Super sharing is super unethical

I’ll admit it, we’ve been excited about the set staging for “Superman” (2025) in Cleveland, Ohio this past week.

Pictures taken from the set of James Gunn’s DCU reboot “Superman” have been making their way around online and I’ve had mixed feelings about them.

Seeing the Daily Planet as I’ve always pictured was exciting and I wanted people in my community to understand how ecstatic I was to see it respected, so I shared it. Yet, I felt conflicted once I did. I will no longer.

A recent posting from my friend Luke Bugg, otherwise known as the Geek of Steel, reminded me of my ethical core. He stated that he wouldn’t be sharing spoiler filled images and I respect that.

So, it’s with a much less burdened heart that I explain why the Daily Planet will no longer be sharing things from the set without permission either.

Reason 1

The first reason we will no longer be sharing photos from the set is because we didn’t take them. Journalism is about truth and credibility.

Us simply sharing a photo without proper attribution front and center is ethically irresponsible.

Reason 2

Spoilers abound and we want to experience the awe of the new “Superman” as intended. Grainy pictures of possible occurrences on the streets of Cleveland dressed as Metropolis is not the vibe.

I don’t want to be spoiled by these set photos, which were more than likely obtained without permission. I doubt a majority of true, blue super-fans want to be spoiled either.

Reason 3

Scooping is not what it’s cracked out to be, and sharing a picture that you took from another account is not okay.

We have a responsibility to uphold integrity as media members. That includes amongst ourselves. Perhaps Jimmy did snap a quick pic from the set. But if we shared his photo, which he definitely wanted credit for, without proper credentials it’s stealing. Plain and simple.

Scooping is also breaking the news without all the facts. you don’t get the entire story and you miss the truth along the way. It’s also socially irresponsible.

We’re sorry

So, on behalf of the Daily Planet, I sincerely apologize for falling prey to the initial photos of the publication’s building. I, a lifelong Daily Planet fan, was simply exuberant when I saw the respect it was receiving. We will no longer be doing that.

Peace out, Planet. We’ll see you when a real story breaks out about the movie.

“Superman” stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as star-studded Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as photographer Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Nicholas Hoult as classic antagonist Lex Luthor, Neva Howell as Marhta Kent, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan “Pa” Kent and Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard. 

The cast also includes Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Terence Rosemore as Otis, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer. 

“Superman” is slated to premiere in July 2025. What additional characters are you hoping for?