Superman Legacy Director Shares His Thoughts

Big news today: DC Comics has revealed the official Superman Legacy director. This is an upcoming Superman movie. Who is it? Well, only James Gunn, the man behind Guardians of the Galaxy! Previously, we know that Gunn was the screenwriter for the flick. But now he’s also taking on double duty and getting behind the camera.

Gunn took to Twitter to make the announcement, and it turns out he’s got a special connection to the release date. “Yes, I’m directing Superman: Legacy to be released on July 11, 2025,” he tweeted. “My brother Matt told me when he saw the release date, he started to cry. I asked him why. He said, ‘Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.’ I hadn’t realized.” How sweet is that?

Superman: Legacy is beginning a new chapter for DC Studios. Previously, the Superman Legacy director and DC Studios co-head Peter Safran called it the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. After the Man of Steel takes flight, we’ll get The Batman Part II, directed by Matt Reeves, on October 3, 2025.

Of course, Superman has been a big-screen staple for decades. This announcement about the Superman Legacy director shows much history to live up to. The first Superman movie hit theaters way back in 1978. In this film, Christopher Reeve donned the cape and tights to great success. Later, he starred in three more Superman flicks. Sadly, the series had definitely taken a turn for the weird by the fourth one. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace had Superman fighting against a nuclear warhead. Let’s say it didn’t quite capture the magic of the first movie.

Superman Legacy Director and Cast

Yes, I’m directing Superman: Legacy to be released on July 11, 2025. My brother Matt told me when he saw the release date he started to cry. I asked him why. He said, “Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.” I hadn’t realized. pic.twitter.com/ohQNV8nI4g

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 15, 2023

In the 2000s, DC rebooted the Superman franchise with Brandon Routh. This film was called Superman Returns. Originally, the movie was meant to be a sequel to the first two Reeve flicks. However, it didn’t exactly set the world on fire. It took a while before we got a new Superman film. 

Then, in 2013, we got Man of Steel with Henry Cavill as Superman. The movie departed from previous Superman flicks. Unlike those, it was a darker, more brooding tone. But it did well enough to launch a new era of Superman movies. Let’s hope that with James Gunn as the Superman Legacy director, we’ll get another new take on this household name.

Plus, he’s not the only one getting in on the fun. Other movies planned for the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters include The Authority, The Brave and the Bold, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Plus, there’s also the Swamp Thing. So get ready, DC fans. A lot of superhero goodness will come your way in the next few years.

Outside of this announcement of the Superman Legacy director, we know little else about the movie. Apparently, it’s going to be a reboot of the franchise. So, this means we won’t see Henry Cavill in the titular role anymore. It’s unclear who will play the Man of Steel, but we’re sure they’ll be terrific at their job!

Henry Cavill Superman Film Reviews

Image: DC Comics

Previously, critics gave the 2013 film Man of Steel mixed reviews. In particular, some fans felt disappointed by the darker tone and changes to Superman’s character.

However, in contrast, the 2016 follow-up Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice faced an even more divisive reception. Critics and audiences alike were split on the movie’s convoluted plot and uneven pacing. Even so, many praised Ben Affleck’s performance as Batman and the introduction of Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. Despite the mixed response, the film made over $873 million at the worldwide box office. Clearly, even a divisive superhero movie can still be a financial success. Let’s hope the film will fare better with James Gunn as the Superman Legacy director.

Hi! I'm Arvyn, and I'm an English teacher from the UK. I've been teaching English online for over 4 years to students from all across the world and all ages. Outside of work, I'm a huge fan of reading, video games, and playing with my adorable kitties. See ya!