Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Superman.

Superman is a powerful start to James Gunn’s DC Universe, and it leaves me more hopeful than ever for the next film on the DC Universe slate. Though the DCEU had its moments, the franchise was in desperate need of a reboot after some lackluster projects. In October 2022, Gunn and Peter Safran were officially brought on as the co-CEOs of the newly formed DC Studios.

Gunn and Safran’s new era has started with a bang, and considering how great Superman is, the highly anticipated wait was well worth it. The first official theatrical release on the revamped DCU theatrical slate, the film is setting the tone for what’s to come in the franchise. In fact, Superman directly paved the way for the DCU’s next release with one cameo.

How The Superman Movie Ending Sets Up The Next DC Universe Movie

Milly Alcock Makes A Cameo As Supergirl

After successfully putting a stop to Lex Luthor’s plans, Superman ends with Clark returning to the Fortress of Solitude to recover from his injuries. Someone crash-lands into the Fortress, and it ends up being none other than Kara Zor-El. Though Clark is unamused with his cousin’s chaotic entrance, he is ultimately glad to see her.

Fans are well aware that Supergirl is next up on the DCU slate, but it was still a pleasant surprise to get our first proper look at Milly Alcock in the role. Though it was just a brief moment, Superman has already given us a sense of Kara’s character and her dynamic with Clark, as well as some hints at potential plotlines.

A visibly drunken Kara returns to the Fortress to pick up Krypto, and Clark remarks that she’s been partying on other planets. It’s unspecified where the new duo is heading, but Supergirl will likely pick up with Kara and Krypto together. This setup especially backs up the fact that the 2026 film will adapt the Woman of Tomorrow comic run.

Why I’m Convinced The Supergirl Movie Will Be Great

Gunn Has Put An Emphasis On Quality

As the first film in the DCU, Superman is setting the bar high for the projects to come. This great film is leading directly into Supergirl, and it’s safe to ᴀssume that the quality will be on par. Although Craig Gillespie will be directing the project, Gunn and Safran will still be involved in Supergirl as producers.

Gunn has previously said that he won’t greenlight movies for the DCU unless the script is good and he has full confidence in his creative team. Of course, a statement like that is expected from a studio head. However, he’s proved that he means it with Superman, which bodes well for the franchise’s future.

In order to reboot an established franchise like the DCEU, there must’ve been some solid ideas pitched in the DCU’s favor. Gunn and Safran surely have a substantial plan for the DCU slate of the next few years. Superman being such a strong start to the universe is promising for upcoming projects, especially for the directly linked Supergirl.