Superman 2025 Honors Smallville with James Gunn’s Hidden Detail

James Gunn, in tribute to the beloved TV series “Smallville” starring Tom Welling, is incorporating a distinctive element from it into his upcoming “Superman” movie. Given that “Superman” is already set to include subtle references to previous adaptations of Superman (the iconic John Williams score from the 1978 film has been integrated into the new movie’s music), it comes as no shock that Gunn is opting for a significant nod towards “Smallville”, rather than strictly adhering to DC Comics’ version.

In the forthcoming film adaptation of Superman by James Gunn, setting foot in the freshly minted DCU, Lex Luthor’s business empire will hereafter be recognized as LuthorCorp instead of its previous moniker, LexCorp. While many enthusiasts might be accustomed to LexCorp Industries as the label for Luthor’s business, a title it bore in the comics and other Superman-related ventures like Batman v Superman, it’s worth noting that the LuthorCorp name has appeared in other projects before Gunn’s Superman.

As a die-hard movie buff discussing my take on the Superman franchise with ComicBook, I, James Gunn, shared some insights about our choice to label Lex Luthor’s business as LuthorCorp instead of the conventional LexCorp. While acknowledging that the name switch has a rationale within the DCU mythos, I couldn’t help but confess my fondness for Smallville, where Lex’s corporation bore the title LuthorCorp in that beloved series.

In creating this film, I drew inspiration from various comic books, TV shows, and movies. Notably, I’m a fan of Smallville, where LuthorCorp was featured. However, it wasn’t just a direct reference to that; it also left room for speculation. For instance, naming a corporation after one’s first name is not common practice, which adds an element of believability. Additionally, this naming choice opens up possibilities such as: “Was his father ever associated with this corporation in any way, or was his mother?

In an innovative move, Smallville was the initial media to frequently employ the LuthorCorp brand instead of LexCorp. Interestingly, this same corporate name has been utilized in Superman & Lois, a contemporary television series that revolves around Clark Kent’s escapades as Superman.

Will Other Smallville Easter Eggs Be In Superman?

Given that Gunn confessed to being quite fond of the show Smallville, it’s reasonable to expect some subtle references or winks towards that series might appear. While it’s hard to guess what specific elements these could be, it’s well-known that Gunn has drawn inspiration from various comic books, TV programs, and films related to Superman.

Among all Superman series, Smallville stands as one of the most expansive, delving deeper into the world of the Man of Steel through live action than any other production to date. The show aired for an impressive 10 years (from 2001 to 2011) and boasts over 200 episodes, providing an extensive exploration of Superman’s story.

Over the numerous episodes it produced, Smallville showcased a multitude of unique storylines and characters associated with Superman and DC Comics. This wealth of content serves as an ample source for inspiration for Gunn.

It’s worth pointing out that Gunn has hinted that the LuthorCorp name in the film will serve a purpose beyond simply referencing the TV series Smallville. This suggests that if any other Easter eggs from the show appear in the movie, they might not just be references but could also be integrated into the DC Universe’s new continuity.

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2025-06-30 21:03

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