When you think of superheroes, it’s likely that the first name that comes to mind is Superman. He has become the face of DC Comics and is widely recognized by both dedicated fans and casual enthusiasts. Superman’s popularity can largely be attributed to his rich history in cinema, starting with the iconic film “Superman” directed by Richard Donner in 1978. Despite its somewhat outdated and cheesy aspects, the film’s light-hearted tone and the captivating performance by Christopher Reeve have allowed it to endure as a timeless classic. The success of the original film led to the creation of three sequels and even a spin-off featuring Supergirl in 1984.
Although technically there are four sequels, “Superman Returns” (2006) served as a continuation of the Donner films while disregarding “Superman III” (1983) and “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” (1987). While “Superman Returns” wasn’t a terrible film, it fell short of meeting box office expectations and didn’t capture the same magic as the original films. However, even the response to “Superman Returns” cannot compare to the polarizing and controversial nature of “Man of Steel” (2013). This film has divided fans, with some loving Henry Cavill’s more realistic portrayal of the character and praising the visually stunning action sequences.
However, some people didn’t like how the movie had too much drama and didn’t capture the essence of Superman. They also thought that the excessive destruction in the film was unnecessary and violent. The reception for the Superman character in the DC Extended Universe didn’t get any better with the movies “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) and “Justice League” (2017), as many people didn’t really like those films either.
Since then, there has been uncertainty about the future of Superman in movies. There were plans for a sequel to “Man of Steel,” but it faced difficulties and didn’t progress much. There were also talks of a reboot with Michael B. Jordan as the new Superman, but that didn’t happen either. Now, with new executives at DC Studios, James Gunn and Peter Safran, working on a new strategy for the DC Cinematic Universe, it’s not surprising that a new version of Superman is part of their plan. “Superman: Legacy” is the upcoming film that will feature Clark Kent and it marks the beginning of DC’s new era, referred to as the “Gods and Monsters” phase by Gunn.
As the announcement of “Superman: Legacy” is recent and the project is still in the early stages of production, there are limited details available. However, here’s what we currently know about the highly anticipated film:
What is “Superman: Legacy”?
According to James Gunn, “Superman: Legacy” is the title of the new Superman movie, and it will serve as the starting point for the new DC Universe (DCU).
The first of a new slate of films and television shows focusing on the DC Universe of characters, the script for “Superman: Legacy” is being written by James Gunn himself.
While the specific details of the movie’s plot are still unknown, it has been revealed that “Superman: Legacy” will not focus on Superman’s origin story. Instead, it will depict a younger version of the character and explore a different aspect of his story.
Peter Safran, the Co-CEO of DC Studios, stated that the film is not an origin story. He mentioned that the focus of the film is on Superman’s ability to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. According to Safran, Superman embodies values such as truth, justice, and the American way. He also noted that Superman’s kindness stands out in a world that may consider kindness to be old-fashioned.
Although DC used an image from Grant Morrison’s “All-Star Superman” to promote the announcement of “Superman: Legacy,” it is unlikely that the new movie will be a direct adaptation of that specific comic book series from 2005. However, it is evident that James Gunn, the director, is taking inspiration from Morrison’s portrayal of the character to some extent.
Does it Have a Trailer Yet?
As of now, no trailer has been released for “Superman: Legacy.” It is expected that we will have to wait for a significant amount of time before a trailer becomes available.
Currently, the information available about the upcoming movie is limited to James Gunn’s announcement video, where he provides only minimal details regarding the next big-screen adventure of the iconic superhero.
The Plot
We don’t know a lot about the plot of “Superman: Legacy” yet, and even James Gunn, the writer of the film, is still in the process of writing it. He mentioned that the film will not be an origin story, which means it won’t show how Superman became a superhero. Instead, we’ll see a Superman who already has some experience protecting people. However, there might be flashbacks that show Clark Kent’s life before becoming Superman.
It’s uncertain if we’ll see familiar characters like Lois Lane in “Superman: Legacy.” The same goes for the film’s villain or villains, as this is a new version of Superman. While Lex Luthor and General Zod are popular choices, there are many other classic Superman villains to consider, such as Mongul and Bizzaro. Additionally, the iconic villain Brainiac has yet to appear in a live-action film, which is surprising given his popularity. However, there is a possibility that Luthor and Zod may appear or be referenced in some way.
Lastly, it would be great to see Jimmy Olsen make a comeback in “Superman: Legacy” to make up for his unfortunate death in “Batman v Superman.”
Who Is Making?
The main crew members for “Superman: Legacy” have not been announced yet, except for James Gunn as the scriptwriter. Gunn’s involvement with DC films started with writing and directing “The Suicide Squad,” which effectively rebooted the team after a previous film received mixed reviews. Prior to his role in DC Studios, Gunn had experience in comic book movies, having written and directed the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films.
Who Will Play Superman?
David Corenswet, recognized for his roles in Netflix shows like “The Politician” and “House of Cards,” has been selected to play the role of Clark Kent in “Superman: Legacy.” Joining him is Rachel Brosnahan, acclaimed for her performance in the Prime Video series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” who will portray the determined journalist Lois Lane, Clark Kent’s romantic partner.
What Is the Release Date for Superman: Legacy?
According to James Gunn’s announcement, the release date for the new Superman film, featuring an all-new and unique iteration of the character, is set for Friday, July 11th, 2025.
