Superman has made its theatrical debut, and amidst the great critical reception it is receiving, some aspects of the movie, like the DCU version of the Superman origin story, have already caught the imagination of viewers. While Kal-El’s origin story has been straight for nearly 100 years of the character’s existence, director James Gunn managed to tweak and add one important detail that changes everything about the Man of Steel.

So, here’s everything to know about the changes in Superman’s origin story in the first film of Gunn’s DCU.

Superman Review: A Surprising Start for DCU

Was Superman really sent to conquer Earth in DCU?

Superman gives a glimpse of Kal-El’s Fortress of Solitude early in the film, and with it comes the famous message that has been a motif in all the Superman movies till now. This message, from Jor-El (Bradley Cooper) and Lara (Angela Sarafyan), seems to tell him to do good and help Earth and its inhabitants.

However, in James Gunn’s directorial, the message is incomplete due to the damage to the pod. Lex Luthor manages to break into the fortress and retrieve the entirety of this message. In the full version of the message, Jor-El and Lara essentially ask Superman to conquer Earth and rule the primitive species, i.e., mankind.

Luthor broadcasts this message, changing the public’s perception of Superman. Moreover, this changes how Clark Kent, AKA Superman, perceives himself. But by doing this, James Gunn also emphasizes how Superman is really different from any other alien species. Despite knowing that his parents sent him to rule the planet like a god, Kal-El becomes the savior and does only good. It also sheds light on the part Kent’s upbringing plays in his life.

All in all, DCU gives a slightly different origin story to Superman, but it adds a lot of depth to the character. This revelation could likely set up the introduction of General Zod in the future, as well, since he tried to conquer Earth anyway.

Meanwhile, eager fans can now catch Superman in their nearest theatres.