Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for James Gunn’s Superman
James Gunn’sSupermanintroduces several new heroes into theDCU, including some hidden ones you probably missed. Played by David Corenswet, the new Man of Steel naturally has the bulk of the spotlight in the DCU’s first live-action movie, though he is joined by several supporting heroes. However, there are quite a few secret superheroes whose existences were confirmed by the movie at the same time.
In a blink-and-you-miss-it scene, James Gunn’sSupermanmakes good on the opening text, confirming that metahumans have existed for 300 years. This is thanks to a mural in the Hall of Justice, shown in just a couple of shots whileLois Lane asks the Justice Gang for help.Here are all the secret DCU heroes we managed to identify after a few rewatches ofSuperman(including our best guesses).
13Wildcat
Ted Grant
Wildcat is the easiest DCU hero to identify on the Hall of Justice mural in James Gunn’sSuperman. Real-name Ted Grant, Wildcat was a member of theJustice Society of America during WWII. Although he gained some powers over time in the comics, Wildcat’s primary skillset was his expertise in various forms of martial arts.
12A DCU Speedster
Jay Garrick or Max Mercury?
One of the metahumans on the mural appears to be a speedster, depicted in a starting position ready to race. Some online believe this new speedster might be Jay Garrick’s Flash, another founding JSA member.However, I believe this might be Max Mercury, a speedster born in the 19th century. Max also once wore a red and blue costume as “Whip Whirlwind”, which bears a better resemblance to the mural subject.
11Atomic Knight
Gardner Grayle
Atomic Knight is easier to spot thanks to his unique shield. In the comics, Gardner Grayle is a post-apocalyptic hero wearing unique nuclear-powered armor made from radiation-proof metal, seeking to make the present safer after a vision of the future. While continuities vary, it’s exciting to think about the implications that Atomic Knight’s existence might have on the DCU at large.
10Black Pirate
Jon Valor
Jon Valor’s Black Pirate was a privateer seeking justice on the high seas in the 16th century. Also quite easy to spot on the mural, Black Pirate serves as further proof that heroes have existed in the DCU for centuries, despite not having any kind of superpowers.
9Freedom Beast
Dominic Mndawe
The right side of the mural appears to depict Freedom Beast crouched and wearing his distinct mask. Having recently made a live-action debut in 2023’sTitansalongside Beast Boy,Freedom Beast is a South African superhero and the successor to B’wana Beast. Possessing superhuman strength and control over animals, Freedom Beast is a very exciting addition to the DCU, regardless of whether he still exists.
8Black Bison
John Ravenhair
Another subject on the mural appears to be the indigenous character John Ravenhair’s Black Bison. Having a complicated history in the comics, Black Bison was actually a rival to Firestorm, rather than being an outright hero.
7Amethyst
Amy Winston
The magical princess of Gemworld, Amethyst, is also known as Amy Winston, having been raised on Earth before discovering her true identity as a teenager. In the comics, Amethyst is a magical Lord of Order, not unlike Doctor Fate.
6Vibe
Paco Ramone
One of the mural subjects next to Wildcat is shown doing a handstand, and their costume looks very much like the original suit worn by Paco Ramone’s Vibe in the original DC Comics.Possessing powers over sonic frequencies, Vibe is best known on-screen for his role in the CW’s Arrowverse, having most often appeared onThe Flash.
5Silent Knight
Brian Kent
The Silent Knight was a medieval superhero living in the 6th century at the time of King Arthur, having encounters with Merlin, the Knights of the Round Table, and Morgan Le Fey. Interestingly, it was revealed that Brian Kent was one of many reincarnations of Hawkman’s Carter Hall. Likewise, his love Lady Penbrook was the reincarnation of Hawkgirl.
All things considered, this is fascinating asKendra Saunders' Hawkgirl is part ofSuperman’smain cast(played by Isabela Merced). While her origins were not specified in the DCU, the confirmation of the Silent Knight certainly supports the reincarnation route for Hawkgirl and her history.
4Sandman
Wesley Dodds
It also appears as though Wesley Dodds' Sandman may also be featured on the Hall of Justice mural. This is based on a pair of green legs and a purple cape not unlike the one The Sandman wore at the time of his first appearance, seemingly surrounded by gas.
Also a member of WWII’s Justice Society of America during DC’s Golden Age,Wesley Dodds' Sandman was a detective crime fighterplagued by prophetic dreams of crime (connected to Dream of the Endless). Wearing a gas mask and trench coat, Dodds wielded a gas gun while fighting crime, putting his foes to sleep.
