The new ‘Superman’ introduces a brand new version of the DC Universe. Here’s where it takes place in the timeline.

David Corenswet as Superman.

Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros. Pictures

Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s a new “Superman” movie!

Yes, the Man of Steel is returning to the big screen on Friday, with his first solo adventure for over a decade.

However, because Warner Bros. and DC Studios have experienced plenty of shake-ups in recent years, casual viewers might be confused by why this DC Universe is completely different to the one in previous movies like “Black Adam,” “The Flash,” and “Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom.”

The short answer? Its director, James Gunn, is completely rebooting the DC Universe by telling the stories of DC’s most famous superheroes, starting with Superman/Clark Kent (David Corenswet) in “Superman.”

The 2025 movie deals with Superman’s conflict with tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), his relationship with the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Lois Lane, (Rachel Brosnahan), and his place in the wider DC Universe.

Its lighter tone is a departure from Zack Snyder’s gloomier take on the character, who was played by Henry Cavill in movies including “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman,” and “Justice League.”

‘Superman’ takes place after ‘Creature Commandos’ and before ‘Peacemaker’ season 2

A man with neat brown hair stands in a forest. He has a large cut on his forehead and another on his cheek. He's wearing a superhero costume. His short-sleeved shirt is mainly red with blue detailing on the sleeves and collar. There is a blue plate on his chest with a yellow symbol in the middle depicting a white bird. He's also wearing large blue gloves and white trousers, also with blue details. There is a silver gun in a blue holster on his right leg, and extra ammo clips attached to a blue utility belt around his waist. — John Cena as Christopher Smith in “Peacemaker.”

Katie Yu/HBO

In June, Gunn told Rolling Stone that by the time the film takes place in the DC Universe, Superman has been saving the world for three years, and that metahumans (people with superpowers) have existed for 300 years.

It’s also worth noting that the events of “Superman” happen after the animated “Creature Commandos” TV series, which aired on HBO Max in 2024. In that show, Frank Grillo voiced Rick Flag Sr., the leader of Task Force M, and he reprises the role in live action in “Superman.”

The movie also takes place before “Peacemaker” season two, because Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) will appear in the coming TV series after having supporting roles in “Superman.”

The 2025 movie will firmly open the door to the wider DC Universe by featuring characters like Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan).

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