Last week, James Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, unveiled the logo for his upcoming Superman movie. While the choice may seem stylistic, diving into the symbolism suggests a potential darker turn for the evolving DC Universe. Departing from the classic ’50s Superman emblem, Gunn adopts the minimalist “S” from the iconic DC Elseworlds tale, Kingdom Come.
The Kingdom Come logo, known for its yellow hue, retains a connection to Superman’s traditional colors. Gunn’s decision raises eyebrows, hinting at a deeper narrative significance. Kingdom Come, a revered 1996 miniseries by Mark Waid and Alex Ross, envisions a world where aging superheroes retire after witnessing a new generation’s willingness to kill.
Gunn’s affinity for Kingdom Come extends beyond the logo choice. A previous social media post, captioned “Making plans,” teased connections to the Elseworlds storyline. This suggests Gunn, a dedicated comic enthusiast, may be weaving Kingdom Come’s themes into the fabric of the DCU.
The speculation intensifies the question of Gunn’s storytelling approach—is he playing the long game? While some cinematic universes rushed major story arcs, Gunn’s style leans toward organic growth. The possibility arises that Phase 1 (or Chapter 1) of the DCU will establish a foundation, paving the way for a Kingdom Come-inspired narrative in later chapters.
As Warner Bros. seeks a departure from Zack Snyder’s darker DCEU, Gunn’s strategy might involve presenting a baseline of lighter heroes like Superman and Batman. Subsequent chapters could introduce more violent newcomers, showcasing the shifting dynamics of hero acceptance. This strategic setup might culminate in a Kingdom Come ensemble film, echoing the impact of Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame.
Gunn’s Superman holds the key to unraveling these mysteries, and fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the DCU’s next chapter. The director’s careful planting of narrative seeds hints at a meticulously crafted evolution for the iconic superheroes, promising a compelling and potentially darker future for the DC cinematic universe.
