The sequel to Superman is the first chance DC has to break a 19-year-long movie trend. The ending of Superman does not tease a sequel outright, but the character will be important to the future of the DCU nonetheless. Upcoming DC movies will prove as much, with James Gunn currently writing a script involving the Man of Steel.
Although this is not expected to be an outright Superman sequel, it will still continue to explore the iconic DC hero in his new universe. In terms of James Gunn’s Superman 2 itself, though, a release date for a follow-up is currently unclear. Despite that, the film can break a trend that is almost two decades long concerning the various Superman movies.
Superboy Hasn’t Been In A Live-Action Solo Superman Movie Since 2006
The Son Of Superman Has Been Absent For A While
The trend in question is the lack of Superboy representation. Solo Superman films have opted not to include this character for a while, be it 2025’s Superman or 2013’s Man of Steel. Both of these were the first adventures of their respective Supermen, so it makes sense for Superboy to be absent.
While there were teased that the тιтular director may have included Superboy in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the DCEU ended before he was given the chance. Therefore, this all means that the last time a version of Superboy was included in a live-action film was 2006’s Superman Returns.
Superman Returns included the son of Superman gaining his powers…
Even then, though, Superboy was not an official inclusion as Superman’s son did not take on the mantle. Moreover, the character was named Jason rather than Conner, as is typical of Superboy in the comics. Still, Superman Returns included the son of Superman gaining his powers, marking the last time any hint at Superboy has been included in a live-action movie.
Why The DCU Introducing Superboy Would Be Huge For The Franchise
Superboy Could Offer A Lot Of Great Stories
In terms of the DCU, Superman 2 could break this trend by including Superboy. After all, it is clear that Superman will appear in several stories before a straight-up sequel, which could mean it is revealed that Lois Lane is pregnant before a second solo movie even happens. This could then allow Superman 2 to explore the Superboy plot point without feeling rushed.
If Superboy were introduced to the DCU, it would be huge for the franchise in several ways. Not only would it ensure that Superman’s legacy will continue, but it would allow the franchise to capitalize on what made Superman special: the relationship between Lois and Clark. These two had perfect chemistry in Superman, and developing their relationship would only benefit the franchise.
Introducing a child would be a great way to do this, allowing Clark and Lois to grow closer together and have more time on screen as a pair. Superman & Lois proved this family dynamic works in live-action, and it could be done even better in the DCU. That said, all of this depends on whether a sequel to Superman breaks this long DC trend for the first time in 19 years.
