James Gunn might not be at Marvel anymore, but he hasn’t given up on the time-honored superhero tradition of end-credits scenes. The highly anticipated Superman, the official theatrical start to Gunn and Peter 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-canon The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, as well as the fully canon Creature Commandos), Superman reintroduces 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 newest Superman film hearkens back to the colorful and vibrant comic book world of the original comics and Christopher 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 in Superman.
Are ‘Superman’s End-Credits Scenes Essential Viewing?
To be perfectly frank, not really. Both the mid-credits scene and the post-credits scene of Superman are played off as bits. They don’t set up a wider expansion of the DC Universe or introduce a new threat for Superman to fight like 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 original Guardians of the Galaxy film didn’t kickstart some great expansion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but instead introduced a complete throwaway cameo from Howard the Duck. His other films, like the second and third Guardians of the Galaxy movies and the aforementioned The 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?
Superman Official Trailer (Trailer)
Again, no spoilers, but James Gunn’s Superman makes 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.
Will ‘Superman’ Get a Sequel?
Both of Superman‘s end-credits scenes may be pretty inconsequential, but that 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 the Superman mythos 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. Peacemaker Season 2, Lanterns, and even Supergirl feel as if they all have a primed and ready jumping off point (though, unfortunately, for Batman fans, not much for Clayface and The 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 to Superman? Well, James Gunn is already on the record saying he’s working on a continuation of sorts, but he also hinted that it may not necessarily be a Superman 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.
Superman flies into theaters on Friday, July 11, 2025