The long-awaited trailer for the film Superman directed by James Gunn shocked fans with a striking scene: Superman, on the ground, with a bloody face. This detail could change the way we perceive the character. But what does this image of vulnerability hide?
A superman who can bleed
The first major clue in this scene is an answer to the famous question asked by Batman in Batman v Superman : “Do you bleed?” (“Can you bleed?”). Superman, often considered invincible, shows here that he is not immune to suffering.
So, James Gunn seems to answer this question directly, stating that even the Kryptonian is not invincible. He can bleed, he can be injured, and this human fragility is what makes the character more relatable.
Furthermore, the position of Superman, lying on the ground with blood on his face, evokes another cultural element: the “Yamcha Death Pose”a reference well known to Dragon Ball Z fans. This friendly nod to the manga universe shows that James Gunn has a deep understanding pop culture codes.
Towards a redefinition of the role of Superman?
This scene of Superman being injured sends a clear message: the hero we knew is not as infallible as we thought. Unlike the picture stoic and almost divine characterGunn seems to want to humanize Superman. This change could redefine Superman's role in this new DCU, where vulnerability becomes a form of strength.
The idea of seeing Superman injured could also echo the iconic story arc The Death of Superman. In this story, Superman is killed by Doomsday, a moment that marks a major turning point in DC comics.
Although Superman's death doesn't seem like an immediate option in Gunn's film, this injury scene could foreshadow future events where Kal-El is severely weakened or even absent. This could thus pave the way for a new dynamic for the Justice League.
Law Luthor and la kryptonite
Another possible scenario involves Lex Luthor, who could be responsible for this injury. The trailer shows Luthor admiring a gun. And this weapon could be a reference to the weapon used by Bloodsport in The Suicide SquadWho hurt Superman with kryptonite bullets.
If Luthor manages to obtain this weapon, he could seek to eliminate Superman, not only for his power, but also to destroy the image of his invincibility.
