Legacy no more: James Gunn’s Superman movie gets a new suit and a new name

On Feb 29, Director and DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn took the internet by storm when he revealed the first official look at the new Superman suit while acknowledging that cameras are now rolling on the latest DC Comics reboot film and remains on track to reach the film’s slated July 2025 release. 

The latest DC Comics reboot will be the first film under the newly established DC Cinematic Universe (DCU), which Gunn will be lead along with longtime producer Peter Safran. 

In addition, the director also confirmed via social media that the tagline “Legacy” has been dropped from the title. Gunn offered reasoning for the title explanation when a fan on social media asked. 

“It felt like the right name,” said Gunn. “And when I brought it up everyone agreed. And there really hasn’t been a movie titled ‘Superman’ since the 1979 movie was solely promoted as “Superman: The Movie.” 

The cast is led by David Corenswet, who is playing the Man of Steel, while Rachel Brosnahan has been tapped to star as Lois Lane. Other recent casting additions include Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. 

Recent additions to the ever growing ensemble are Terence Rosemore as Otis and Wendel Pierce as Perry White, respectfully.

As of this moment, Gunn and the cast are in Norway hard at work, but the reason behind the location has yet to be revealed; except filming is going strong. Further confirmation that cameras are now rolling was that co-star Rachel Brosnahan, who has been tapped to play Lois Lane, released a viral TikTok clip of her hanging out with a newly bald Nicholas Hoult, signifying that this variation of Lex Luthor will be comic-accurate. In addition, David Corenswet was also seen in the video, hanging out with his co-stars. Brosnahan commented on her post, “A supervillain, journalist, and an alien walk into a bar.” 

One element that many are still waiting for and expressing a variety of reactions is the latest super suit. Now, Gunn did confirm that the suit is heavily inspired and pulls creative inspiration from artist Alex Ross. 

To many, the first impressions of the new insignia yielded the reception that fans felt the logo was quite similar to the Kingdom Come symbol, with a blend of the iconic bright yellow along the lines of the animated series “My Adventures with Superman” costume. 

Sticking with the theme of optimism and the hope that the cast possesses, Brosnahan revealed her excitement by stating that she had seen the suit and expressed “I was blown away!” 

In addition, the frozen tundra will be the first of many locations where the latest reboot will be utilized for principal photography and on-location shooting. Other locations attached to the project that have been confirmed are Atlanta, Cincinnati and Cleveland. 

Currently, plot details are still limited, but a brief synopsis for the film reads: “‘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.”

Gunn has been vocal and relatively consistent in debunking rumors and outlying fan theories through various social media accounts. In contrast, the director has also dropped snippets related to the project, such as sources of inspiration for the direction and execution of the story. Various comics that marketing has spotlighted have been Superman Birthright, All-Star Superman, Superman: Brainiac, and Superman: Ending Battle. 

“There are a lot of elements in Birthright that inspired Legacy,” said Gunn. “Just as there are elements from All Star, For All Seasons, back to the original Siegel and Shuster stories, and much, much more.” 

This past year Gunn expressed his excitement towards his latest project by sharing a fifth story used for inspiration on social media. 

“Just received this stunningly gorgeous Absolute edition of Superman for All Seasons, one of my favorite Superman stories & a huge influence on ‘Legacy’ (and a strangely perfect bookend with ‘All-Star Superman’),” DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn said. “The late, great Tim Sale’s artwork & Bjarne Hansen’s watercolor work have never looked better – nor have Clark & Ma & Pa. Jeph Loeb’s elegant, confident story still sings.” 

Gunn confirmed on social media that the budget is not publicly known after fielding and debunking the latest fan question and rumor. Gunn recently said on Threads, “Absolutely not. How in the world do they think they know what our budget is?” 

Superman the film carries hope and optimism into theaters next year on July 11th, 2025.

This article was featured in our Winter 2024 Daily Planet Magazine. You can read, print and/or download the issue for free here.