Wondering how Superman wraps up its high-stakes story and reshapes the future of the DC Universe? The ending delivers emotional revelations, a shocking Kryptonian twist, and a powerful decision that redefines Superman’s role on Earth. With enemies defeated and truths uncovered, the final moments lay the groundwork for what comes next.
Here’s the Superman ending explained and what it means for the DCU going forward.
What happens to Superman, Lois, and every character at the end?
At the end of James Gunn’s Superman, Clark Kent reclaims his identity not as a conqueror sent from Krypton but as a guardian shaped by Earth.
After defeating Ultraman, his mindless clone created by Lex Luthor, and saving Metropolis from a growing black hole, Superman emerges scarred but resolute. Though Lex had exposed a hidden message from Jor-El urging Clark to dominate Earth, Superman rejects this legacy.
Instead, he embraces the values taught by Jonathan and Martha Kent, symbolically replacing the Kryptonian recording in the Fortress of Solitude with a montage of his human parents. In a quiet mid-credits scene, he and Krypto watch Earth from the moon, marking his final choice to protect rather than rule.
Meanwhile, Lois Lane, alongside Jimmy Olsen and a secretly rebellious Eve Teschmacher, exposes Lex’s conspiracy through The Daily Planet, restoring public trust in Superman.
Ultraman’s identity and fate in Superman explained
Ultraman is revealed to be a clone of Superman, created by Lex Luthor using a strand of Superman’s hair. Luthor controlled Ultraman through command codes, and the clone had little to no free will.
During the final battle, Superman throws Ultraman into a black hole inside the collapsing pocket dimension. While it is unclear whether he survives, the film implies he may later return as a mutated version resembling Bizarro.
Does Lex Luthor die in Superman?
No, Lex Luthor does not die.
After his role in manipulating global conflict, cloning Superman, and nearly destroying Metropolis, Lex is publicly exposed and arrested.
Lex’s plan involved using Ultraman and the pocket dimension to imprison Superman and discredit him globally. His defeat marks a turning point in public perception, restoring Superman’s reputation.
Where does Krypto go in Superman?
Krypto is taken to the Fortress of Solitude for safekeeping by Supergirl, Kara Zor-El. After the events of the film, Kara returns to retrieve her dog, who has become bonded with Clark.
Krypto is featured in the mid-credits scene on the Moon with Superman. Initially causing chaos, the dog is eventually accepted by Clark as a companion, paralleling how the Kents adopted him.
What’s next for the Justice Gang?
The Justice Gang, including Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific, helps stop a second Boravian invasion and supports Superman in the final battle.
In the post-credits scene, Mr. Terrific and Superman work together to repair Metropolis, confirming the team’s ongoing role as Earth’s protectors.
What happens to Metamorpho and baby Joey?
Metamorpho is forced by Lex to generate kryptonite inside the prison realm, with his son Joey held hostage. He later helps Superman and the Justice Gang in the final battle.
After the defeat of Lex, Metamorpho and Joey are reunited. The film presents Metamorpho’s arc as one of redemption, having been coerced into Lex’s plan but ultimately helping to restore order.
