As James Gunn Reveals Superman’s Full Superhero Mural, The DC Movie’s Production Designer Told Us How The Epic Artwork Came Together

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Soaring above the 2025 film lineup like Superman, its themes of kindness and heroism have been sweeping across the internet. The only thing that might rival this emotional tide could be the excitement generated by guessing how this movie fits into DCU Chapter One: “Gods and Monsters.

Fans are speculating they’ve figured out parts of the story based on the stunning mural in the Hall of Justice, which James Gunn has shared online. However, keep in mind that the production designer, Beth Mickle, has provided details about how this artistic masterpiece was created, and she includes a crucial disclaimer.

By Popular Demand, James Gunn Has Released Superman’s Full Hall Of Justice Mural

In simpler terms, the co-CEO/director of DC Studios, who has previously worked on Superman and The Suicide Squad, has fulfilled your request. On social media today, he unveiled a stunning mural in the Justice League (tentative name) headquarters, which you can see below.

It appears that Tom Hanks may be entitled to an apology, as some dedicated DC fans were led astray by ComicBookMovie’s coverage, mistakenly believing he was depicted in the mural as a variant of The Flash named Jay Garrick. However, thanks to Adam Holmes, one of TopMob’s resident DC experts, we now have a clearer picture of the heroes that can be identified in the mural:

[List of heroes]

  • Madame Xanadu
  • Silent Knight
  • Black Pirate
  • Miss Liberty
  • Super-Chief
  • Sandman
  • Amazing-Man
  • Zatara
  • Liberty Belle
  • Bulletman
  • Max Mercury
  • Bulletgirl
  • Dan the Dyna-Mite
  • TNT
  • Phantom Lady
  • Freedom Beast
  • Wildcat
  • Vibe

As a movie aficionado, I must acknowledge that the new incarnation of Superman presents an intriguing blend of characters, some of whom may not be immediately recognizable to casual viewers. Delving deeper into this ensemble, you’ll encounter several lesser-known figures from the vast DC Comics library.

In a recent conversation with Beth Mickle, she shed light on this very aspect, hinting at the thoughtful approach behind these unconventional choices. It’s quite evident that the absence of Pierce Brosnan’s Doctor Fate in this lineup is not merely coincidental. The creative team has certainly crafted a unique and engaging narrative by embracing these lesser-known heroes.

Superman’s Hall Of Justice Mural Is ‘Inspirational,’ Not A Game Plan For DCU: Chapter 1

As soon as you learned that Tom Hanks might play The Flash in upcoming DC films, your interest level increased a bit. This news, on its own, piqued my curiosity so much that I found myself eagerly wanting to know more from the production designer, who’s like Superman’s right-hand woman. However, Ms. Mickle tactfully declined to reveal too many details, but she did offer some insights into the reasoning behind choosing these heroes.

Recently, we contemplated incorporating a collection of iconic DC heroes into our mural, serving as an inspiring foundation. These characters hold so much potential; it’s hard to imagine what incredible plans they might unveil down the line.

Due to this important condition, I believe James Gunn gave his art department a precise list for a particular purpose: to avoid outlining a strategy that puts the cart before the powerful horse, essentially preventing an unexpected situation similar to Black Adam’s post-credit cameo where Henry Cavill didn’t return as Superman after reappearing in the role.

Exploring the intricacies behind the making of this mural, Beth Mickle found out that the WPA murals from the Great Depression served as a significant influence, or artistic inspiration, for the graphic designers Mary Shriner and Ellen Lampel who worked on Superman.

One significant factor was the existing mural within Cincinnati’s famous Union Terminal train station, which served as inspiration for the Hall of Justice’s design since it first appeared in the 1973 animated series Super Friends. This location continues to be a promising setting for a movie remake. However, this choice of location presented an unexpected challenge for Mickle and her team during set construction.

In an unexpected turn of events, I took on the task of creating a graphic file instead of installing a traditional mural because the rules wouldn’t allow it in the historic space. It might seem unusual, but the end result is a testament to the extraordinary skills of Stéphane Ceretti and Susan Pickett in the visual effects department. They truly outdid themselves!

Remember, it’s the same woman who constructed an entire set for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” in a garage. Building practically is essential to Beth Mickle’s method, so she isn’t hesitant to modify any space suitable for her purposes. With a traditional Americana style and a roster of heroes that left even the most dedicated DC Comics enthusiasts on her team scratching their heads, the end product is the stunning mural you can now admire above.

To catch a glimpse of the Hall of Justice on the silver screen, head to the cinema right away and witness Superman unfold before your eyes! Additionally, feel free to share your theories about the unidentified figures in this mural by leaving a comment below. Let’s pool our minds together to solve this mystery!

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2025-07-26 01:41