Recent set photos of DC Studios’ upcoming Superman film have given fans a glimpse of the Man of Steel’s costume, and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. However, the same cannot be said for the outfits worn by Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner/Green Lantern and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl.
A Comic-Accurate Mister Terrific
The first superhero spotted on set alongside Superman was Mister Terrific. His costume, much like Superman’s, appears to have been lifted straight from the comic book pages, earning high praise for its authenticity.
The Leather Gear Dilemma
Interestingly, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl were seen in the same leather gear as Mister Terrific, complete with matching jackets. This uniformity has sparked concerns that the DCU might feature superheroes wearing similar, uninspired suit designs.
The Lordtech Connection
There’s likely a strategic reason behind this costume choice. The Lordtech logo was first observed on Mister Terrific’s chest, hinting at a backstory where Michael Holt is at an early stage in his career, possibly before he breaks free from Lordtech to start his own company. The same logo has since been seen on Green Lantern and Hawkgirl’s suits, suggesting they all work for Lordtech and are part of the same team.
A Nod to Justice League International
Drawing from the comics, particularly an era favored by director James Gunn, it seems plausible that these heroes are part of the Maxwell Lord-funded Justice League International, introduced by J. M. DeMatteis, John Ostrander, and Keith Giffen. Sean Gunn is set to portray Maxwell Lord, and James Gunn has indicated that this version of Lord will be morally ambiguous rather than a straightforward villain.
While the initial reactions to the costumes have been mixed, these insights suggest a deliberate and thoughtful approach to the superhero team dynamics in the new DCU.
The DCU’s New Direction: Corporate Heroes and Superman’s Revolutionary Role
Recent set photos from DC Studios’ Superman have sparked a mix of reactions among fans. While Superman’s costume has been widely praised, the leather gear worn by Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner/Green Lantern and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl has raised eyebrows.
The Corporate Control Theory
We believe the DCU’s initial lineup will feature superheroes controlled or funded by the government or private corporations. This theory gains traction with the sighting of A.R.G.U.S.’ Rick Flag Sr., The Engineer, and Ultraman detaining Superman. It suggests a world where superheroes are not entirely independent.
Uniformity Among Heroes and Villains
In the set photos, heroes like Mister Terrific, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl all sport the Lordtech logo and similar leather outfits, hinting they are part of Maxwell Lord’s corporate team. In contrast, villains are dressed in black, while Superman stands out in his iconic red, blue, and yellow. This deliberate color scheme by director James Gunn seems to symbolize Superman’s role as a beacon of hope and individuality.
Superman: A Catalyst for Change
Superman’s arrival in the DCU appears to challenge the status quo. His distinct costume and independent stance are likely to inspire other heroes to break free from corporate control and embrace their unique identities. If this theory holds, we can expect these heroes to eventually don more comic-accurate costumes, moving away from the PR-approved, uniform look.
A Long-Term Vision
While the current costumes may seem disappointing at first glance, they likely play into Gunn’s long-term plans for the DCU. The standardized suits imposed by Maxwell Lord make more sense than a character like Guy Gardner choosing a leather jacket over a more imaginative outfit created by his ring. This narrative choice hints at a broader, more intricate story Gunn aims to unfold over the next decade.
In conclusion, while initial reactions to some of the costumes have been mixed, the strategic decisions behind them suggest a deliberate and thoughtful approach to storytelling in the new DCU.
New Set Images
In addition to another look at David Corenswet taking flight as the Man of Steel (in his battle-damaged suit) and a video of a very panicked-looking crowd running for cover, several shots show a woman carrying a squirrel over to Corenswet in a case, and the actor seemingly interacting with the little critter.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Green Lantern comics you might be wondering what the heck this has to do with the ring-slinging heroes, but one member of the GL Corps is, in fact, an anthropomorphic squirrel named Ch’p.
There may well be another explanation, especially since if Ch’p was a part of the movie, he would almost certainly be a fully CGI character. But we’re really not sure what other else could be going on here.
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