When James Gunn’s Superman soars into cinemas on July 10, the skies above Metropolis won’t be the only thing getting a second look. The film doesn’t just reboot the world’s most recognisable superhero – it launches a whole new chapter for DC, one that’s aiming to mix reverence with reinvention.
With David Corenswet donning the cape and flanked by Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Skyler Gisondo, Nathan Fillion and Wendell Pierce, Gunn’s take already feels distinct – familiar, but not safe. And if the early trailers are anything to go by, it’s clear the filmmaker is wearing his influences proudly on his sleeve.
Gunn has never been shy about the stories that shaped him, and this Superman seems stitched together from decades of comics, cinema and Saturday morning serials. So whether you’re a diehard fan scanning each frame for deep cuts, or a newcomer wondering where to begin, here’s a guide to what to read and watch before Superman lands.
Superman #1
Published in 1939 by DC Comics (then called National Comics), the cover of Superman #1 is one of the most memorable images in comic book history. Drawn by Joe Shuster, it features Superman lifting a green car above his head while people flee in panic, capturing the excitement and novelty of the character.
During the production of the film, Gunn shared the image of the cover on social media, hinting that he was taking the character back to his roots.
This particular influence – which presents him as a hopeful, grounded figure – runs counter to more recent Superman depictions, especially Henry Cavill's dark and brooding loner in director Zack Snyder's films.
All-Star Superman
All-Star Superman is a critically acclaimed 12-issue series published between 2005 and 2008, written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely. It offers an emotionally resonant portrayal of Superman as he confronts his impending death, brought on by overexposure to solar radiation. The story balances warmth, wit and imagination, celebrating both his humanity and his extraordinary powers.
James Gunn has frequently cited the series as a major influence on the film, and its impact is already evident in the released footage. This version of Superman, while far stronger than his enemies, is also vulnerable – relying at times on help from his loyal dog Krypto and the robotic assistants in his Fortress of Solitude.
Superman: The Animated Series
Inspired by the success of Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series is a celebrated part of the DC Animated Universe created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini. Airing from 1996 to 2000, the show presents a thoughtful version of Superman, blending action with strong storytelling, exciting animation and emotional depth.
The the new film’s trailers reveal glimpses of the show’s distinct Art Deco style, especially in the architecture and feel of Metropolis. The animated series was also instrumental in introducing many characters in the Superman universe to a wider audience, including Brainiac and Darkseid.
Superman: The Mad Scientist
Released in 1941, Superman: The Mad Scientist was the first of the Fleischer Studios’ animated shorts – and marked the Man of Steel’s official screen debut. Just ten minutes long, the short sees Superman saving Metropolis from a deranged inventor armed with a destructive energy cannon.
Despite its brevity, the animation captures Superman’s powers with striking clarity – from bending steel to deflecting projectiles mid-air. It also helped define the Art Deco aesthetic now closely associated with Metropolis, setting a visual tone that continues to influence the character’s world.
This version of Superman is stoic and unwavering – a figure of near-mythic strength who doesn’t falter, even in the face of danger. Quietly, it laid the foundation for how generations would come to see him.
Kingdom Come
Kingdom Come is a landmark 1996 graphic novel set in a dystopian future of the DC Universe, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross. It follows an older Superman who emerges from self-imposed exile to confront a new generation of reckless, morally ambiguous heroes and villains.
Celebrated for its mature and philosophical take on superhero mythology, the story explores themes of legacy, power and responsibility. Ross’s hyper-realistic painting style has previously influenced the look of Zack Snyder’s DC films – but in Gunn’s case, it’s the costume designs from Kingdom Come that appear to inform the aesthetic of his Superman.
Smallville
Smallville aired from 2001 to 2011, chronicling the formative years of Clark Kent before he officially becomes Superman. Framed as a coming-of-age story, the series follows a young Clark as he grapples with friendships, school and the growing weight of his destiny.
The show also reimagined Lex Luthor as a complex and conflicted character, portrayed memorably by Michael Rosenbaum. His performance has had a lasting impact – including on Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex in James Gunn’s upcoming film.
Speaking to Rosenbaum on a podcast, Hoult credited the actor as his first introduction to the character. “I think the first ever Lex I saw was you. I love your portrayal – it’s the best,” he said. “You inhabit him with such depth and charm. And that ability to switch, which makes him dangerous and formidable – I just loved what you did.”
Top Gun: Maverick
At first glance, Top Gun: Maverick – the legacy sequel to the 1986 film directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Tom Cruise – might not seem like an obvious influence on a Superman film. But its groundbreaking aerial cinematography has left a clear mark.
Speaking to the press earlier this year, James Gunn explained that capturing Superman in flight posed a major technical challenge. To overcome it, the production borrowed techniques from Top Gun: Maverick, particularly its innovative use of drones.
“We took a lot from films like Top Gun: Maverick,” Gunn said. “We shot much of our action with actual drones flying in and around Superman and the people he’s flying with – The Engineer and whoever else he’s fighting up in the air.”
Much of that was done on soundstages using next-generation drones piloted by some of the world’s top operators, allowing Gunn to bring a visceral realism to Superman’s aerial sequences.
Justice League Unlimited
Justice League Unlimited is the follow-up to the acclaimed Justice League animated series, and widely regarded as one of the finest explorations of the DC Universe on screen. Expanding the original roster, the show introduced a wide range of heroes – including Green Arrow, Black Canary, The Question and Huntress – while deepening the philosophical and moral themes that defined its predecessor.
James Gunn has confirmed via a post on X that the series has been a key influence on the interconnected DC universe he is building – with Superman as its foundation. That influence is already visible in the trailers, which reveal the inclusion of characters such as Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern and Metamorpho – all staples of the Justice League Unlimited ensemble.
Much like the animated series, Gunn’s approach appears to prioritise character dynamics and ideological tension over spectacle alone – suggesting a Superman film that may be as much about the team around him as the man himself.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
more from Janine di Giovanni
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Rio Angie, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Trenchard, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Mulfit, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Waady, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m. Winner: Tried And True, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results
57kg quarter-finals
Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.
60kg quarter-finals
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.
63.5kg quarter-finals
Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.
67kg quarter-finals
Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.
71kg quarter-finals
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.
Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.
81kg quarter-finals
Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
More from our neighbourhood series:
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test Thursday-Monday at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
25%20Days%20to%20Aden
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Williams at Wimbledon
Venus Williams - 5 titles (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008)
Serena Williams - 7 titles (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016)
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Company%C2%A0profile
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