Thanks to the leaks of the movie Superman: Legacy (2025) we know that the new installments of DC Comics will introduce The Authority.
After releasing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 from Marvel Studios, director James Gunn already has a free hand to work on his new movie, but this time it will be from DC Comics and it will be called Superman: Legacy. For now, we do not have many details, but the first rumors indicate that we will be able to see the group of characters called The Authority.
This is quite logical, since James Gunn loves morally gray teams, with very different members. So it will be interesting to see if the members of The Authority are important in the plot of Superman: Legacy or just have a small introduction and eventually star in their own movie. So we thought now seems like a good time to learn more from the comics.
What is The Authority?
The Authority
It is a group of DC Comics superheroes that debuted in 1999, created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch. This revolutionary team is characterized by its dark approach and its radical attitude towards the fight against crime and injustice. Over the years, The Authority has pushed the conventional boundaries of the superhero genre, delivering provocative and exciting stories that have earned recognition and praise from fans.
The Authority emerged as a reinvention of the Stormwatch superhero team from Wildstorm, an independent publisher later acquired by DC Comics. Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch took the reins on the title and transformed it into something completely new and bold. Instead of being a traditional superhero team, it was presented as a group of powerful individuals who not only battled villains, but also took drastic measures to change the world and protect it from large-scale threats.
It is made up of a variety of unique and powerful characters. Apollo and Midnighter are a gay couple with superhuman abilities, embodying a dark version of Superman and Batman. Jenny Sparks is a charismatic leader who possesses the power to control electricity. Swift is a winged woman with enhanced speed and agility, while The Engineer is a scientist with the ability to manipulate technology. Other characters like Jack Hawksmoor, who can communicate with cities, and The Doctor, a mystical shaman capable of channeling cosmic powers, have also joined The Authority’s ranks. He’s basically an alternate version of Justice League.
This group stood out for its subversive approach and its representation of LGBTQ+ characters.
His groundbreaking stories and portrayal of contemporary social and political issues resonated with readers and paved the way for a new wave of mature and thoughtful comics. His cinematic storytelling style, accompanied by Bryan Hitch’s detailed art, influenced generations of later comic book artists and writers.
The Authority
To interpret some of these characters, the names of actors such as Nicholas Hoult, David Corenswet or Tom Brittney are playing. But for now, we’ll have to wait to find out about James Gunn’s plans, although it shouldn’t be ruled out that there will be important revelations at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025.
