Why Hawkgirl’s Return In Man Of Tomorrow Is More Exciting Than You Might Think

3 weeks ago 13

Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl wears her helmet and wields her mace in Superman

Published Feb 11, 2026, 9:30 AM EST

Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero.

With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention.

Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.

Hawkgirl’s confirmed DCU return in Man of Tomorrow is more exciting than you might think. While her role in the DCU has been smaller so far, the upcoming Superman sequel could end up giving her a much bigger spotlight.

Currently, we don't know much about 2027's Man of Tomorrow other than the fact that David Corenswet's Superman and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor will be working together against a much bigger threat (presumably the classic DC villain Brainiac). That said, the inclusion of Hawkgirl in Man of Tomorrow is a very exciting opportunity all around.

Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl Confirmed For The DCU's Man of Tomorrow

Isabela Merced first appeared as Kendra Saunders in 2025's Superman, portraying the winged warrior Hawkgirl as a member of the Justice Gang, a team of heroes funded by LordTech CEO Maxwell Lord. Hawkgirl then made a second appearance in Peacemaker season 2's premiere, helping Lord and Guy Gardner's Green Lantern recruit new members (and rejecting Peacemaker).

Even with limited screen time, Hawkgirl is one of the coolest heroes who've debuted in the DCU thus far. Now, we know via a recent report from Deadline that Isabela Merced is expected to return as Hawkgirl in Man of Tomorrow, providing a new opportunity for Kendra Saunders to have a greater (and very much deserved) spotlight in the upcoming DCU movie.

Hawkgirl Is Easily The Most Exciting Justice Gang Return (Over Guy Gardner & Mister Terrific)

Green Lantern Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific preparing to fight in Superman in 4K

With Guy Gardner's Green Lantern already set to appear in Lanterns and Mister Terrific rumored for a potential spin-off, Man of Tomorrow could be the perfect project to give Hawkgirl some real depth and dimension, while also exploring her wild origins which the DCU has only hinted at: an immortal hero who's been reincarnated multiple times over the years.

As a key example, perhaps Hawkgirl's complicated past and previous life as an alien warrior from the planet Thanagar could factor into Man of Tomorrow's plot (like a hidden connection to Brainiac). At any rate, the return of Hawkgirl in Man of Tomorrow is all kinds of exciting, confirming that Superman's allies in the upcoming sequel won't be limited to her former arch-foe alone.

Man of Tomorrow is set to release in theaters on July 9th, 2027 from DC Studios.

Source: Deadline