On April 18, 2025, DC Studios celebrated Superman Day by releasing a captivating behind-the-scenes featurette for James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman movie, set to premiere on July 11, 2025. Among the highlights were fresh looks at two fan-favorite DC characters: Hawkgirl, played by Isabela Merced, and Metamorpho, portrayed by Anthony Carrigan. These glimpses have sparked excitement among fans, offering insights into their comic-accurate designs and roles in the new DC Universe (DCU). Here’s a deep dive into what we’ve learned about these characters and their significance in the upcoming blockbuster.
Hawkgirl Soars into the DCU
Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, also known as Kendra Saunders, is introduced in a visually striking manner, soaring through the sky with her iconic mace and winged costume. The featurette showcases her elaborate, comic-inspired suit, complete with a helmet that fans have praised for its fidelity to the source material. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with users like @captaincupkicks noting, “Hawkgirl’s helmet is ripped straight from the comics.”
Merced, who previously appeared in Sony’s Madame Web, has shared that her experience filming Superman was markedly different. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she described the challenges of wearing the Hawkgirl supersuit, which required harnesses for flight scenes under the hot Cleveland sun. “I got a taste of the supersuit, which was not fun,” she admitted, hinting at the physical demands of her action-packed role. Despite the discomfort, Merced emphasized the fun she had on set, suggesting a lighthearted tone for the film.
While trailers have primarily shown Hawkgirl in battle, her exact role in the story remains under wraps. Gunn has emphasized that every character serves the narrative, stating, “They fit the story I’m telling. Story always comes first.” This suggests Hawkgirl will have a meaningful part, though some speculate her screen time may be limited due to the film’s large ensemble cast, which includes heroes like Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion). Fans are hopeful for a future reprisal, given Merced’s enthusiasm and the character’s rich comic history.
Metamorpho’s Comic-Accurate Transformation
Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho, also known as Rex Mason, is another standout from the featurette. Known for his ability to transform his body into any element found in the human body, Metamorpho’s design leans heavily on practical effects, a choice Gunn confirmed to avoid over-reliance on CGI. The teaser trailer and behind-the-scenes footage reveal a stunning, prosthetic-heavy look that has been lauded for its comic accuracy. As reported by maxblizz.com, “He looks so comic-accurate,” a sentiment echoed across fan discussions on X.
Carrigan, recognized from Barry and Death of a Unicorn, has expressed excitement about playing a superhero, calling it “very refreshing.” In a CBR interview, he teased the emotional core of Superman, suggesting the film will emphasize hope over darkness, a departure from previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) tones. His comments align with Gunn’s vision, who promised that Superman will not mimic the vibe of his Guardians of the Galaxy films but will carve its own path.
The featurette offers glimpses of Metamorpho’s transformative abilities, with a close-up showcasing his elemental form. Merchandise leaks, as noted by comicbookmovie.com, further revealed his detailed costume, paired with action figures that hint at his prominence in the film’s marketing. Carrigan’s casting reflects Gunn’s knack for embracing DC’s quirkier characters, positioning Metamorpho as a unique addition to the DCU’s roster.
A New Era for the DC Universe
The Superman movie marks the first live-action film in Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DCU, under the banner of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The featurette, described as “warm and uplifting” by @DCUBrief on X, highlights the cast’s excitement and the practical filmmaking techniques used, such as drone technology for flight scenes. Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane, declared, “In James Gunn we trust,” while Safran emphasized the team’s commitment to doing justice to DC’s vast library of characters.
Beyond Hawkgirl and Metamorpho, the film introduces a diverse ensemble, including David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. The featurette also teases Lex Luthor’s armor and other surprises, like a “Baby Kaiju,” adding to the film’s ambitious scope. With a plot centered on Superman reconciling his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, the story promises to blend heart, action, and hope.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The reveal of Hawkgirl and Metamorpho has generated significant buzz. On X, @DCUAlert and @GameSpot shared images from the featurette, amplifying fan excitement. The comic-accurate designs have been a particular point of praise, with @DCUSuperNews noting earlier merchandise reveals of Hawkgirl’s wings and Metamorpho’s form. However, some fans remain cautious, given the film’s large cast and the challenge of balancing screen time.
The Superman featurette positions Hawkgirl and Metamorpho as key players in a film that aims to redefine the superhero genre. As the DCU’s first cinematic outing, it carries high stakes, with industry outlets like GoldDerby calling it “the most important movie of 2025.” Whether Hawkgirl and Metamorpho will steal the spotlight or serve as supporting heroes, their introduction signals a bold, vibrant start to Gunn’s vision. Fans eagerly await the film’s release to see these characters take flight.
