by It’s been a decade since Superman last directed his solo film in Man of Steel, but after many false dawns, Kal-El will finally take flight in James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy.
The new beginning for DC’s crown jewel hits theaters in 2025 and is being heralded as the first entry into a planned cross-platform storytelling universe now known as the DCU. Following the MCU’s lead, the new Superman film will be the start of Phase 1: Gods and Monsters.
Here’s everything we know so far about Superman: Legacy…
Superman: Legacy release date
Superman: Legacy will hit theaters on July 11, 2025, 12 years after the release of Man of Steel.
The release date was announced in January 2023 when James Gunn and Peter Safran, the new heads of DC Studios, revealed their ambitious plan to reboot the DC Universe.
Although Superman: Legacy will be preceded on the small screen by Creature Commandos and Waller, the film is considered the true starting point for the new DCU.
Superman: Previous cast
The new Clark Kent/Superman, according to Gunn, will be “younger than forty”.
While we don’t know who will play him in Superman: Legacy, we can rule out one name for sure: Henry Cavill. The British actor who wore the mantle of Kypton in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League and Black Adam has officially stepped down from the role.
In December 2022, Gunn tweeted an update on the Superman reboot saying, “In the early stages, our story will focus on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character won’t be played by Henry Cavill. meeting with Henry and we are big fans and have talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future.
To know more: How did Henry Cavill become an internet darling?
Cavill confirmed his exit, posting on Instagram: “Sad news, everyone. After all, he’s not coming back as Superman. After the studio told me to announce my return in October, before they hire them, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life.
Euphoria star Jacob Elordi has been linked to the role, but Gunn insists no one has yet been cast to play the new Superman.
As for what other characters might appear in Legacy, we don’t know yet. However, as the film is said to cover Clark Kent’s early career at the Daily Planet, we can expect to meet new versions of Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Perry White.
Superman: Legacy Plot
Where previous Superman films have explored the origins of the Man of Steel, James Gunn’s screenplay for Superman: Legacy has not.
“It’s not an origin story,” Safran said. “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. It’s kindness in a world that thinks kindness is old-fashioned.
To know more: Take our Superman quiz
Sharing an update when Gunn officially signed on to direct the film, Gunn said of the storyline: “I was offered Superman years ago – I initially said no because I didn’t have a unique, fun, emotional way that gave Superman the dignity he deserved.”
The director continued that “just under a year ago I saw a way in, in many ways centered around Superman’s legacy – how both his Kryptonian aristocratic parents and his Kansas farmer parents inform who he is and the choices what does. “
Superman: Legacy hits theaters on July 11, 2025.
Check out a trailer for Batman v Superman below.
