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The ending of James Gunn’s Superman delivers a layered and emotional finale that not only closes this chapter with impact but also sets the tone for DCU’s future. As Clark Kent returns from captivity, it’s clear that rest won’t come easy—news of a crisis in Jarhanpur and an interdimensional threat to Metropolis quickly pull him back into action. What unfolds is a high-stakes showdown where Lex Luthor’s most dangerous creation, a pocket universe, starts to unravel reality itself. But Lex has more than just tech up his sleeve. His secret weapon is Ultraman, a clone of Superman born from a single strand of Clark’s hair. This new antagonist forces Superman to confront a darker, distorted version of himself. The clone is ruthless, designed solely to overpower and destroy him.
Superman struggles during their fight, only gaining the upper hand when Krypto joins the battle. Together, they overpower Ultraman and trap him in a black hole, neutralizing the most immediate threat. Meanwhile, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and a surprisingly helpful Eve Tesmacher uncover Lex’s real intentions behind selling weapons to Boravia—he was using the war to provoke Superman into a trap. Their investigation helps the audience understand just how calculated and unhinged Lex’s plan was, which gives emotional weight to his eventual downfall.
As chaos consumes Jarhanpur, the Justice Gang steps in. Metamorpho and Hawkgirl play key roles in the region’s liberation, with Hawkgirl executing the Boravian leader and ensuring peace. These scenes show the expanding DCU and give a sense of global stakes beyond Metropolis. Eventually, Superman flies to Lex’s airborne hideout to confront him directly. The line “I’m human” serves as a deeply thematic moment—it encapsulates Clark’s emotional core, something Lex has always failed to understand. The conflict ends with Lex being arrested and Krypto getting a final bite in before he’s shipped off to Belle Reve.
The film’s emotional resolution comes through Lois and Clark’s intimate moment. Her confession of love and his promise of an exclusive interview bring warmth to an otherwise intense climax. However, it doesn’t end there. Supergirl arrives at the Fortress of Solitude to retrieve Krypto, signaling her presence in this universe and setting up future team-ups. The post-credits scene, which features Superman and Krypto resting while Mister Terrific repairs damage in Metropolis, is a gentle cooldown, reminding the audience that even heroes need to breathe after battle.
While there’s no official confirmation for Superman 2, James Gunn’s teases and the careful laying of narrative groundwork make it clear that this is only the beginning. With Supergirl entering the scene, a stronger Justice Gang, and Lex still very much alive, the next phase of DCU: Gods and Monsters has a solid launchpad. Fans can expect more adventures, deeper character arcs, and a continued commitment to humanizing even the most powerful heroes.