James Gunn’s Superman not only marks the dawn of a new era for the DC Universe, but it also introduces viewers to the director’s fresh take on the Man of Steel and a group of lesser-known heroes who helped shape the landscape of the franchise’s cinematic universe.
The movie’s blink-and-you-miss-it opening text confirms that metahumans have existed for 300 years, as revealed by a mural in the Hall of Justice.
As Clark Kent once again saves the day as the iconic Caped Crusader, here are the unexpected heroes who also play critical roles in the DCU.
Doctor Fate
A powerful sorcerer and member of DC’s magical elite, Doctor Fate subtly appears on the far left of the Hall of Justice mural, holding the Helmet of Nabu in his arm.
Following Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal of Kent Nelson’s Doctor Fate in the previous DC Extended Universe’s Black Adam, it’s exciting to see the character return in the new DCU—likely played by a new actor.
Vigilante III
The appearance of a woman in a white vest holding a gun on the left side of the Hall of Justice mural suggests that Patricia "Pat" Trayce, also known as Vigilante III, is associated with Superman.
In the comics, she’s the third person to take up the Vigilante mantle, following Adrian Chase—hence the name.
Adrian has already appeared in the DCEU’s Peacemaker Season 1 and is set to return in Season 2.
With Pat making her debut in the first DCU film, this could hint at a potential rewrite of the Vigilante legacy in the rebooted universe.
However, it remains to be seen how Gunn plans to connect the DCEU’s Peacemaker Season 1 with the upcoming DCU’s Season 2.
Spectre
Spectre is the nearly omnipotent spirit of vengeance in the comics, known as Aztar, who was once a Gotham City police detective named Jim Corrigan.
While only a pair of white legs and a green cape were visible in the Hall of Justice mural, it’s hard to deny that the figure was Spectre.
Like many others, he was a member of the Justice Society of America, supporting the theory that the group may have occupied the Hall of Justice before the Justice Gang during World War II.
As one of the most powerful beings in DC Comics, he may hold a similar level of influence in the DCU.
Silent Knight
Silent Knight’s name also appears in the Hall of Justice mural. A medieval superhero, he is a chivalrous warrior shrouded in secrecy.
Silent Knight lived in the 6th century and crossed paths with Merlin, the Knights of the Round Table, and Morgan Le Fey.
Interestingly, Brian Kent is one of the many reincarnations of Hawkman’s Carter Hall, while his partner, Lady Celia Penbrook, is the reincarnation of Hawkgirl.
With Hawkgirl (played by Isabela Merced) being part of Superman’s main cast, Silent Knight’s appearance seemingly confirms her character’s reincarnation and deep historical roots.
Sandman
Eagle-eyed fans might have spotted Sandman, original vigilante Wesley Dodds from DC’s Golden Age, appearing in the mural in the Hall of Justice.
He was likely the figure with green legs and a purple cape, differing from the outfit he wore in his first appearance, and appeared to be surrounded by gas.
A member of World War II’s Justice Society of America, Sandman was a detective crime-fighter haunted by prophetic dreams of criminal acts, powers connected to Dream of the Endless.
Sandman is known for his signature look of wearing a gas mask and trench coat, and his use of a gas gun to fight crime and lull his enemies to sleep.
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