The DCU has begun! News of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s plans for the first chapter in the franchise have now dropped, with the title of the already confirmed Superman project revealed as Superman: Legacy. The Superman project, which will not see Henry Cavill return to the role of Man of Steel, has also been given a release date of July 11, 2025, with Variety reporting that Superman: Legacy will be the beginning of this new DCU.
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing,” Peter Safran said of the project. “He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.” All of which sounds perfect for a Superman movie, so far.
The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy’s James Gunn is currently writing Superman: Legacy, with Safan stating that he hopes the filmmaker “can be persuaded, perhaps, to direct it as well.”
Gunn adds that “‘Superman’ is for everyone. That’s a four quadrant film that should speak to everyone in the world.”
Superman is clearly high priority for the studio, with Gunn and Safran feeling that re-introducing the Man of Tomorrow is the perfect way to kick off their DCU. Which, of course, is not unlike what happened in 2013 with Man of Steel...
Fans Were Disappointed to Learn That Henry Cavill Will Not Return as Superman
Despite his return being revealed during a post credits scene at the end of last year’s Black Adam, it was confirmed soon after that Henry Cavill will not return as the Man of Steel. "I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,” Cavill said in a statement at the time. “For those who have been by my side through the years..... we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember.... Superman is still around. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It's been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards."
Many DC fans were left understandably disappointed at the news, with many taking to social media to call for the decision to be reversed. Newly appointed co-CEO of DC Studios James Gunn however has revealed why he and producer Peter Safran felt the need to start over again with Superman. “In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman's life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill,” Gunn said of his plans for a reboot. “But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future."
Stay tuned for more DCU news...