SUPERMAN: LEGACY Pre-Production Going ‘Swimmingly’—Sets, Costumes, and Schedule Coming to Life


Soon the world will meet a new Clark Kent in Superman: Legacy. DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran are rebooting the most famous superhero in the world as they transition the franchise from the DCEU to the DCU. Who will play the Man of Steel on the big screen this time around? What kind of story will we see him in? And who will bring it to life? We’re keeping track of all these answers and more.

For now, it seems like the next chapter of DC’s cinematic world is tantalizingly close to kicking off. James Gunn recently shared a promising update about the state of Superman: Legacy. He noted of the DCU movie’s pre-production, “It’s going swimmingly. Sets being built, costumes being finished, actors studying roles, prosthetics and VFX models being made, flights booked. Here we go.”

Superman legacy pre production update
James Gunn

It sounds like filming is just around the corner for this Superman movie. Since a majority of the cast has been officially announced, interest now naturally turns to how the cast will embody the roles they’ve been selected for. And a huge part of that is how the characters will look. But, Gunn cautions that things are still in progress and concept art for costumes is not yet completed. (But costumes will be finished by the time the movie shoots. We are happy to hear it.) Still, Gunn has been very communicative with fans about the progression of the DCU. So we might get some teases sooner rather than later.

An illustrated Superman sits above the trees and looks over his shoulders
DC Comics/Frank Quitely

Here’s everything we know about Superman: Legacy.

Title

The DCU’s first official movie ( though not its first official release) is titled Superman: Legacy. That will kick off the film side of what James Gunn has called the franchise’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters.” He has also called Superman: Legacy “the true beginning” of the DCU.

Superman: Legacy‘s Plot

While the film still has no official synopsis, Warner Bros. did provide a description of what we can expect from the story, which James Gunn says is not an origin tale.

Superman: Legacy tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.

Gunn announced the film with art from the cover of All-Star Superman by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. Whether or not that means the story is influenced, inspired by, or adapted from the 12-issue comic series in any way is unclear. What Gunn has said is the movie will focus on “an earlier part of Superman’s life,” where he is still old enough to already be working for the Daily Planet.

Superman: Legacy‘s Cast

David Corenswet will play Superman, while Rachel Brosnahan will play Lois Lane.

In addition, four more actors have joined the cast of Superman: Legacy. Isabela Merced will play Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi will play Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion will play Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan will play Metamorpho. María Gabriela de Faría will play the villain The Engineer in the movie. Also known as Angela Spica, the character has nanotechnology built into her body. Additionally, Sara Sampaio will play Eve Teschmacher. And Skyler Gisondo will play Jimmy Olsen.

James Gunn has also confirmed that Nicholas Hoult will play Lex Luthor.

James Gunn confirms Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in Superman Legacy
James Gunn

Behind the Scenes 

James Gunn wrote the ( definitely completed) script and is directing.

Superman: Legacy‘s Release Date

Superman: Legacy will soar into theaters faster than a speeding bullet on July 11, 2025.

Originally published on April 11, 2023.

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