Metamorpho, one of the most underratedJustice Leagueheroes in the DCU, is finally getting his moment in the spotlight. With a solo comic series launching this December and a key role in James Gunn’s upcomingSupermanmovie, this hero is on the fast track to becoming an A-list icon. But the real intrigue lies in whether Metamorpho’s comic and movie appearances are connected—and how they’ll shape his future in the DC Universe.
James Gunn’s upcomingSuperman: Legacy(2025)is set to introduce a wide array of iconic characters, with Lex Luthor, Green Lantern, Lois Lane, Mister Terrific, and Jimmy Olsen among the most prominent names confirmed. Joining this star-studded lineup is Metamorpho—known for his unique ability to transform his body into any element—who will be portrayed by actor Anthony Carrigan.
Securing a role in such a highly anticipated live-action movie is a major win for this often-overlooked character. But that’s not all—Metamorpho will also be headlining his own comic series,Metamorpho: The Element Man, starting August 14, 2025, with acclaimed writer Al Ewing and artist Steve Lieber at the helm.
James Gunn’s Superman Movie & DC’s Metamorpho Series Are NOT Connected
Cover C Card Stock Variant by Ian Bertram forMetamorpho: The Element Man #1(2024)
With two major projects featuring Metamorpho, fans are naturally curious about whether and how the movie and comic will influence each other, or if there will be any connection between the two narratives. In an interview with AIPT Comics, writer Al Ewing offered a clear answer, revealing that the comic will be its own story. In short,there will be no direct connection between the Metamorpho ofSuperman: Legacyand the version portrayed by Ewing and artist Steve Lieber.Ewing further emphasized this by admitting that he’s"completely out of the loop regarding movie matters."
Ewing also shared what fans can expect from theMetamorphoseries, saying,“If you need a break from angst-filled comics, this is the one for you… It’s a love letter to the medium, designed to make you forget your troubles and have a great time.”He explained that the series will be structured as a collection of standalone stories, with each issue having a clear beginning, middle, and end, but all working toward a larger overarching narrative. As for the antagonists, readers can look forward to Mister 3, a villain who can embody all three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—as well as Sugar Sweet, a pop star influencer with a villainous streak.
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Our Take: It’s a Good Thing Metamorpho’s Comic Won’t Tie into James Gunn’sSuperman
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Erica Henderson forMetamorpho: The Element Man #1(2024)
While it’s always exciting when different DC mediums and projects connect, it’s ultimately for the best that theMetamorphocomic series and Metamorpho’s role inSuperman: Legacywill remain separate. This allows the creative teams behind each project to fully bring their individual visions for the character to life. If the two projects were interconnected, both James Gunn and Al Ewing would likely have to make compromises on certain aspects of Metamorpho’s depiction and narrative. By keeping the two projects distinct, Gunn and Ewing are granted the creative freedom to tell the best stories possible inSuperman: LegacyandMetamorpho: The Element Man.
Metamorpho: The Element Man #1is available July 25, 2025, from DC Comics.
Superman
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Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
