Superman Movie Twist: Did Lex Luthor Forge the Kryptonian Conquest Message?

The digital release of James Gunn’s Superman has unearthed a cryptic detail that could rewrite the film’s most jaw-dropping revelation. Fans initially reeled when Lex Luthor exposed Clark Kent’s Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara, as architects of an intergalactic conquest plot. But a blink-and-miss-it news ticker in the film’s climax now suggests Luthor’s manipulation runs deeper than anyone imagined.

Is the Kryptonian Message Authentic or Fabricated?

Midway through Superman, Luthor releases a recovered holographic message showing Jor-El and Lara commanding their son to “lord over” Earth’s “weak” inhabitants, “take as many wives” as possible, and “rule without mercy.” This shatters Clark’s belief that he was sent to protect humanity. However, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a digital news chyron during Maxwell Lord’s TV segment (timestamp 1:52:15) stating:

“The Daily Planet shows Luthor was behind the false images of Superman’s parents’ message.”

This bombshell—overlooked in theaters—directly contradicts Luthor’s claims. Forensic analysis by the Planet implies the message was altered. Director James Gunn previously defended its authenticity on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, citing character testimonies:

• Mr. Terrific’s computer forensics team found “no way” it was faked.
• Secretary of Defense Sam Lane confirmed its legitimacy.
• Luthor himself told General Sampson, “It’s not doctored. It’s real.”

Yet Gunn’s phrasing remains intriguingly indirect. He never personally declared the message genuine, only reiterated character dialogue. With The Daily Planet’s on-screen exposé, the truth hangs in limbo—a masterstroke of narrative ambiguity.

What This Retcon Means for the DCU’s Future

If the message was forged, Superman’s emotional resolution gains new weight. Clark’s choice to embrace the Kents as his “true” parents—rejecting Kryptonian heritage—becomes a defiant stand against Luthor’s psychological warfare. This twist also realigns future DCU projects:

1. Supergirl (2026): Could explore Krypton’s true legacy beyond Luthor’s interference.
2. Superman Sequel (2027): Might reveal Lara and Jor-El’s actual intentions.
3. Character Arcs: Positions Luthor as a manipulator weaponizing trauma—a theme echoing Peacemaker’s psychological depth.

Industry analysts note this ambiguity fuels fan engagement. Forbes’ film critic Scott Mendelson observes, “Gunn leverages DC’s history of revisionist lore to keep audiences debating—a tactic that paid off for The Suicide Squad.”

The mystery of Krypton’s message proves Superman’s greatest battle isn’t against villains, but for his own identity. With Luthor’s deceit potentially unmasked, the DCU’s next phase promises seismic revelations. Dive deeper into Gunn’s universe by exploring our DCU timeline guide—and brace for truth in 2026’s Supergirl.

Must Know

Q: What did Superman’s Kryptonian parents originally say in the message?
A: In Clark’s initial recording, Jor-El and Lara stated Earth was chosen so he could “live out Krypton’s truth” and “do the most good.” The later, contested version commanded conquest and domination.

Q: How did fans discover the message might be fake?
A: A digital news ticker during Maxwell Lord’s interview read: “The Daily Planet shows Luthor was behind the false images of Superman’s parents’ message.” This appeared in the digital release’s final act.

Q: What did James Gunn say about the message’s authenticity?
A: On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn cited in-film experts (Mr. Terrific, Secretary Lane) and Luthor himself vouching for its legitimacy—but avoided confirming it personally.

Q: Could this twist affect other DCU projects?
A: Yes. Supergirl may explore unaltered Kryptonian history, while future Superman films could address Luthor’s manipulation as a recurring psychological threat.

Q: When does Supergirl release?
A: Warner Bros. confirmed a June 26, 2026, theatrical release for the Milly Alcock-led film.