James Gunn’s ‘Superman’: Plot, Cast, Release Date & Everything We Know So Far
Last year, Gunn & Safran presented new plans for “DCU,” a cinematic universe that was supposed to replace and reboot DCEU. The first phase or chapter as they put it titled ‘Gods & Monsters’ included everything from animated projects to live-action shows taking place in Themyscira, long before Wonder Woman’s times.
Despite the animated show ‘Creature Commandos’ being released first, the true beginning of DCU will be ‘Superman’ a live-action movie focusing on younger Superman, completely replacing Cavill’s established Man of Steel. The movie is still a long way from being released, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any information about it. This is why we decided to put together this comprehensive guide, let’s go!
The plot of the movie remains unknown but the inspiration is clear
When it comes to the story itself, at the DCU reveal Gunn stated that the inspiration for the upcoming movie lies in ‘All-Star Superman,’ despite Superman’s upcoming costume drawing inspiration from Alex Ross’ art and the logo at the table reading being that of ‘Kingdom Come’ Superman. The short summary of the movie states that the film will follow Clark Kent as he tries to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human family.
Back when the project was first announced, he stated that ‘Superman’ then titled ‘Superman: Legacy’ wouldn’t be an origin story despite the younger Clark Kent being cast. Recently, Corenswet himself explained additional inspirations behind the movie.
Corenswet described the story as a mix of ‘For All Seasons’ and ‘All-Star Superman’ but of course, with Gunn’s personal touch.
In ‘All-Star Superman,’ Superman becomes overpowered after a rescue mission near the sun and is given a year to live. The series explores Superman’s efforts to complete his unfinished tasks and deal with his impending mortality. Throughout the story, Superman faces various challenges, including battles with Lex Luthor and other villains, as well as personal reflections on his life and legacy.
‘Superman: For All Seasons’ is on the other hand divided into four chapters, each focusing on a different season (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and narrated by various characters from Superman’s life. ‘For All Seasons’ provides a character-driven exploration of Superman’s early years as he begins his superheroic journey in Smallville and eventually transitions to Metropolis.
Over the last year, several rumors surfaced regarding the plot of the movie, including one incredibly detailed one regarding Superman battling terrorists in the Middle East, however, those were all ultimately debunked by Gunn himself, so I don’t personally think they have any merit. The most recent update regarding the plot of the movie is that Lex Luthor will definitely be the main villain of the film, despite several sources reporting that it’s going to be Ultraman.
Pretty much 90 % of ‘Superman’ cast is known
The cast includes:
- David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman,
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane,
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl,
- Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific,
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern,
- Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho,
- María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer,
- Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher,
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen,
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor,
- Terence Rosemore as Otis,
- Wendell Pierce as Perry White,
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, and
- Neva Howell as Martha Kent.
Additionally, Sean Gunn is expected to appear as Maxwell Lord, and Milly Alcock as Supergirl but likely with less screen time.
What do we know about runtime?
We know absolutely nothing about runtime at this point, not even a rumor to point us in the right direction, but I suppose as we get closer to the release we’re going to have a better picture of what to expect.
The release date doesn’t seem likely to change
‘Superman’ is set for a theatrical release in the United States on July 11, 2025, as part of the DCU’s ‘Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.’
In August 2022, James Gunn initiated work on a potential new Superman film. By October, he assumed the role of co-CEO of DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran, kickstarting the development of a fresh DC Universe. Gunn’s involvement in writing the new Superman installment was revealed in December. Titled ‘Superman: Legacy’ in January 2023, Gunn’s directorial position was confirmed in March, with David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan cast in June. The subtitle was discarded by February 2024, coinciding with the start of filming in Norway, scheduled to continue until August across Trilith Studios in Atlanta and Macon, Georgia, as well as in Ohio.
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