Who Is Baby Joey in James Gunn’s Superman? Unraveling the Mysterious DCU Debut

Who Is Baby Joey in James Gunn’s Superman? This question has sparked intense curiosity among DC fans since the green-skinned infant appeared in the final trailer for James Gunn’s Superman film, set to release on July 11, 2025.

Spotted in Superman’s arms amidst a cosmic struggle, Baby Joey is no ordinary character. Confirmed as the toddler son of Metamorpho, Joey Mason, this pint-sized DC Comics character is poised to play a pivotal role in the DC Universe’s (DCU) cinematic reboot.

In this article, we dive into Baby Joey’s comic book origins, his surprising debut, and what his presence means for the high-stakes narrative of Gunn’s Superman.

Who Is Baby Joey in DC Comics?

Baby Joey, known as Joseph “Joey” Mason, first appeared in Justice League Europe #11-12 in 1990. He is the son of Rex Mason, aka Metamorpho, the Element Man, and Sapphire Stagg, daughter of billionaire Simon Stagg. In the comics, Joey inherits a unique twist on his father’s powers.

While Metamorpho can transmute his body into any chemical element, Joey’s abilities work in reverse, allowing him to alter the physical properties of others with a touch. This made him a target, notably in a 1990 storyline where Simon Stagg exploited Joey’s powers to create a fuel substitute.

In a 1993 Metamorpho run by Mark Waid, Joey’s powers were neutralized after touching the Orb of Ra, the artifact that granted Rex his abilities, curing him of his mutant condition. While Joey’s comic appearances are limited, his connection to Metamorpho and the Stagg family ties him to complex emotional and corporate conflicts, setting the stage for his DCU debut.

Why Is Baby Joey in the Superman Film?

Baby Joey’s appearance in the final Superman trailer, released June 12, 2025, marks his first live-action role. A tie-in children’s book, Superman’s Friends and Foes, confirms Joey as Metamorpho’s toddler son.

The book reveals a critical plot point: Joey is kidnapped, forcing Metamorpho to choose between aligning with Superman (David Corenswet) or Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). This dilemma suggests Joey is a narrative catalyst, driving tension between heroes and villains.

The trailer shows Superman holding Joey in a chaotic, cube-filled interdimensional space, with Metamorpho seemingly restraining Superman using blue vine-like tendrils. This scene, combined with merchandise like the LuthorCorp Lab set, hints at Lex Luthor’s manipulation of Metamorpho, possibly using Joey as leverage to coerce the Element Man into crafting kryptonite, Superman’s weakness.

What Role Does Lex Luthor Play in Joey’s Story?

Lex Luthor’s involvement with Baby Joey appears central to the film’s conflict. The Superman’s Friends and Foes book and toy descriptions indicate Luthor kidnaps Joey to exploit Metamorpho’s powers.

In the comics, Metamorpho’s ability to transmute elements makes him uniquely capable of creating kryptonite, a substance Luthor wields against Superman. The trailer’s depiction of Luthor leading “Raptors,” his armored soldiers, and his declaration in the Fortress of Solitude—“Now, as planned, I’ll destroy you”—suggests a calculated scheme.

Luthor’s motivations, as revealed in the trailer, stem from his disdain for Superman’s alien heritage and fame. By targeting Joey, Luthor not only gains a tactical advantage but also fractures the superhero community, pitting Metamorpho against Superman. This dynamic elevates the film’s stakes, transforming Joey into a linchpin for Luthor’s villainy.

How Does Baby Joey Impact the Film’s Stakes?

Baby Joey’s presence raises the emotional and narrative stakes of Superman. His kidnapping introduces a personal conflict for Metamorpho, whose loyalty is torn between saving his son and opposing Superman.

This moral quandary mirrors the film’s broader themes, inspired by All-Star Superman, where Clark Kent grapples with his Kryptonian heritage and human values. Joey’s vulnerability as a child amplifies the urgency, making his rescue a potential turning point.

The interdimensional setting in the trailer, described by James Gunn as “pocket dimensions,” suggests a cosmic threat tied to Joey’s predicament. Fans speculate Luthor’s experiments, possibly involving creatures like the kaiju or “Mr. Handsome,” a LexCorp creation, could destabilize reality, with Joey caught in the crossfire.

This positions Superman as a sci-fi epic, where saving Joey may mean saving the world.

What Does Baby Joey’s Debut Mean for the DCU?

Baby Joey’s inclusion signals James Gunn’s commitment to blending obscure DC characters with mainstream icons. By introducing Joey alongside heroes like Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Gunn crafts a lived-in DCU where lesser-known figures drive major plots.

Joey’s ties to Metamorpho and Stagg Industries could set up future stories, perhaps exploring Sapphire Stagg’s role or Simon Stagg’s corporate machinations.

Moreover, Joey’s mutant abilities, if retained in the film, could foreshadow metahuman conflicts in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. His debut paves the way for a richer, interconnected universe, where even a toddler can shape the fate of superheroes.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Baby Joey may be small, but his role in James Gunn’s Superman is anything but minor. As Metamorpho’s son and Lex Luthor’s pawn, Joey Mason brings emotional depth and high stakes to the DCU’s first cinematic chapter.

His comic book roots and trailer appearance hint at a story where personal loyalties collide with cosmic threats, setting the tone for a bold reboot. As we await Superman’s July 11, 2025, release, one thing is clear: Baby Joey is a character to watch, both for his immediate impact and his potential to shape the DCU’s future.

What do you think Joey’s fate will be? Share your theories below!