zor-El. He’s Superman’s uncle – Jor-El’s brother and Kara Zor-El (Supergirl’s) dad – and while he might not be a massive presence on screen, it’s fantastic to see them building out the Super-Family and honoring Krypton’s history. It adds so much depth to the whole mythology!

Notably, Gunn reimagined Superman’s origins, connecting Kal-El’s parents to the same goal of conquering Earth as General Zod. This surprising change in the 2025 film dramatically shaped the story for the Super-Family, creating a clear distinction between Kal-El’s Kryptonian background and his life on Earth.

The Expanding DCU Super-Family Roster

Superman/Kal-El

David Corenswet will star as Kal-El, the main hero of the new DC Universe and the leader of the ‘Super-Family’. He’s already preparing for his return in the 2027 film Man of Tomorrow by getting back into peak physical condition.

Okay, so I just saw the new Superman film, and it’s a really interesting take on the character. A huge part of the story revolves around Kal-El grappling with who he really is. He discovers some shocking information – apparently, his birth parents didn’t send him to Earth to be a savior, but to rule it. It’s a major identity crisis for him. But the movie smartly pivots from that revelation, focusing instead on the idea that it’s not where you come from, but what you do with your abilities that truly defines you. It’s a surprisingly thoughtful superhero film.

Supergirl/Kara Zor-El

Milly Alcock is officially joining the DC Universe as Supergirl. After a quick appearance in the movie Superman, she’ll star in her own Supergirl film, which comes out this June.

I’ve always been struck by how different Kara seems from her cousin. While he only knows about Krypton, she remembers it – she actually saw its destruction. That experience has clearly shaped her, giving her a depth and a certain toughness I find incredibly compelling. It’s made her worldview so much more layered and complex.

DC Studios has pointed out the differences between these characters: Superman tends to focus on the best in people, while Supergirl believes she sees people as they really are.

Jor-El

Bradley Cooper, known for his work in Guardians of the Galaxy, plays a very different version of Jor-El than we’ve seen before. Messages discovered in Superman show that this Jor-El wasn’t a selfless scientist, but a father who wanted his son to control Earth with total authority.

James Gunn has confirmed the surprising reveal about this character’s true identity is permanent, and it will dramatically alter how audiences see the El family.

Lara Lor-Van

Angela Sarafyan plays a character who appears in a projection and message alongside her husband, Jor-El, featured in the movie Superman. This scene reveals their genuine personalities.

As Superman’s mother, Lara Lor-Van played a vital part in his origins as the last Kryptonian. However, it’s unlikely she’ll be a significant character in future DC Universe stories.

Krypto

Krypto first appeared in Superman as a companion to Clark, but in the DC Universe, he’s officially established as Kara’s dog.

The new Supergirl movie will focus on the close relationship between Supergirl and Krypto, and we’ve already seen hints that Krypto might face danger. Even though he hasn’t been in many scenes yet, Krypto has quickly become a popular character with DC Universe fans.

Jonathan Kent

I was really moved by Pruitt Taylor Vince’s performance in the 2025 film. His scene with Clark, where he helped him process finding out who his real parents were, was incredibly powerful. It felt so human and relatable, and it really stuck with me – it was one of the most impactful moments I’ve seen in any superhero movie.

Jonathan taught Clark that who he became depended on his own decisions, not where he came from, giving him the strength to deal with his complicated past.

Martha Kent

Neva Howell, who played Clark’s adoptive mother, added a heartwarming touch to the Superman movie. Viewers can probably expect to see Martha and Jonathan Kent again in future sequels whenever Superman revisits Smallville.

Alura In-Ze

Emily Beecham plays Alura In-Ze, who is Kara’s mother and Kal-El’s aunt. She appears in flashback scenes on Supergirl, showing what Krypton was like during its final moments and the efforts to preserve Argo City. Alura’s story will be closely connected to Kara’s past, her memories, and the sadness she still feels.

Bonus: Lois Lane

Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan), who is currently dating Clark Kent/Superman, isn’t officially part of the Superman family in the DC Universe, but that could change if they get married.

James Gunn has confirmed that Lois Lane will continue to be an important character in the DC Universe, with a planned appearance in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow.

DC fans will be happy to hear that Brosnahan and Corenswet had fantastic chemistry together, and many believe their portrayal of the famous superhero couple is among the best we’ve seen.

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2026-02-18 09:40