James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on Superman: Legacy.
Written and potentially directed by Gunn, Superman: Legacy will be the first theatrical release of DC Studios Gods and Monsters chapter and is expected to be in theaters on July 11, 2025. According to Safran, the film, which will be rated PG-13, “is really the launch of the DCU.” Given the audience’s familiarity with the character, Superman: Legacy won’t be an origin story. Safran explained that the new fill will focus “on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.” The co-chair added, “Superman represents truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned.”
While Gunn didn’t give away the details of the script he’s working on, he reaffirmed Safran’s comments about the character saying “Superman is for everyone. That’s a four-quadrant film that should speak to everyone in the world.” And while Gunn’s Superman sounds like he’ll fit the bill of the Big Blue Boy Scout, don’t expect the villain to be outright evil but maybe a little more complex.
With our stories, we want to take it away from good guy vs. bad guy. There are really good—almost saintly—people and Superman is among them. There are really terrible villains like Gorilla Grodd or the Joker. And then there’s everybody in between them, so there are all these shades of gray which allow us to tell complex stories.
James Gunn
With Gunn still working on a script and deciding whether or not he will direct it, Superman: Legacy likely won’t go into production until the mid-2024.
