In a surprising announcement on Superman’s birthday, DC Studios Co-CEO and director James Gunn revealed a significant shift in the highly anticipated DC Universe (DCU) project. Originally named Superman: Legacy, the inaugural film of the new cinematic universe is now simply titled SUPERMAN, continuing a confusing trend in media of recycled titles.
Gunn alongside producing partner Peter Safran assumed control of the DC Universe, announcing a plethora of projects, with the focal point being Gunn’s DCU directorial venture, Superman: Legacy. It makes sense to kick off a new universe with arguably the most iconic superhero ever.
Drawing parallels with his previous success in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Gunn initially introduced the film as a unique exploration of a young Clark Kent navigating Metropolis, grappling with his Kryptonian lineage and life on Earth.
As filming officially commenced as shared by James Gunn himself on his Instagram account, he surprised fans by unveiling a revamped title of the film to simply be Superman – not to be confused with Superman (1978), of course. This announcement was accompanied by an image of the new crest inspired by the Kingdom Come graphic novels.
This marks a departure from the recent tradition of appending subtitles to superhero movies, signaling a new era for the DCU. Gunn attributed the change cryptically, stating, “When I finished the first draft of the script, I called the film Superman: Legacy. By the time I locked the final draft, it was clear the title was SUPERMAN.”
It should be noted that the 1978 film about the Man of Steel which starred Christopher Reeve is officially titled Superman: The Movie. This technically means James Gunn’s revamped Superman: Legacy is the first film to have the title as only Superman, which is ironic because it is also the first movie centered on the Last Son of Krypton that will feature a ton of other superheroes.
The full rationale behind the title modification remains untold, though Gunn hinted that the legacy and heritage elements, initially central to the plot and screenplay, might have receded as the Superman narrative took precedence, especially given the expansive cast of heroes featured in the film.
Alternatively, Gunn and Safran might have sought to emphasize this as a fresh start for the DC Universe, avoiding any misconceptions of a sequel or prequel. Marketing considerations might also have influenced the decision, with Superman: Legacy potentially causing confusion regarding its non-origin story nature.
Sadly, this is also the main factor in the decision to cancel the fan-favorite Superman & Lois series on The CW. James Gunn’s Superman diverges from its predecessor by skipping the conventional origin story. While specifics about the overall plot remain undisclosed, glimpses of the production process have surfaced.
Gunn recently unveiled a photo featuring the principal cast, including David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, along with other actors playing various DC superhero mainstays. Milly Alcock was also confirmed as Supergirl, though it is unclear if she will appear in this film prior to her own solo Supergirl film.
Joining the ensemble is Wendell Pierce, who will portray Perry White, the boss of Clark Kent and Lois Lane at The Daily Planet. Pierce, renowned for his role in The Wire and appearances in various films and TV shows, adds depth to the DCU’s rich lore. Perry White has been a fixture in DC comics since 1940, portrayed in different shades but typically as a stern editor overseeing the intrepid reporters.
The inclusion of Pierce aligns with the expansive vision of Gunn and Safran, who have outlined an intricate DCU plan, including films such as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Swamp Thing, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This ambitious slate is designated as Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, promising a cinematic universe done different.
With the release of Superman confirmed to be on July 11, 2025, fans are left pondering the significance of the title change and the creative choices made by Gunn. In this cinematic rebirth, will the legacy of Superman endure, or is this a definitive departure from the previous DCEU?
