The Two Shocking Superman (2025) Post-Credits Scenes Explained: Why James Gunn Broke The Sequel Bait Rule

The era of the new DC Universe (DCU) has officially begun, and the first chapter, *Gods and Monsters*, kicks off with a Man of Steel unlike any we’ve seen before. Following the global release of James Gunn’s *Superman* in July 2025, fans are buzzing not just about David Corenswet’s pitch-perfect portrayal of Clark Kent, but about the film’s surprising approach to the traditional superhero movie stinger. Unlike the massive sequel teasers we’ve grown accustomed to, *Superman* delivers two end-credits scenes that prioritize character, humor, and emotional depth over grand universe setups. This is a deep dive into the mid-credits and post-credits stingers, revealing what they mean for the future of the DCU and its new blueprint for storytelling. The two scenes—one a poignant, wordless moment, the other a hilarious character interaction—perfectly encapsulate the tone James Gunn is establishing for the DCU: grounded, character-driven, and full of heart. Here is the full breakdown of both scenes and the major entities they feature.

The New DCU's Core Cast: Key Entities in Superman (2025)

Before diving into the end-credits, it is essential to recognize the extensive cast and characters James Gunn introduced in this foundational DCU film. The sheer number of established heroes and villains sets a robust stage for the future, even if the stingers themselves are subtle.

• Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El: David Corenswet
• Lois Lane: Rachel Brosnahan
• Lex Luthor: Nicholas Hoult
• Mister Terrific / Michael Holt: Edi Gathegi (Featured in the Post-Credits Scene)
• Krypto the Superdog: (Featured in the Mid-Credits Scene)
• Hawkgirl / Kendra Saunders: Isabela Merced
• Guy Gardner / Green Lantern: Nathan Fillion
• Metamorpho / Rex Mason: Anthony Carrigan
• The Engineer / Angela Spica: María Gabriela de Faría
• Rick Flag Sr.: Frank Grillo
• Supergirl / Kara Zor-El: Milly Alcock (Introduced in the main film's finale)
• Perry White: Wendell Pierce
• Jimmy Olsen: Skyler Gisondo
• Jonathan Kent & Martha Kent: Pruitt Taylor Vince & Neva Howell
• Jor-El & Lara Lor-Von: Bradley Cooper & Angela Sarafyan
• Entities & Locations: The Daily Planet, Fortress of Solitude, Belle Reve, The Authority (teased), Justice Gang.

1. The Mid-Credits Scene: Moonlight, Melancholy, and Krypto

The first scene arrives approximately two minutes into the credits, following the stylized opening credit sequence that pays homage to Richard Donner's original *Superman* (1978). This "mid-credits" moment is less of a scene and more of a powerful, wordless snapshot.

What Happens:

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The screen cuts to a silent shot of Superman, seen from behind, sitting on the Moon. He is gazing down at the Earth, which hangs beautifully in the black void of space. Crucially, he is not alone. Cuddled lovingly in his arms is Krypto the Superdog, who is resting his head on Clark’s shoulder. The moment is brief, lasting only about 30 seconds, and ends without dialogue.

The Emotional Significance:

This scene is a profound moment of reflection, and it is a direct visual nod to the iconic 2005 comic book series All-Star Superman, which James Gunn has cited as a key inspiration for the film. Throughout the main film, the relationship between Clark and his "foster dog" Krypto is often rocky and chaotic, with the super-dog’s destructive tendencies causing Clark headaches. This quiet, serene moment on the Moon serves as an emotional bookend, symbolizing the deep, unconditional bond between the two.

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It also visually reinforces Superman’s unique burden. He is the Earth’s protector, often alone in his power, and the scene emphasizes his isolation as he quietly contemplates his home planet from afar. It’s a pure character moment, choosing to affirm Superman's emotional core rather than tease a future villain like Brainiac or a crossover with the Justice Gang.

2. The Post-Credits Scene: Mister Terrific's Frustration and Superman’s Self-Awareness

The second scene appears after the full credits roll, offering a more substantial, albeit humorous, interaction. This stinger shifts the tone from the quiet melancholy of the first scene to a lighthearted comedic exchange.

What Happens:

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The scene is set in Metropolis following the climactic battle, which saw Lex Luthor create a dimensional rift that literally cleaved the city in two. Mister Terrific (Michael Holt), who was instrumental in inputting a code to reverse the interdimensional apocalypse, is surveying a recently repaired building alongside Superman.

Despite Terrific's incredible feat of repairing the massive damage, Superman can't help but point out a minor flaw. He remarks that the seam left on the building where the rift was closed is "just a little off," or "not quite perfectly back together." Understandably, the brilliant but easily irritated Mister Terrific is furious at this nitpick, having just saved the entire city from a black hole. He storms off in a huff, kicking dirt and debris in frustration.

The scene ends with a self-aware Superman muttering to himself, "Darn it, I can be such a jerk sometimes."

The Character-Driven Payoff:

This scene is a perfect example of James Gunn’s commitment to character over plot setup. It was reportedly a scene originally slated for the main movie but was moved to the end-credits. The exchange is a fun, humanizing moment that solidifies the dynamic between the two heroes.

• For Mister Terrific: It highlights his genius and importance to the DCU as a key member of the Justice Gang (and a potential future member of The Authority), but also showcases his human frustration with the impossible standards of a perfect being like Superman.
• For Superman: It emphasizes his self-awareness and empathy. Despite his powers, he is still learning how to interact with people and owns up to his own flaws, even if they are minor social blunders. It’s a subtle nod to the Silver Age comics where Superman was sometimes portrayed as a "jerk" on the covers, but here, it’s about his well-meaning but socially awkward nature.

Why James Gunn Avoided Traditional Sequel Bait

The biggest takeaway from the *Superman* end-credits scenes is what they *don't* do. Fans accustomed to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) model, or even previous DC films that teased the Legion of Doom or brought back Henry Cavill’s Superman in *Black Adam*, were expecting a massive reveal.

However, James Gunn, who previously directed the *Guardians of the Galaxy* trilogy, has been open about his philosophy. He intentionally avoided using the stingers to set up the next film, such as the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow or the Lanterns show.

Gunn’s reasoning is strategic for the new DCU: he wants to ensure that everything set up is paid off, and he is weary of post-credits scenes that promise an exciting future but fail to deliver, or force a character into a sequel where they don't naturally fit. The most significant setup for the DCU’s future is actually in the main film's finale, where Milly Alcock's Supergirl makes her introduction, not in the credits.

Instead of a punch to the face with a major plot reveal, Gunn chose to end his film with an emotional blueprint: a quiet moment of vulnerability and a humorous moment of self-reflection. The scenes are a promise that the DCU will be a universe built on strong, grounded, and character-driven storytelling, setting a new expectation for superhero cinema.