James Gunn and Isabela Merced have taken a moment to honor a significant milestone in the world of DC Comics. As the director and writer of the upcoming Superman film, Gunn has been busy with production, but he didn’t miss the chance to celebrate the anniversary of Hawkgirl, a character who will play a pivotal role in his new movie.
Hawkgirl, a beloved character in the DC Universe, first appeared as Shiera Sanders-Hall in Flash Comics #1 in January 1940. Later, Kendra Saunders took on the mantle in JSA Secret Files #1 in August 1999. This rich history wasn’t lost on Gunn or Merced, who will bring Hawkgirl to life in the upcoming Superman film.
Gunn shared his excitement on social media, posting, “Today is the anniversary of Kendra Saunders’ first appearance as #Hawkgirl! While Kendra took flight in JSA SECRET FILES #1 in 1999 under writers James Robinson and David S. Goyer and artists Louis Small Jr. and Michael Bair, Hawkgirl first hit stands in 1940 as Shiera Sanders-Hall in FLASH COMICS #1 written by Gardner Fox and drawn by Dennis Neville. So excited for @isabelamerced to don the wings in @Superman!”
Merced, who is set to portray Hawkgirl, also shared her thoughts in the comment section, expressing her enthusiasm for the role and the character’s legacy. This announcement has generated significant buzz among fans, who are eager to see how Merced will bring Hawkgirl to life on the big screen.
The celebration of Hawkgirl’s anniversary comes at a time when the DC Universe is undergoing significant changes. Gunn’s Superman film, set to release in July 2025, promises to be a fresh take on the iconic superhero. The film will feature David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, among other notable cast members.
Gunn has been open about his approach to the film, stating that it will not be another origin story. Instead, it will focus on an experienced Superman navigating a world full of heroes. This decision aims to avoid the pitfalls of previous DC films that tried to introduce too many characters at once.
In addition to Merced’s Hawkgirl, the film will feature a star-studded cast, including Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. The ensemble cast promises to bring a rich and diverse array of characters to the screen, each contributing to the film’s narrative without overshadowing the core story of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor.
Gunn’s celebration of Hawkgirl’s anniversary is a testament to his commitment to honoring the legacy of DC’s characters. By acknowledging the rich history of Hawkgirl and other characters, Gunn is setting the stage for a film that respects the past while looking forward to the future.
As production on the Superman film continues, fans are eagerly awaiting more updates and behind-the-scenes content. Gunn has been active on social media, sharing glimpses of the cast and crew, and providing insights into the film’s development. This transparency has been well-received by fans, who appreciate the director’s engagement and enthusiasm.
The announcement of Merced as Hawkgirl has also sparked discussions about the character’s role in the broader DC Universe. With the end of the DCEU and the beginning of a new era under Gunn’s leadership, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement about what the future holds for characters like Hawkgirl.
Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe is ambitious, aiming to create a cohesive and interconnected world that honors the legacy of its characters while introducing new and exciting stories. The inclusion of Hawkgirl in the upcoming Superman film is a promising sign of things to come, and fans are eager to see how Gunn’s vision will unfold.
As we celebrate Hawkgirl’s anniversary, it’s clear that the character’s legacy is in good hands. With James Gunn at the helm and Isabela Merced bringing Hawkgirl to life, the future looks bright for this iconic character. Fans can look forward to seeing Hawkgirl soar to new heights in the upcoming Superman film, and beyond.
