The DC Universe is poised to revitalize its cinematic landscape with a return to its foundational hero, Superman, in a film simply titled Superman. This project, initially announced as Superman: Legacy in January 2023, marks a fresh start for the character following Henry Cavill’s departure from the role in December 2022. Cavill, who debuted as Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel and reprised the role in subsequent films including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, will be succeeded by David Corenswet. The film is slated for release on July 11, 2025.
David Corenswet takes on the mantle of Superman, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, succeeding Amy Adams in the role. Brosnahan has expressed her awareness of the legacy she is inheriting and the responsibility of contributing to the iconic Superman canon. The supporting cast boasts an impressive ensemble, including Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and other notable actors portraying classic DC characters such as Jimmy Olsen, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, Guy Gardner, Metamorpho, Eve Teschmacher, Cat Grant, Steve Lombard, and Maxwell Lord. Alan Tudyk is also part of the cast in a yet-to-be-revealed role. This ensemble promises a dynamic and multifaceted portrayal of the Superman universe.
The narrative of the upcoming Superman film will not rehash the hero’s well-known origin story. Instead, it will delve into the complexities of Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, exploring the character’s inherent goodness in a world increasingly cynical towards such values. While Corenswet represents a younger iteration of Superman compared to Cavill, director James Gunn has clarified that this is not a “young Superman” story, but simply a Superman story, suggesting a focus on universal themes of identity and purpose rather than a coming-of-age narrative.
Production for Superman commenced in February 2024, marked by a first table read described by Rachel Brosnahan as "amazing." Brosnahan highlighted the experience of hearing the script brought to life by the cast, emphasizing the action sequences and the chemistry within the ensemble. This initial read-through provided a glimpse into the pacing and dynamics of the film, generating excitement for the final product. The title change from Superman: Legacy to simply Superman was announced by Gunn as filming began, suggesting a shift towards a more fundamental and timeless representation of the character.
Early glimpses of Corenswet in the Superman suit reveal a battle-worn aesthetic, hinting at the challenges and conflicts the hero faces in the film. Set against a backdrop of vibrant energy, the image suggests a Metropolis in peril, setting the stage for Superman’s intervention. The first official teaser trailer, released in December 2024, further amplified anticipation, showcasing Corenswet in action-packed sequences and offering a glimpse of his relationship with Lois Lane at The Daily Planet.
The trailer, set to an electric guitar rendition of John Williams’ iconic Superman theme, reveals a complex dynamic between Superman and the citizens of Metropolis. While some scenes highlight his heroic feats, others depict a less welcoming reception, with one instance showing a man throwing a can at him. The trailer also introduces Superman’s canine companion, Krypto, and hints at potential collaborations with other DC heroes, including Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific, within the Stagg Industries setting. The limited plot details further heighten intrigue surrounding the storyline and the challenges Superman will confront in this new chapter.
