James Gunnmight not be at Marvel anymore, but he hasn’t given up on the time-honored superhero traditionof end-credits scenes. The highly anticipatedSuperman, the official theatrical start to Gunn andPeter Safran’s new DCU,has not one, but two end-credits sequences. Still, are they really worth sitting through? We have our spoiler-free answer right here.
Being heralded as the true start to the new DCU (not counting the semi-canonThe Suicide SquadandPeacemakerSeason 1, as well as the fully canonCreature Commandos),Supermanreintroduces the Man of Steel (played by David Corenswet) to the big screen in spectacular fashion. Gone is the drab sepia tone and ultra-dark aesthetic of superhero movies' past; the newestSupermanfilm hearkens back to the colorful and vibrant comic book world of the original comics andChristopher Reeve’s highly beloved take on the character. That tone is also very much in line with how both of the end-credits scenes are approached inSuperman.
Are ‘Superman’s End-Credits Scenes Essential Viewing?
To be perfectly frank, not really. Both the mid-credits scene and the post-credits scene ofSupermanare played off as bits. They don’t set up a wider expansion of the DC Universe orintroduce a new threat for Superman to fightlike Brainiac, General Zod, or Mr. Myxlplyx. Just short, sweet, simple sequences that are intended to get a giggle from the audience. Those familiar with James Gunn’s prior work probably won’t find this a huge surprise.The originalGuardians of the Galaxyfilmdidn’t kickstart some great expansion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but instead introduced a complete throwaway cameo fromHoward the Duck. His other films, like the second and third Guardians of the Galaxy movies and the aforementionedThe Suicide Squad,did do a bit more to set up future developments, but these are just intended to be quick and fun gags.So, do you need to sit through all of the credits? No, you can probably skip them if you really want to.
What Is ‘Superman’ About?
Again, no spoilers,but James Gunn’sSupermanmakes the decision to not be a beat-for-beat origin story.Instead, the film takes place a number of years into Clark Kent’s career as Superman, with him becoming quite a popular figure in the DC Universe. He does all of this while balancing his life as a bumbling reporter, working with his colleagues like Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo). Things take an unexpectedly difficult turn when maniacal billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) decides to try to take down Superman once and for all. Using a coterie of villains and monsters, such as the conniving Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría)and the mysterious Ultraman. That trio of foes alone is enough to make this Superman’s toughest adventure yet, and he’ll need the help of all of his friends and family (yes, even the mocked Justice Gang) to stop Luthor’s reign of terror.
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Will ‘Superman’ Get a Sequel?
Both ofSuperman’s end-credits scenes may be pretty inconsequential, butthat doesn’t mean there aren’t more than a few paths the movie sets for a follow-up. One big, substantial change the film makes to theSupermanmythos is largely unresolved by the end of the film. Considering what this big spoiler-heavy moment means for Superman as a character, it’s impossible not to think this will be the last time the plot point is brought up. Several other plot points and characters also directly set up some of the future projects that are already in development within the DCU.PeacemakerSeason 2,Lanterns, and evenSupergirlfeel as if they all have a primed and ready jumping off point (though, unfortunately, for Batman fans, not much forClayfaceandThe Brave and the Bold). Because of that, it wouldn’t be totally unreasonable to think David Corenswet’s Superman wouldn’t fly by for a quick cameo.
But what about a more direct sequel toSuperman? Well, James Gunn is already on the record saying he’s working on a continuation of sorts, but he also hinted thatit may not necessarily be aSuperman 2. Could that be a hint that an ensemble justice-fueled return for Corenswet is on the horizon? Fans will have to wait and see.
Supermanflies into theaters on Friday, August 09, 2025.
