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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpoilers for James Gunn’s Superman (2025), including its ending and cameos. The film’s references reach from early Superman comics to previous screen versions and the wider DC universe. This guide explains the details identified by DC, while distinguishing documented origins from plausible interpretations. The “111” in the original topic is an editorial count; DC’s official roundup does not certify exactly 111 separate references.
What the references draw on
DC’s official roundup connects the film to several decades of comics, from Superman #1 (1939) and Adventure Comics #210 (1955) to The Authority #1 (1999). Other details recall earlier Superman films and television, introduce characters with histories beyond Superman’s immediate circle, or build out the setting for other DC stories. The film was written and directed by James Gunn and stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult; its release began internationally on July 9, 2025, and in the United States on July 11, 2025, according to DC’s official film page.
The explanations below follow DC’s July 14, 2025 roundup, which warns that it contains spoilers. A comic-book origin or screen homage is not the same as a confirmed link to a future story: where DC presents an idea as a possibility, it is described that way here.
Opening imagery, Krypto, and the Fortress
The chain-breaking image and “Gods and Monsters”
The opening DC Studios logo uses an image of Superman breaking chains that appeared on the back cover of Superman #1 (1939). The introductory phrase “Gods and Monsters” has two reference points: it names the first wave of DC Studios projects, and it is also the name of a Justice League storyline.
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Boravia, Jarhanpur, and Krypto
The countries in the film’s opening political context have comic-book antecedents. DC traces Boravia to Superman #2 (1939) and Jarhanpur to JLA #62. Krypto’s comic debut came in Adventure Comics #210 (1955); DC notes that the dog’s unruly behavior in that story resembles his portrayal in the film.
The Fortress and its robots
The crystalline look of the Fortress of Solitude recalls the Fortress in Superman: The Movie (1978). The robots have an older comics lineage: DC traces their first appearance to World’s Finest Comics #42 (1949), while describing the film designs as strongly influenced by the robots in All-Star Superman. Alan Tudyk voices Robot #4, also called Gary. Other robot voice performers include Michael Rooker, Grace Chen, Jennifer Holland, and Pom Klementieff.
Lex Luthor’s people, technology, and prison
The Engineer and the uncertain PlanetWatch connection
Luthor’s enforcer known as the Engineer is Angela Spica, a member of the Authority whose first appearance was in The Authority #1 (1999). DC suggests that the organization PlanetWatch may allude to WildStorm’s Stormwatch, where the Engineer served, but frames a direct connection as a possibility rather than established canon.
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Eve Teschmacher, Otis Berg, and Sydney Happersen
Eve Teschmacher and Otis Berg were introduced in Superman: The Movie (1978). DC says “Berg” nods to a naming exchange in that film; the name had also appeared in the Smallville Season 11 comics. Sydney Happersen, played by Stephen Blackehart, is another associate drawn from the comics.
Raptor suits and Ultraman
The Raptor suits trace to Nightwing #25 (2006). Their green-and-purple colors also evoke Lex Luthor’s warsuit, introduced in Action Comics #544. Michael Rosenbaum voices one of the Raptors; DC points to his earlier DC television roles as an additional connection.
In the comics, Ultraman is an evil Superman from another Earth, first appearing in Justice League of America #29 (1964). DC cautions that the film’s version differs significantly, so the shared name should not be taken to mean the character is a direct adaptation of that comic incarnation.
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Background names and products
Some references are tucked into background details. Chocos are a DC-universe counterpart to Oreos and a favorite snack of Martian Manhunter; Zesti Cola is another fictional product. DC also identifies the names Amanda McCoy, Cheryl Kimble, Larry Chin, Dean Farr, and Desmond Farr in the film. The Farr brothers have a comic-book history that includes Tales of the Unexpected #90 (1965).
Belle Reve
After his capture, Lex is taken to Belle Reve, a high-security prison for supervillains. DC traces the prison to Suicide Squad #1 (1987); Belle Reve has also appeared in other DC projects.
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Reporters and a familiar newsroom joke
The Daily Planet bullpen includes Cat Grant, whose comics debut was Adventures of Superman #424; Steve Lombard, first appearing in Superman #264 (1973); and reporter Ron Troupe, whose first appearance was in Adventures of Superman #480.
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Perry White’s “Don’t call me chief” exchange with Jimmy Olsen is a recurring bit dating back to the 1952 Adventures of Superman television series. The newsroom also contains a Superman postcard resembling Jim Lee’s cover for Superman #204 and a flyer for the Mighty Crabjoys. The band was also referenced in Creature Commandos and on a billboard shown in the Peacemaker season two trailer.
Lois’s apartment, license plate, and LordTech
In Lois’s apartment scene, Park Ridge is named as a borough of Metropolis. It first appeared in Adventures of Superman #447. Lois’s license plate places this version of Metropolis in Delaware, a location established in Amazing World of DC Comics #14 (1977) and reaffirmed in the 1990 Atlas of the DC Universe.
Lois interviews Superman using a LordTech recorder, a reference to Maxwell Lord. Signs and city details also point to Queensland Park, introduced in Action Comics #699, Gotham City, and LordTech Field. The stadium is home to the Metropolis Meteors, a team DC traces to Strange Sports Stories #1 (1973). Mister Terrific’s T-Spheres, seen elsewhere in the film, trace to JSA #11 (2000).
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A Gotham City sign is a setting reference, not evidence of a Batman appearance. GamesRadar’s July 11, 2025 roundup likewise reports that Batman is not in the film, while noting other connections to the wider DC universe: GamesRadar’s cameo and Easter egg guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Wider DC universe connections and the ending
Maxwell Lord and the DCU
Maxwell Lord, played by Sean Gunn, appears in news coverage. His comics debut was Justice League #1 (1987). DC’s July 2025 roundup also notes a connection to Peacemaker season two, situating the character within the developing shared screen universe.
Kara Zor-El and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Kara Zor-El, or Supergirl, appears at the end of the film. DC connects the red-sun planets drinking gag to Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the comic that serves as the basis for the Supergirl film. It is a character and adaptation link, rather than proof that every element of the comic will carry over unchanged.
How to read the film’s Easter eggs
References in the film do different jobs. Some point to a character’s first comic appearance, some recreate a visual or joke from an earlier screen version, and others make Metropolis feel connected to a larger world. The clearest way to separate them is to distinguish what DC directly traces to a source from what it offers only as an interpretation—PlanetWatch and Stormwatch, for example. The official source for the issue-level explanations is Joshua Lapin-Bertone’s DC roundup of the Easter eggs in Superman, published July 14, 2025.
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