Superhero sensation, Superman, exceeds box office anticipations, ascending towards a record-breaking $130 million debut.
In a bold move to rejuvenate the DC Universe, James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and director of "Superman," has unveiled plans for the highly anticipated "Superman: Legacy." Scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, the film promises to offer a fresh take on the iconic superhero, setting the stage for a new era of DC storytelling.
The movie, which is not an origin story, focuses on a younger Clark Kent as he establishes himself as a reporter at The Daily Planet in Metropolis, while navigating the complexities of balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his life on Earth. Unlike many previous adaptations, "Superman: Legacy" aims to portray Superman as a bright, hopeful figure, in contrast to the darker, more grounded superhero films of recent years.
Gunn's film draws inspiration from several significant Superman comics and animated works, including All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, Superman: Birthright, Superman: The Animated Series, and story arcs such as "Brainiac" and Kingdom Come.
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan cast as Lois Lane. Supporting characters from The Daily Planet, like Jimmy Olsen and Cat Grant, will also feature prominently, marking a return to the importance of these civilian roles.
The movie hints at an external threat from space and shows Superman becoming a global symbol of hope. The narrative emphasises his early days in Metropolis—specifically his search for the right way to use his powers and his struggle to reconcile his dual identity.
"Superman: Legacy" serves as the first film in the new DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The success of this film is intended to set the tone for the broader interconnected DC film and television universe that Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran are building.
Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango, describes the current "Superman" as an "irresistible combination for moviegoers" for its summer popcorn movie feel. With a PG-13 rating, the film may appeal to comic book fans as well as families.
The opening weekend of "Superman: Legacy" is projected to gross nearly $130 million domestically, a promising start for the film. The movie's success could signal a new chapter for the DC Universe, offering audiences a refreshing take on the superhero genre and rekindling the excitement surrounding Superman.
The 2025 "Superman" comes at a time when the superhero genre seems to have left some audiences feeling fatigued, with a high number of films released in the last 20 years. However, Gunn's optimistic approach to the character could provide the breath of fresh air that the genre needs, offering a new direction for DC Comics and the DC Universe.
[1] James Gunn's DCU Slate: https://www.ign.com/articles/james-gunn-dc-universe-slate-dc-studios-dc-films [2] James Gunn's Superman: Legacy: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/james-gunn-superman-legacy-interview/ [3] DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters: https://www.thewrap.com/dc-studios-dc-universe-chapter-one-gods-and-monsters-revealed-at-dc-fandome/ [4] Superman: Legacy Cast: https://www.ign.com/articles/superman-legacy-cast-david-coreswet-rachel-brosnahan-more-join-james-gunn-dc-superman-film
The new movie, "Superman: Legacy," falling under the DC Studios' umbrella, plans to delve into the world of entertainment beyond just movies-and-tv, aiming to revitalize the DC Universe. In this fresh take on the iconic superhero, the business aspect of Clark Kent's life is showcased as he juggles his journalism career at The Daily Planet with his Kryptonian heritage, offering a unique blend of business and entertainment.
