10 years ago the world was introduced to Henry Cavill in Man of Steel. He looked the part and his performance in the first installment of the DCEU had fans immediately on board. Fast-forward to 2023, Cavill’s time as Superman is up, and the story of the DCEU concluded with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
James Gunn and Peter Safran are the new Co-CEOs of DC Studios, and their first order of business is a clean slate for Clark Kent. The beloved DC hero will usher in the new era of the DCU on the cinematic front with Superman: Legacy. The film is slated to release in 2025, but what do we know about the reboot? Let’s take a closer look!
Which Comic Books Inspire ‘Superman: Legacy’?
When James Gunn announced the partial slate of the first chapter called DCU: Gods and Monsters, the Superman project was accompanied by the cover of All Star Superman. The story is a 12-issue run released in 2006 by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, and Jamie Grant. Morrison stated that he never wanted to tell an origin story for Clark Kent.
On September 20, 2023, James Gunn tweeted about another story that “hugely influences” Superman: Legacy. Superman: For All Seasons is a beautiful coming-of-age story that focuses on Clark Kent’s early adulthood and his ties to Smallville, while spotlighting the relationships he shares with his parents, Lois Lane, Lana Lang, and Pete Ross. The book is split into four parts that take place during different seasons, each with a unique tale about Clark.
Gunn is credited as both writer and director of the movie, and he has stated that Superman: Legacy won’t be an origin story. Instead, it will focus on an earlier part of Superman’s life where he already has a job at the Daily Planet and other superheroes are established.
What Is the Plot for ‘Superman: Legacy’?
Warner Bros. Discovery released an official plot summary for the Superman reboot.
“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.”
-Warner Bros. Discovery on the plot of Superman: Legacy
It appears we are in for a fun and wholesome time with our beloved boy scout. Superman is the symbol of hope for everyone, so descriptions like “embodiment of truth” and “guided by human kindness” ensure that Gunn plans to capture the true essence of this magnificent character. He also mentioned that the story will primarily focus on Superman and Lois.
Who Is in the Cast of ‘Superman: Legacy’?
James Gunn has certainly hit the ground running in the DCU. He’s been writing scripts, scouting locations, and making exciting casting announcements. On June 27, 2023, David Corenswet (The Politician, Pearl) was announced as the last son of Krypton with Emmy Award-winner Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) claiming the part of the trailblazing reporter, Lois Lane.
Corenswet looks like Clark Kent ripped from the pages of the comics, and Brosnahan is the personification of the powerfully independent Lane. These castings are pure perfection! Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at The Critics Choice Awards in January 2024, Brosnahan mentioned that her version of Lois Lane will be “feisty, marvelous, and fiercely intelligent.”
Filling out the supporting roles are Isabela Merced (Dora The Explorer) as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class) as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion (Firefly) as Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho, Skylar Gisondo (The Righteous Gemstones) as photographer Jimmy Olsen, María Gabriela de Faría (The Moodys) as The Engineer, and finally Sara Sampaio (Crisis) as Eve Tessmacher. James Gunn is a master at directing an ensemble cast, so there shouldn’t be any worries regarding so many supporting members in the first DCU outing.
Because Superman: Legacy will be influenced by All Star Superman and Superman: For All Seasons, Lex Luthor will be showing up in the movie. However, there isn’t any word on the magnitude of Lex’s presence within the epic. James Gunn’s search for the owner of LexCorp concluded when Nicholas Hoult (Renfield) was cast as Superman’s rival on November 20, 2023, per Deadline reports.
It’s interesting to note that both Mister Terrific and Metamorpho are members of The Terrifics. Gunn teased a picture back in March 2023 with the team front and center of the DC Universe. Will Phantom Girl and Plastic Man be cast next in the DCU? It would be quite hilarious if DC casts their version of The Fantastic Four before Marvel Studios.
When Will Production on ‘Superman: Legacy’ Begin?
On Superman’s Anniversary last year, April 18, James Gunn confirmed that the script was completed, and the movie had entered pre-production. Gunn later took to his Threads account to reveal that Superman: Legacy is scheduled to begin principal photography in March 2024.
Does ‘Superman: Legacy’ Have a Release Date?
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman: Legacy flying into theaters on July 11, 2025! There was some doubt as to whether this date would be reached after the WGA and SAG AFTRA strikes in 2023, however, James Gunn praised his crew members “who never let their foot off the pedal,” which is allowing the production to adhere to the originally planned release date.
Superman is hope. Superman is kindness. Superman is the perfect hero.
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