The first film in the DCU, 'Superman,' just got one step closer to flying into theaters worldwide, according to James Gunn.

James Gunn/David Corenswet/Instagram

FILM & TV

Superman: First DCU Film Reaches Important Milestone

The first film in the DCU, 'Superman,' just got one step closer to flying into theaters worldwide, according to James Gunn.
DFree / Shutterstock

The first film in the DCU, Superman, just got one step closer to flying into theaters worldwide, according to James Gunn.

Yesterday, Gunn, who wrote and directed Superman, shared on social media that principal photography has officially wrapped on the film. In this post, the director describes the film as “a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much.” He also shared a photo of himself and a handful of the cast and crew, taken when production began in Norway earlier this year.

In addition to writing and directing the film, Gunn is also the co-CEO of DC Studios. When he took the job, no solo film starring the Man of Steel had come out in a decade. Ostensibly, the character was still portrayed by Henry Cavill. However, his only appearance in nearly 6 years at the time was a short cameo in the film Black Adam.

The executive was quick to rectify that. Shortly after taking the job, he announced he was writing a new Superman film that would not star Henry Cavill. In addition, he and co-CEO Peter Safran began mapping out a plan for a new DC Universe. While originally described as a soft reboot of the DCEU, it has slowly turned into a hard reboot. Superman, originally titled Superman: Legacy, became official in January 2023. Gunn confirmed he was directing the film several months later.

Superman stars David Corenswet (Twisters) as the titular Man of Steel. The director teased fans with the first images of his interpretation of Superman several months ago. The film focuses on Clark Kent as he struggles to balance his life on Earth with his Kryptonian heritage. It will explore both the human and superhuman sides of his life.

To that end, Gunn has assembled impressive supporting casts on both sides. On the human side, Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) stars as reporter Lois Lane. Skyler Gisondo (Licorice Pizza) and Wendell Pierce (The Wire) portray Jimmy Olsen and Perry White. In addition, Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, and Christopher McDonald appear as other reporters at the Daily Planet. Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell appear as Kent’s parents, Jon and Martha. Moreover, Nicholas Hoult (The Menu) appears as the film’s villain, Lex Luthor.

Meanwhile, on the superhuman side, the film will feature several other heroes from the new DCU. Nathan Fillion appears as Guy Gardener, one of the Green Lanterns. Isabela Merced (The Last of Us) stars as immortal warrior Hawkgirl. Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class) portrays the genius hero Mr. Terrific, while Anthony Carrigan (Gotham) stars as Metamorpho. Finally, Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) will appear as Superman’s cousin, Supergirl, ahead of her feature film.

James Gunn’s Superman releases in theaters next year on July 11. Until then, you can watch Black Adam on Max.