James Gunn, who serves as chairman and CEO of DC Studios with partner Peter Safran, revealed on Wednesday that he himself will helm the previously-announced reboot of the Superman franchise. Gunn has also written the screenplay for Superman: Legacy, while Safran will produce.
The film will reportedly revolve around Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. Gunn shared an emotional anecdote on Twitter regarding his recently departed father, and how he wouldn’t be making this movie without him:
“I lost my Dad almost three years ago. He was my best friend. He didn’t understand me as a kid, but he supported my love of comics and my love of film and I wouldn’t be making this movie now without him.
I was offered Superman years ago — I initially said no because I didn’t have a way in that felt unique and fun and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved […]
A bit less than a year ago I saw a way in, in many ways centering around Superman’s heritage — how both his aristocratic Kryptonian parents and his Kansas farmer parents inform who he is and the choices he makes.”
Gunn and Safran were given control of DC Studios last year, one of the most prized pieces of IP at Warner Bros. Discovery. In January, they pitched their new vision to the media and vowed to put quality before quantity.
Superman: Legacy will be the first film in a planned universe of cross-platform storytelling, one that will presumably mingle with streaming projects for HBO Max. Phase 1 is being called Gods and Monsters.
Gunn found huge success with Guardians of the Galaxy in the MCU, before rebooting The Suicide Squad for DC. He’s always been good at creating emotionally resonant characters within big blockbusters, and his heartwarming story about his dad makes it look like Superman: Legacy will have a deep emotional core.
The cast has not yet been announced, but we know that Henry Cavill will not be returning. Obviously that lead role will be highly coveted. The film is currently scheduled for a global theatrical release on July 11, 2025.
#Peace.Love.SupermanLegacy
