The highly anticipated Superman: Legacy trailer has dropped, and James Gunn is clearly pulling out all the stops for his DC Universe reboot. Packed with an eclectic mix of characters, the trailer promises a vibrant, heartfelt, and action-packed story. Let’s dive into every character spotted in the trailer and explore their comic book origins.

Packed with an eclectic mix of characters, the trailer promises a vibrant, heartfelt, and action-packed story. Let’s dive into every character spotted in the trailer and explore their comic book origins.

Superman / Clark Kent

Obviously, David Corenswet stars as Superman, balancing the dual identities of the Man of Steel and Clark Kent. Introduced in Action Comics #1 (1938), Superman embodies hope and heroism. Gunn’s take on the character explores the intersection of his superhuman and human sides, creating a more nuanced portrayal of the iconic hero—and definitely turns up the 'sunshine' quotient on a hero that's been played with a serious bent for well over a decade at this point.

Lois Lane

Rachel Brosnahan brings to life Lois Lane, the intrepid reporter of the Daily Planet. Since her debut in Action Comics #1(1938), Lois has been Superman’s equal in bravery and determination. The trailer teases her relentless pursuit of truth, showcasing her dynamic with Clark as both allies and potential soulmates.

Lex Luthor

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor appears briefly but leaves a lasting impression. First appearing in Action Comics #23 (1940), Lex Luthor has long been Superman’s intellectual and ideological rival. Inspired by All-Star Superman, this iteration of Lex is a complex "science sorcerer" blending intellect with ambition. His antagonism toward Superman stems from a belief in his ideology’s superiority, making him a multi-dimensional foe. There's also the brief 'Luthorcorp' reference in the trailer—a twist on the usual 'Lexcorp' that makes a reference to the Smallville series.

Krypto the Superdog

Krypto makes his live-action debut, bringing a mix of charm and chaos. First appearing in Adventure Comics #210(1955), Krypto shares Superman’s Kryptonian origins and powers. Gunn’s portrayal leans into the Silver Age comics’ lighthearted tone, offering a fresh take on Superman’s loyal canine companion that's reportedly inspired by the director's own pup, Ozu.

Green Lantern (Guy Gardner)

Nathan Fillion plays Guy Gardner, a brash and bold Green Lantern. Debuting in Green Lantern #59 (1968), Gardner’s no-nonsense attitude often puts him at odds with his peers. The trailer hints at his Justice League International-inspired role, showcasing his fiery personality and combat prowess—as well as his horrendous comic-accurate haircut. 

Metamorpho / Rex Mason

Anthony Carrigan transforms into Metamorpho, a hero with the power to manipulate elements. Introduced in The Brave and the Bold #57 (1965), Rex Mason’s tragic backstory and unique abilities make him a standout character. His inclusion reflects Gunn’s penchant for quirky, heartfelt heroes; and is one of the many references in this film to some of the original Justice League animated series' top characters.

Mister Terrific

Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific, first seen in Spectre #54 (1997), is a genius inventor and Olympic-level athlete. Equipped with T-Spheres and his iconic T-shaped mask, he plays a significant role in the film. Gunn highlights Mister Terrific’s intellect and heroism, making him a central figure among the supporting cast. He's also apparently the 'third smartest man in the world'—likely behind Batman and Lex Luthor, we'd wager.

Hawkgirl

Isabela Merced portrays Hawkgirl, a winged warrior with a rich and convoluted history. Though her specific iteration is unclear, Hawkgirl debuted in Flash Comics #1 (1940). The trailer positions her as a fierce fighter, likely drawing inspiration from the animated Justice League series, where she was an all-time fan favourite.

Kelex

The Fortress of Solitude’s AI, Kelex, appears in a poignant scene where Superman cradles the damaged robot. While Kelex’s exact debut varies by continuity, the AI character is typically linked to Superman stories rooted in his Kryptonian heritage, such as The Man of Steel #1 (1986). It's inclusion is also one of the few common threads between this film and the Zack Snyder's Man of Steel—though that's where the similarities end.

The trailer’s embrace of Superman’s Silver Age roots is evident in its depiction of larger-than-life kaiju battles and Superman’s extended family. Gunn combines this whimsical tone with a modern, dramatic narrative, delivering a richly layered cinematic experience—there's something just a tiny bit cartoonish and hopeful about this film, and perhaps a return to roots is what the increasingly stale superhero genre needs right now.