James Gunn’s Superman is now in theaters, and the director has recently taken to social media to share new details about what may, in fact, be the DCU’s weirdest character — Mr. Handsome.
James Gunn Explains the Origin of DCU’s Weirdest Character
In a recent post shared on Threads, Gunn openly discussed Mr. Handsome’s strange beginnings, stating the following:
“When people ask me my favorite character from Superman, it just might be Mr. Handsome. Lex created Mr. Handsome in a Petri dish when he was 12 – he was trying to make a human. He didn’t come out so well, but he just might be the only one in the world Lex has any true sentiment for, as evidenced by the photo on his desk. Our Mr. Handsome was portrayed by the wonderful [Trevor Newlin].”
This quote not only confirms the character’s bizarre origins but also reveals Lex Luthor’s surprisingly emotional connection to him. In fact, a pre-teen Lex Luthor deliberately created Mr. Handsome in a lab, intentionally attempting to engineer a human. Consequently, Mr. Handsome turned out to be a failed experiment. Nevertheless, and quite unexpectedly, he remains the only being Luthor may genuinely care about, adding a layer of emotional depth to an otherwise twisted creation.
Who Is Mr. Handsome in Superman? Meet the DCU’s Weirdest Character
Mr. Handsome is a humanoid creature who appears in a pocket universe designed by Lex Luthor. Unlike the typical menacing villains or grandiose heroes often seen in the DC Universe, Mr. Handsome, on the other hand, stands out due to his unsettling origin and, more notably, his creator’s odd affection toward him.
Portrayed by Trevor Newlin, the character is clearly part of Gunn’s broader vision to blend emotional depth with offbeat humor and sci-fi weirdness. While he may not play a large role in terms of screen time, his presence is nonetheless significant. In fact, his unique appearance and backstory have already sparked growing interest and active discussion among fans across various platforms.
Superman Cast and Gunn’s Vision for the DCU
Gunn’s film introduces a wide range of characters in this reimagined DCU, with David Corenswet leading as Clark Kent/Superman. The ensemble cast also includes:
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
By seamlessly blending iconic roles with unconventional new figures like Mr. Handsome, the film not only reflects Gunn’s distinctive approach but also effectively highlights his ability to combine heart, humor, and, most importantly, unexpected character depth. Consequently, the narrative becomes richer and more layered. As a result, the story feels both refreshingly original and emotionally engaging, offering audiences a unique experience that sets this DCU chapter apart from its predecessors.
Mr. Handsome may be an odd creation; however, he has already become a standout in the film — not only because of his strange appearance or origin, but also due to the emotional complexity he brings to Lex Luthor’s story. Moreover, his presence adds a surprising layer of depth to the narrative. As the DCU continues to evolve under James Gunn’s bold direction, characters like Mr. Handsome clearly prove that even the weirdest creations can, in fact, leave a lasting and meaningful impression.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on DCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to DC Updates’ YouTube channel.
Sebastian Kind