Superman (2025) ends with Superman choosing Jonathan and Martha Kent over Jor-El and Lara's order to rule Earth. He defeats Lex Luthor's clone Ultraman, seals the rift above Metropolis and restores public trust. James Gunn's film is DC Studios' first theatrical feature from Warner Bros.
Pictures, released July 11, 2025. As Warner Bros. UK via Phase9 notes in its sneak-peek report, it stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult as a compassion-driven hero.
Table of Contents
- What drives the plot?
- Why does the Kryptonian message matter?
- What is the pocket-universe prison?
- How does Superman win?
- What does the ending mean?
- What do the final scenes set up?
What drives the plot?
Lex Luthor wants the public to turn against Superman. He infiltrates the Fortress of Solitude and recovers the complete message from Jor-El and Lara. That message urges Clark to conquer humans and take many wives.
As Primetimer explains in its ending breakdown, Lex broadcasts it to destroy trust in Superman. At the same time, Lex backs Boravia's invasion of Jarhanpur. The Justice Gang responds to that war while Superman faces the crisis in Metropolis.
Why does the Kryptonian message matter?
The broadcast reframes Superman as a planted conqueror, not a rescuer. Fear spreads fast because the order comes from his own birth parents. Clark must answer whether biology decides his path.
He rejects conquest and claims the Kents as his true parents. That choice becomes the moral spine of the film. His goodness comes from human upbringing, not Kryptonian command.
What is the pocket-universe prison?
Lex imprisons Superman in a pocket universe made through a mini Big Bang. He holds him there with Metamorpho as a guard. Metamorpho is coerced into forming Kryptonite and torturing Superman.
He later defects and helps Superman survive. Ultraman is revealed as Lex's mindless Superman clone grown from Clark's hair. He is the dark mirror of what Clark would become under the conquest order.
How does Superman win?
Superman and Krypto fight Ultraman and force him into the pocket-universe black hole. As GamesRadar details in its ending guide, Mister Terrific closes the Metropolis rift Lex opened to draw Superman away. The Justice Gang — Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner and Metamorpho — stops Boravia's attack on Jarhanpur.
Superman stays focused on saving Metropolis from collapse into the rift. Lex is arrested for cloning, unlawful imprisonment and nearly destroying Metropolis. His plan fails on both fronts.
What does the ending mean?
Clark proves identity is chosen through action. He keeps the Kent values of mercy, work and care for neighbors. Public faith returns because Superman acts to protect rather than rule.
Compassion, not power, defines him. The film contrasts inherited orders with adopted character. Clark keeps Kryptonian strength but lives by human conscience.
What do the final scenes set up?
Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock, arrives intoxicated at the Fortress to reclaim Krypto. Her appearance points toward Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
The credits show Superman and Mister Terrific rebuilding a crooked building. Krypto stays beside Clark as ordinary life resumes.