Superman fans might be surprised to learn that a key part of the superhero’s suit doesn’t mean what you think it does.

Superman made his comic book debut way back in 1938 and has since gone on to be household name in Hollywood.

A host of huge actors have donned the infamous Superman suit over the years, with Christopher Reeve being one of the most iconic portrayals of the DC Comics hero.

Most recently, Henry Cavill played Superman in the DC Universe but his time as Clark Kent came to an abrupt end in 2022.

DC Comics fans were sent into frenzy after Cavill made a brief cameo in post-credits scenes of Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam as Kal-El.

Many were lead to believe that was The Witcher star was returning as Superman – Cavill included, but he later revealed that James Gunn ultimately decided to go in a different direction.

It’s since been revealed that 29-year-old actor David Corenswet will be the next Superman.

While the person wearing the suit has changed over the years, one thing that remains is its design.

David Corenswet is the new Superman. Credits: Jemal Countess/Getty Images

The heroic ensemble has always been blue and red with a large ‘S’ across the chest and, while many were led to believe the letter stands for ‘Superman’, it’s actually something quite different.

Superman fans will know that Kal-El hails from the planet Krypton and was born to Jor-El and Lara.

And it turns out Superman’s suit gives a nod to his home planet.

The ‘S’ that had donned the chest of many Supermans (or Supermen?) isn’t even a ‘S’ at all, but a Kryptonian symbol.

The sign is a symbol of ‘hope’ and is Kal-El’s family crest.

When he learns of this in the comics, Superman goes on to adopt the logo.

This theory comes from DC Comics writer Mark Waid’s story, ‘Superman: Birthright’.

The ‘S’ is a symbol for hope. Credits: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

The next Superman movie that’s in the works is Gunn’s Superman: Legacy.

The film’s synopsis reads, according to IMDb: “Follows the titular superhero as he reconciles his heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and a brighter tomorrow in a world that views kindness as old-fashioned.”

Joining Corenswet in the movie is Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luther) and Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner).

House of the Dragon’s Milly Alcock is also rumored to be starring as Kara Zor-El.

A release date for Superman: Legacy is yet to be confirmed but it’s expected to land on Earth from Krypton sometime next year.