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James Gunn will direct ‘Superman: Legacy’.
The irreverent filmmaker, who serves as chairman and CEO of DC Studios with partner Peter Safran, revealed on Wednesday that he will helm a previously announced reboot of the Superman franchise. Gunn also wrote the screenplay and Safran will produce.
“Superman: Legacy” also released its first plot synopsis, stating that the film “tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the epitome of truth , justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.”
Gunn shared the news on Twitter, along with an emotional anecdote about his relationship with the project.
“I lost my father almost three years ago. He was my best friend. He didn’t understand me as a kid, but he supported my love of comics and my love of film and I wouldn’t be making this movie now without him,” Gunn wrote. “It has been a long road so far. I was offered Superman years ago – I initially said no because I had no way of feeling unique, fun and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved.
The director continued: “A little less than a year ago, I saw a way in, centered in many ways on Superman’s heritage – how both his aristocratic Kryptonian parents and his Kansas farmer parents tell who he is and the choices he makes. makes. ”
“Superman: Legacy” is the first in a planned universe of cross-platform storytelling (presumably one that will mingle with streaming projects for HBO Max) in a Phase 1 the studio is calling “Gods and Monsters.” The cast has not yet been announced, but the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 11, 2025.
Gunn and Safran gave the DC Universe some much-needed shot in the arm last fall when they took control of the comic book unit, a prized intellectual property stable under Warner Bros. Discovery. In January, they presented their new vision to the media and pledged to put quality over quantity.
“People have become obligated [release] dates, to get movies made anyway. I’m a writer at heart and we’re not going to make any movies until the screenplay is done,” Gunn said at the time.