The announcement that James Gunn would shoot Superman: Legacy

Get ready for the new Superman film from James Gunn.

When James Gunn and Peter Safran were named co-CEOs and co-chairmen of DC Studios by Warner Bros. Discovery, many speculated that Gunn would direct the upcoming Superman film. Last Thursday, Gunn announced on Twitter in an unexpectedly passionate manner how he decided to helm the film:
Yeah, I am the director of the 2025 film Superman: Legacy, which is set to debut on July 11th. When he read the release date, my brother Matt reportedly started to cry. He said, “Why?” “Yeah, today is Dad’s birthday,” he remarked. I was in the dark. My father passed away over three years ago. He was my closest pal. He didn’t understand me when I was younger, but he encouraged my passion for comic books and movies, and without him, I wouldn’t be doing this movie right now. Getting here has been a long journey. Years ago, I was asked to play Superman, but I first declined because I lacked an entrance that felt special, enjoyable, and touching while also giving Superman the respect he deserved.
Then, a little less than a year ago, I noticed that it was largely focused on Superman’s ancestry and how both his aristocratic Kryptonian parents and his farmer parents from Kansas influence who he is and the decisions he makes. I decided to start writing the script at last. Peter Safran and others kept bugging me to commit, but I was reluctant to do so (sorry, Peter). I don’t necessarily have the visual or emotional connection necessary to spend more than two years directing anything of this size just because I wrote it. But the short and sweet of it is that I like this screenplay and am tremendously thrilled as we embark on this adventure.
It makes sense that Gunn had second thoughts about helming Superman: Legacy. He already carries the weight of the DC Universe’s future, and now he must set the tone with a Superman film that he is both scripting and directing. The pressure is great.
Other than the fact that it will be the first film in the DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, not much is known about Superman: Legacy.
Yet in January, we did receive some indications.
Peter Safran clarified, “It’s not an origin tale.” It focuses on Superman juggling his human upbringing with his Kryptonian ancestry. Superman stands for the American way, justice, and truth. He embodies kindness in a society that considers it outdated.