OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
The release of The Flash may have been one of the most anticipated films in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) — but for many fans, it ended up being a disappointing moment. Coming at a time when the fanbase had already decided to give up on the DCEU due to James Gunn’s upcoming reboot plans, The Flash promised a lot but ultimately failed to deliver. Not only was the movie unable to live up to expectations, but the final moments of the film also left fans wondering what could have been if the DCEU had stayed on its original course.
One of the most intriguing “what-ifs” revolves around a scene that was reportedly cut from the film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the original sequence at the court house steps — where Barry Allen is celebrating his father’s exoneration — was supposed to feature an iconic cameo lineup. Rather than ending with the reveal of George Clooney as Batman, the scene could have featured two powerful heroes: Henry Cavill’s Superman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl.
Imagine that: a post-Flash world where Man of Steel 2 could have been a reality, bringing these two Kryptonians together in a film that would have set the tone for the future of the DCEU.
The Return of Superman and the Birth of Supergirl
Henry Cavill’s Superman has been one of the most beloved portrayals of the Man of Steel in modern cinema. His brief return in Black Adam gave fans a glimmer of hope that he would be back for more. Unfortunately, that hope was quickly dashed when it was revealed that DC was moving away from Cavill’s Superman in favor of Gunn’s fresh direction. But what if that wasn’t the case? What if Man of Steel 2 had been allowed to go ahead, with Cavill’s Superman standing side by side with Sasha Calle’s Supergirl?
This dynamic duo could have changed the course of the DCEU, and their on-screen chemistry was evident in The Flash, where Calle’s portrayal of Supergirl earned praise from Cavill himself. This would have set the stage for a new generation of heroes in the franchise, as Supergirl — a much-needed character to counterbalance Superman’s mythos — could have brought fresh energy and perspective. Seeing the two Kryptonians interact, especially with their contrasting backgrounds, would have added emotional depth to a potential Man of Steel 2.
Exploring New Timelines and Threats
One of the most exciting possibilities for Man of Steel 2 would have been exploring the new timeline created by Barry Allen’s actions in The Flash. With Supergirl’s presence in this alternate reality, the dynamics of the DCEU would have shifted. How would the existence of two Kryptonians affect the events of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice or Justice League? Would Steppenwolf have been able to conquer Earth as easily, or would Darkseid’s attention have been drawn to the fact that Earth had two Kryptonian defenders?
The inclusion of Supergirl opens up so many possibilities for the future of the DCEU, and it’s easy to imagine how the cosmic and earthly battles would unfold differently. Perhaps, in a Man of Steel 2 plot, Brainiac — the iconic villain from the comics — could have been introduced. With Darkseid focused on Earth’s Kryptonian population, Brainiac might have been sent as an agent of destruction. His cold, calculating nature and immense intelligence would have made him a worthy adversary to both Superman and Supergirl, raising the stakes for the entire DCEU.
The Kryptonian Legacy
Another key aspect of Man of Steel 2 would have been the exploration of Krypton’s history. Unlike Jor-El and General Zod, who were central figures in the previous films, Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) could have provided a unique perspective. Having grown up on Krypton, Supergirl would offer Kal-El a glimpse of a different side of his homeworld. With her memories of Krypton, the film could have delved into a more personal, emotional exploration of Superman’s heritage, as he comes to terms with the loss of his planet. The presence of Kara would also have allowed the story to explore a more idyllic version of Krypton — one that Kal-El could have experienced if circumstances were different.
There could have been moments of deep emotional connection, with Kara offering Superman the chance to experience the childhood he never had. Imagine the scenes of them reminiscing about the place they came from, contrasting their experiences with the cold reality they now face on Earth.
The Power of Two Kryptonians
In many ways, Man of Steel 2 with Cavill and Calle would have been the perfect way to revitalize the DCEU. The combination of Superman’s iconic heroism and Supergirl’s untapped potential could have been a match made in cinematic heaven. Their shared heritage, their contrast in upbringing, and the looming threat of Brainiac could have propelled the story to new heights, offering fans an exciting and emotionally-charged journey.
Unfortunately, we may never see this potential realized. The Man of Steel 2 we hoped for — with Henry Cavill and Sasha Calle side by side, battling formidable enemies and exploring Krypton’s rich history — may be lost to the winds of change. But one can always dream about the possibility of a different future, where the DCEU continued to grow with its beloved heroes leading the charge.
As fans, we can only hope that the future of the DCEU might someday bring back the iconic characters we love — and who knows, perhaps the multiverse will allow for a return of Superman and Supergirl together on the big screen. Until then, we can only imagine the magic that could have been.
