James Gunn's Superman movie launches Phase 1 of the DC Universe, and several new details about the reboot have been revealed. James Gunn and Peter Safran took control of DC Studios as co-CEOs in late 2022 and immediately began creating a plan for the next 10 years of the shared universe. Very few details were confirmed in the time that followed, but the announcement of a new Superman movie was among the limited reveals. Gunn confirmed on social media that he is writing the Superman reboot and that Henry Cavill would not return to play the Kryptonian hero.
DC Studios officially announced today that James Gunn's Superman movie will launch DCU Phase 1 and confirmed even more about the film in the process. The film's official title is Superman: Legacy and DC has set a July 11, 2025 release date for it. It is currently undecided if James Gunn will direct the movie, but Peter Safran hopes this will happen. Following up on the previous announcement that the Superman movie would feature a younger Clark Kent but not tell his origin story, the duo teased that Superman: Legacy is about Clark juggling his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. They also said that Superman will be a beacon of "kindness in a world that thinks kindness is old-fashioned." No new Superman actor was announced.
Why Superman: Legacy Is James Gunn's First DCU Phase 1 Movie
The announcement that Superman: Legacy is the first DCU Phase 1 movie from James Gunn and Peter Safran is a reflection of their mission at DC Studios. They want to use the brand's biggest characters and do them justice, prioritizing the heroes that audiences can look up to. Superman is one of DC's most iconic characters, but the hero has been a divisive topic over the last decade thanks to his movie portrayal. Having Superman: Legacy be the launching point for the DCU Phase 1 is an indication that they know how important it is to have the Man of Steel done right and be at the center of the universe.
Superman's kindness and hopeful outlook on the world should be something that James Gunn uses Superman: Legacy to begin establishing the DCU franchise's overall tone. The co-CEO did tease that they are looking forward to exploring all types of characters, including those who are much more morally gray or completely evil compared to Superman. However, Kal-El's personality and what he stands for can still be a foundation upon which the DCU builds. Superman: Legacy launching DCU Phase 1 in 2025 as the first movie makes a lot of sense in that regard.
How Superman: Legacy Can Set Up The Other Confirmed DCU Phase 1 Movies
Since James Gunn's Superman movie is one of five DCU movies announced, the film can play a major role in setting up what will come after. The hopeful view of the DC Universe in Superman: Legacy can be counteracted by The Authority, which brings anti-heroes into the mix with extreme measures. Reintroducing Superman in live-action will also be a chance to get audiences ready for a new Batman in The Brave and the Bold. The DCU Phase 1 movie that it could set up the most is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow if a reference to Clark's Kryptonian cousin comes, while Swamp Thing could not have many ties to Superman: Legacy.
