Top 10 Mindblowing Superman Fan Theories

#10: Ultraman Will Become Doomsday

Superman (2025)

Before even hitting theaters, fans debated Ultramans true identity in James Gunns Superman. Going by comic lore, Ultraman couldve been Superman from an alternate universe. While Ultraman is revealed to be a Superman doppelganger, hes actually a clone that Lex Luthor created. This version of Ultraman shares more in common with the clone from Superman: Doomsday. On that note, Ultraman is pulled into a black hole during the climax, although that doesnt mean hes dead. One theory suggests that Ultraman will not only return in a future DCU movie, but hell come back as Doomsday. His black suit is already Doomsday-esque, and Ultraman equals Supermans strength. The effects could leave Ultraman mutated and hellbent on revenge, setting the stage for The Death of Superman.

#9: Chloe Sullivan Was Going to Become Lois Lane

Smallville (2001-11)

Although Clark Kent initially has eyes for Lana Lang in this origin story, we all know hes destined for Lois Lane. While Lois isnt present in the first three seasons, Clark goes to school with Chloe Sullivan, an aspiring journalist who has the hots for him. This led some to believe that Chloe would later become Lois. This was shot down in a Season 3 episode where Chloe mentions her cousin, Lois Lane, who finally appears in Season 4. Fans werent too far off, however. Creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar confirmed that they toyed with the idea of Chloe being the proto-Lois, changing her identity somewhere down the line. They ultimately scrapped this idea, allowing Erica Durance to deliver a fan-favorite portrayal of Lois.

#8: Lex Luthor & Batman Shared a Vision

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

We understand why Batman has such animosity toward Superman in this DCEU crossover. In addition to witnessing the Man of Steels collateral damage firsthand, Bruce Wayne has a dream where Superman brings about the end of the world. While Batmans motivations are fleshed out, audiences were generally confused as to why Lex Luthor pitted the titular heroes against each other. We guess Lex views Superman as a threat to humanity, although this isnt well-established in the film. One theory provides more context, proposing that Lex had the same post-apocalyptic vision as Bruce. This would certainly give Lex a more relatable reason for targeting Superman. It would also make Luthor and Batman more similar than the latter would care to admit.

#7: A Shared Universe

Superman (1978) & Batman (1989)

Before cinematic universes were mainstream or the superhero genre took over Hollywood, there were two gold standards: 1978s Superman and 1989s Batman. Both franchises had a similar trajectory, each inspiring one good sequel and two bad ones. Some fans liked to think they had an even closer link, believing they took place in the same universe. Christopher Reeve offered to appear in Tim Burtons film, although this idea wasnt taken seriously. While Reeves subsequent accident ruled out the possibility of him ever starring opposite Batman, DC has seemingly canonized this theory. Through the 2022 Dark Crisis comic book storyline, its established that the Burtonverse and Donnerverse are both part of Earth-789. This continuity also ignores the poorly received sequels, rewriting Batman and Supermans future adventures.

#6: A Kryptonite Inhaler

Superman Returns (2006)

Taking place in the same continuity as the first two Christopher Reeve movies, Superman returns to find that Lois now has a young son named Jason. While Lois claims that Richard White is the father, Jasons true parentage is verified after he smashes a henchman with a piano. Its unclear if Lois always knew that Superman was the father, although this theory implies that she did. Not only that, but she went to unethical lengths to conceal this secret. She did so by lacing Jasons inhaler with Kryptonite, weakening him just enough to keep his powers under control. Some might argue that Lois wouldnt do that to her own son. After demonstrating his powers, though, Jason second-guesses using his inhaler. Is he connecting the dots?

#5: Clark Kents Nerdiness Isnt An Act

On the surface, hes mild-mannered Clark Kent. Behind the Poindexter persona is the Man of Steel. Its often said that Clark Kent is merely a mask, and Superman allows him to be his true self. David Carradine has an entire monologue about this in Kill Bill: Volume 2. What if its the other way around, though? This theory claims that Superman has always been a nerd, going back to his upbringing in Smallville. Admittedly, the humble farmboy struggling to fit in with his peers more closely resembles the introverted Daily Planet reporter than the confident Superman. Maybe Clarks dorkiness isnt an act. Perhaps he is an awkward bookworm at heart. Once he puts on the supersuit, Clark puts up the facade of a fearless hero.

#4: The Manipulation of Martha!

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Save Martha! Its the line that launched a million memes, going down as one of the most infamous in the DCEU. Many found it laughable that Batman suddenly abandons his vendetta against Superman because their mothers share the same name. For that matter, was Superman expecting Batman to know who Martha was? Well, maybe. According to one theory, Superman already knew that Batman was Bruce Wayne. He was also familiar with Bruces childhood tragedy. When Superman says that name, he isnt just talking about his mom. Hes trying to trigger Batmans trauma by mentioning his late mothers name. Some may say thats a stretch, but it would explain why Superman didnt say something more specific like, Save my mother or Save Martha Kent.

#3: Superman Is a Plant?

What do Superman and Poison Ivy have in common? More than you think, at least going by this theory. We all know that Superman gets his powers from Earths yellow sun. So naturally, that must mean that Superman is a plant, right? It sounds silly, although theres some scientific backing to this hypothesis. Through photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight and other sources of light energy into chemical energy. We suppose Clarks powers operate similarly, but it doesnt entirely hold water. Its not like Kryptonians sprout out of the ground. In Action Comics #149, its even established that Krypton had Oregus Plants. So, would that mean that plants could own other plants on Krypton? Plus, if Superman were a plant, Kryptonite wouldnt be his only weakness.

#2: Kryptonian Glasses

Some heroes wear a mask to conceal their secret identities. Clark Kent wears glasses. Weve all made fun of this comic book logic. Even James Gunns film acknowledges that they might not fool everybody forever. Of course, Gunns film also threw out the idea that our hero has hypno glasses, making Clark and Superman appear like different people to the public. This aligns with a popular theory that Supermans glasses were constructed with Kryptonian technology, making for a more convincing disguise than you might assume. A few comics have also alluded to this. One published in 1978 even directly states that his glasses are made of Kryptonian plexiglass. While aspects of Supermans lore have changed over the decades, Gunn is making the hypno glasses official.

#1: Superman Flashpoint

Superman (1978)

The most revered Superman movie also contains the franchises most notorious twist. After losing Lois Lane, Superman reverses time by spinning the world backward. There are numerous reasons why this doesnt add up, although that hasnt stopped some fans from trying to make sense of it. The most logical explanation is that Superman didnt literally spin the world back. Like the Flash, he moved so fast that he traveled through time. Turning the Earth around was just symbolic. Even if that were the case, Superman would still need to get both missiles, which he always shouldve been able to do if he were fast enough to alter time. Would that also mean theres an alternate Superman out there? That would explain Superman III a little.

Whats the wildest Superman theory youve ever heard? Let us know in the comments.