Despite the widespread acclaim surrounding Superman, a portion of the DC fanbase has expressed disappointment with Superman’s post-credit scenes. While the film itself has been praised for its tone and performances, some viewers found the scenes underwhelming. Others felt they lacked a clear connection to the broader DCU. In response to these criticisms, writer-director James Gunn has stepped forward to defend his creative choices. He firmly stands by the intent and purpose behind the post-credit moments.
Why Superman’s Post-Credit Scenes Were Different
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Gunn explained his reasoning for not including major universe-building teases in Superman’s post-credit scenes:
“I’ve set up things in post-credit scenes — and Marvel has too — that never pay off. Unless it’s really for sure going to pay off… I don’t want to set up stuff just because it’s a shocking post-credit scene that we’re never going to pay off.”
Similarly, he compared this to his time at Marvel, noting that the most beloved post-credit moments were often the silly or lighthearted ones, such as Howard the Duck or Stan Lee’s cameos in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Why Superman’s Ending Avoided Big Teases
Rather than teasing future movies that may not happen, Gunn chose instead to give fans a rewarding and fun moment.
“I do like giving the audience something for having stuck around through the credits… And that’s what I did. So we put Terrific at the end.”
The Superman’s post-credit scenes featured:
- David Corenswet as Superman
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
- Krypto the Superdog
Although subtle and not a major setup, these scenes still offer a glimpse into the future of the DCU — especially with Mister Terrific expected to play a major role in upcoming projects. In addition, their inclusion helps establish key characters early without overwhelming the story’s conclusion.
Mister Terrific and Krypto’s Surprise Appearances
Though not a major setup, Mister Terrific’s inclusion is significant. He’s rumored to play a central role in future DCU films. Moreover, the addition of Krypto introduces a lighter tone — reminiscent of past James Gunn projects like Guardians of the Galaxy. Together, their appearances strike a balance between meaningful character reveals and lighthearted fan moments.
No Cliffhangers in Superman’s Post-Credit Scenes: Just Honest Storytelling
One of the biggest surprises about Superman’s post-credit scenes is how grounded they are. Gunn emphasized that unless there’s a confirmed connection to an upcoming project — like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow — he won’t add misleading cliffhangers:
“If it was a payoff at the end of the credits that had to do with something in the Supergirl movie, I would be open to that. We know that’s happening.”
Building Trust with the DCU Audience
Ultimately, Gunn’s approach could redefine how post-credit scenes function in the new DCU. Instead of treating them as hype machines, he’s using them to build audience trust — showing that what’s teased is intentional, not hollow fan service. This deliberate shift marks a move toward more thoughtful, character-driven storytelling in the evolving franchise.
James Gunn’s approach clearly signals a significant shift in post-credit scene strategy—from generating hype for its own sake to prioritizing audience trust. Rather than teasing uncertain future plotlines, he chooses to set up only what is firmly planned. While many fans may have anticipated a dramatic multiverse reveal or the introduction of a major villain, Superman’s post-credit scenes take a more grounded and character-driven approach. Ultimately, this decision establishes a more sincere and measured tone, which is particularly fitting as the foundation for the newly reimagined DC Universe.
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