• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
The 'S' on Superman's chest doesn't stand for 'Superman'

Home> Film & TV> DC Comics

Published 16:58 15 Mar 2024 GMT

The 'S' on Superman's chest doesn't stand for 'Superman'

It's not what you think it is.

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

Superman fans might be surprised to learn that a key part of the superhero's suit doesn't mean what you think it does.

Superman made his comic book debut way back in 1938 and has since gone on to be household name in Hollywood.

A host of huge actors have donned the infamous Superman suit over the years, with Christopher Reeve being one of the most iconic portrayals of the DC Comics hero.

Most recently, Henry Cavill played Superman in the DC Universe but his time as Clark Kent came to an abrupt end in 2022.

DC Comics fans were sent into frenzy after Cavill made a brief cameo in post-credits scenes of Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam as Kal-El.

Advert

Many were lead to believe that was The Witcher star was returning as Superman - Cavill included, but he later revealed that James Gunn ultimately decided to go in a different direction.

It's since been revealed that 29-year-old actor David Corenswet will be the next Superman.

While the person wearing the suit has changed over the years, one thing that remains is its design.

David Corenswet is the new Superman.
Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Advert

The heroic ensemble has always been blue and red with a large 'S' across the chest and, while many were led to believe the letter stands for 'Superman', it's actually something quite different.

Superman fans will know that Kal-El hails from the planet Krypton and was born to Jor-El and Lara.

And it turns out Superman's suit gives a nod to his home planet.

The 'S' that had donned the chest of many Supermans (or Supermen?) isn't even a 'S' at all, but a Kryptonian symbol.

Advert

The sign is a symbol of 'hope' and is Kal-El's family crest.

When he learns of this in the comics, Superman goes on to adopt the logo.

This theory comes from DC Comics writer Mark Waid's story, 'Superman: Birthright'.

The 'S' is a symbol for hope.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images

Advert

The next Superman movie that's in the works is Gunn's Superman: Legacy.

The film's synopsis reads, according to IMDb: "Follows the titular superhero as he reconciles his heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and a brighter tomorrow in a world that views kindness as old-fashioned."

Joining Corenswet in the movie is Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luther) and Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner).

House of the Dragon's Milly Alcock is also rumored to be starring as Kara Zor-El.

Advert

A release date for Superman: Legacy is yet to be confirmed but it's expected to land on Earth from Krypton sometime next year.

Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Topics: Superman, DC Comics, Henry Cavill, James Gunn, Film and TV

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Superman star responds to fan outrage after James Gunn called the superhero an 'immigrant'
  • New trailer for Superman has dropped and fans are calling it ‘genius’
  • First look at the new Batman in the DCU is leaving fans confused
  • James Gunn reveals why Henry Cavill is no longer returning as Superman

Choose your content:

12 hours ago
20 hours ago
2 days ago
3 days ago
  • Netflix
    12 hours ago

    91% Stephen King Netflix movie knocks viewers sick with ‘unfilmable’ scene

    Viewers had 'never been so affected' by a film before

    Film & TV
  •  Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
    20 hours ago

    The Witcher showrunner reveals one specific reason Liam Hemsworth was chosen to replace Henry Cavill

    Liam Hemsworth makes his debut in The Witcher season four this week

    Film & TV
  • Fox/Everett Collection
    2 days ago

    Everything we know about Malcolm in the Middle reboot as key cast member is replaced

    Ever since the show ended in 2006, fans have been asking for a reboot

    Film & TV
  • Instagram/@frankiemuniz4
    3 days ago

    Frankie Muniz shares first look at Malcolm in the Middle reboot as key cast member is replaced

    The Malcolm in the Middle reboot is set to release this December

    Film & TV