Superman: Legacy Is Now In Pre-Production

James Gunn’s first DCU film Superman: Legacy, is now officially in pre-production, as he posted on social media that he is done with the script and ready to move forward. It’s been a few months now since he announced that he’d be writing a new Superman film. The film was announced even before DC Studios showcased DC’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.

While it was exciting news to hear that a new film is being made about the superhero, to learn that Henry Cavill won’t be part of the film felt like a big blow to SnyderVerse fans. Superman: Legacy is the first film to reboot the DC Universe.

The film will focus on the starting years of Clark Kent, aka Kal-El as Superman. It’s his journey of balancing his Kryptonian heritage and everything he learned about being human from his Kansas farmer parents.

A month ago, Gunn said that he’d be directing the new film, even though he was initially hesitant to do so. He changed his mind because his brother reminded him that the release date was his father’s birthday.

James Gunn Officially Starts Pre-Production of Superman: Legacy

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James Gunn has posted on social media that he is done writing the script, and pre-production has officially started. He said:

I’m honored to be a part of the legacy. And what better day than #SupermanAnniversary Day to dive fully into early pre-production on #SupermanLegacy? Costumes, production design, and more now up and running.

I’m honored to be a part of the legacy. And what better day than #SupermanAnniversary Day to dive fully into early pre-production on #SupermanLegacy? Costumes, production design, and more now up and running. pic.twitter.com/TJYpCRmdsf

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 18, 2023

His post does mark Superman’s anniversary of his first appearance in Action Comics No. 1. The comic was released back on April 18, 1938. This marks 85 years since the superhero’s debut.

Gunn also mentions costumes, production design and others. This could include storyboarding, location scouting, finance and many others.

With that said, casting should not be far off. We wonder if they will present the cast at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

This is not the first casting under the DCU. Just a few days ago, they confirmed that Frank Grillo, Maria Bakaloa, Indira Barma, Zoe Chao, Alan Tudyk, David Harbour, Steve Agee and Sean Gunn would be cast in the DCU animated series Creature Commandos.

Superman: Legacy still has a long way to go, but it is moving forward. Even though the script is done, there could still be some changes along the way while they develop the film.

He has said that he has already sent his script to DC Studios executive vice president Chantal Nong, Tom King, who is a known writer for DC Comics (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) and other key people that Gunn hasn’t mentioned. Gunn is open to ideas and suggestions on improving the script.

So as the head of DC Studios, I give the script to people I trust (like my exec Chantal Nong or DC comics writer @TomKingTK) and get their thoughts about what works well and what could work better so I can improve the script.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 18, 2023

Since Gunn has used the image on the cover of All-Star Superman, many presume that this could be one of the influences for the script for Superman: Legacy. The comic was written by Grant Morrison with art by Frank Quitely and was released back in 2005. The comic portrays Superman grappling with his own mortality and attempting to resolve unfinished business before his impending death.

Pre-Production of Superman: Legacy Is Now Underway

Credit: DC Comics

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Gunn has recently started promoting Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, which could be his last Marvel film. So, we have to presume that his work on DC is currently either temporarily halted or at a very slow pace until he finishes his work on GOTG3.

The writer-director has been going through a lot of criticisms ever since it was announced that the DCEU, aka SnyderVerse, will be rebooted as the DC Universe, especially over the removal of Henry Cavill as Superman and Ben Affleck as Batman.

While the actors have played the roles in multiple films, it just feels like their portrayals haven’t been the best, even though they seem to be perfectly cast. It always felt like it could have been better. Now with the actors not going forward with the new DC Universe, it feels like a missed opportunity.

Regardless, many look forward to seeing what James Gunn’s Superman will look like since it will be the one to set the tone for the rest of the films.

Superman: Legacy is currently set to release on July 11th, 2025.

What do you think of Superman: Legacy already moving forward to pre-production? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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