James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, recently announced the major changes to the DC Comics film universe. Known as the DCU, the eight to 10 year plan will begin with a chapter Gunn and fellow CEO Peter Safran are calling “Gods and Monsters.” Though the first chapter will begin with two television projects (Creature Commandos and Waller), the new DCU film slate will begin with Gunn’s Superman movie, titled Superman: Legacy. And this movie is now officially in pre-production.
Gunn shared the above image while talking about Superman: Legacy in the announcement. It’s from the cover of All-Star Superman by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. He didn’t share any plot details, but he called it “the true beginning of the DCU.” Gunn shared the release date, too. Superman: Legacy will fly into theaters on July 11, 2025.
Gunn once again confirmed this date via Twitter recently, along with the news that he will direct the film.
And we know officially know that Superman: Legacy is in pre-production. Additionally, its full script is written.
Responding to a fan who asked, “Have you written the whole script or just that page so far?” Gunn answered, “The whole script.” However, Gunn notes “It is not” safe to assume that casting annoucements will arrive at any minute.
Superman: Legacy‘s Plot and Casting
We don’t know who will play Superman, or the plot, or anything yet. When Gunn previously mentioned his Superman movie in December 2022, he said it would focus on “an earlier part of Superman’s life.” Hence the reason Henry Cavill is not returning as the superhero. Gunn also clarified it would not be an origin story, so we’ll see Clark Kent already donning the Superman mantle. If we look at the 12-issue All-Star Superman for clues, it could fit. Morrison wanted to tell a timeless Superman story with these comics. However, the comic book series didn’t make our list of ideas for Gunn’s Superman movie. It leans more towards Superman’s death than his early days.
Then again, just because Gunn shared an image from All-Star Superman to go with his announcement doesn’t indicate anything about the story. Maybe he really just likes the art, and it’s part of an overall inspiration board?
Ultimately, all we know is from a Warner Bros. release that notes, “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.”
Whatever the case, know that we’ll bring you more Superman: Legacy news as soon as we learn it.
Originally published on January 31, 2023.
