Superman (2025) Ending & Post-Credit Scenes Explained
Superman (2025) Ending & Post-Credit Scenes Explained — that’s the question on everyone’s mind after James Gunn’s highly anticipated DCU reboot hit theaters. While fans came in expecting a setup for future films, what they got instead was a surprisingly self-contained story about legacy, identity, and hope. The film’s final act and post-credit scenes offer more than just teasers—they reveal Gunn’s new narrative philosophy for the DC Universe.
Let’s dive into what happens at the end, what the credits scenes mean, and why this approach might be a much-needed course correction for superhero cinema.
Full Spoilers Ahead!
The Big Finale: How Superman Reclaims His Legacy
In the climax of the film, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) manipulates global tensions and Superman’s alien origins to turn the world against him. He exposes messages from Superman’s Kryptonian parents that suggest they intended for him to rule Earth without mercy. But rather than succumbing to this dark vision, Clark Kent (David Corenswet) chooses hope.
The final act sees Superman torn between two crises:
- A war in Jarhanpur was instigated by Luthor and Boravia’s corrupt president.
- A dangerous rift in Metropolis, caused by a collapsing pocket universe Luthor had secretly created, and once used to imprison Superman.
With help from Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Superman stops the dimensional implosion just in time. The city’s torn-apart skyline is reassembled (albeit imperfectly), and Luthor’s crimes are exposed publicly by the Daily Planet. Lex is arrested and sent to Belle Reve.
Meanwhile, Superman’s relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) is restored, and the world begins to see him once again as the symbol of truth and compassion he truly is.
Post-Credits Scenes: What Happens?
Mid-Credit Scene: A Quiet Tribute
After the initial credits roll, a serene moment unfolds: Superman and Krypto sit side by side on the moon, gazing at Earth in silence. It’s a visual homage to Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman comic and had already appeared in early promotional material. The stillness speaks volumes—it’s a metaphor for Superman’s eternal watch over humanity, not a setup for the next movie.
Fun fact: The moment echoes the 1978 Superman film, with its use of font and music, especially the punk track by Teddybears and Iggy Pop—a callback to Clark and Lois’ conversation about what “punk” really means.
Post-Credit Scene: Mister Terrific Loses His Cool
In the second credits scene, Superman and Mister Terrific survey a repaired (but skewed) building. When Superman remarks, “It’s just a little off,” Terrific lashes out, frustrated: “What do you want me to do, take it apart again!?” The exchange ends with Clark sheepishly apologizing, reflecting on how even the Man of Steel can sometimes be a bit insensitive.
This brief, humorous scene emphasizes character rather than story progression—and that’s intentional.
Why Superman Doesn’t Tease Future DCU Films (And That’s Okay)
In contrast to the Marvel model, Superman resists the urge to cram in cameos, villains, or Easter eggs that promise spin-offs. According to Gunn’s vision, a superhero movie should first succeed on its terms.
“No movie will be greenlit by DC Studios without a full script,” Gunn told Entertainment Weekly. “I’m not going to introduce a character if I don’t have a real plan.”
This explains why characters like Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) or Green Lantern (Guy Gardner) appear without fanfare. They serve the story, not the franchise.
Instead of teasing Brainiac or Darkseid in post-credits, Gunn includes Supergirl (Milly Alcock) in the main film’s ending, because her solo movie (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) has already been completed and scheduled for release.
Who Is Supergirl in the Film?
Supergirl’s arrival is chaotic, comic, and memorable. She crashes into the Fortress of Solitude drunk, having been partying on a red-sun planet where Kryptonians can get intoxicated. Krypto, Superman’s dog, turns out to be hers.
Her costume—a red skirt, brown jacket, and no cape—is lifted directly from Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the comic that her solo film is based on.
“Thanks for watching him, bitch!” she quips to Superman, reinforcing their sibling-like dynamic and giving a taste of the rough-edged character fans can expect in her film.
Why Gunn’s Approach Is a Win for Storytelling
Rather than dangling a dozen loose threads or crowding the screen with future heroes, Superman stays focused on Clark Kent. The film celebrates the man behind the cape: someone who saves squirrels, dogs, kaiju, and even enemies—because every life matters.
Corenswet’s portrayal is sincere, kind, and earnest, without feeling outdated. Brosnahan’s Lois Lane brings fierce integrity, humor, and warmth. And their chemistry? Undeniable.
“Maybe being kind is punk these days,” Clark says in the film—a statement that feels like the thesis of the entire reboot.
Final Thoughts: The Superman Movie We Deserved
Superman is more than just the start of a new cinematic universe. It’s a powerful standalone story about choosing good, even when evil tries to twist your identity.
The film avoids relying on cliffhangers or teasing sequels just for the sake of hype. Instead, it stands confidently on its own merits. What it does best is remind us why Superman endures as a cultural icon—not because he’s perfect, but because he always tries. He leads not with power, but with compassion.
Whether you’re a lifelong DC fan or just stepping into this world, this film delivers on what matters most: heart, hope, and heroism.